Overview
The global navigation satellite system (GNSS) serves applications for almost all modes of transport but also is used for positioning purposes by other user communities. At present, it is the American and Russian satellite-based systems that constitute the core of GNSS. Although these two core systems have a wide range of applications, some user communities have identified the need for a service offering improved performance in terms of accuracy, availability and integrity.
MUSSST aimed to help the different user communities that are considering the use of GNSS for their specific applications to authorise its operational use.
The main objectives have been to provide:
- to provide a methodology for validation of the use of GNSS for all modes of transport;
- to apply the general methodology to first and second generation systems for each mode of transport
- to make recommendations for overcoming obstacles to the use of the methodology, and provide the specifications for any validation tools.
Funding
Results
MUSSST proposed a safety approval methodology for GNSS navigation services, comprising the following steps:
- a safety case methodology as the basis for formal approval of any GNSS application;
- Signal in Space (SIS) verification, which means the technical and functional specification of e.g. frequencies, message content, environmental constraints and interfaces;
- application identification, which highlights the use in civil aviation (in flight and at airports), waterborne transport (sea and harbour navigation; search and rescue), and terrestrial transport (rail, road and general guided transport);
- sensor qualification, which defines the technical requirements for GNSS receivers;
- mobile certification, addressing compatibility between mobile units and GNSS core components with particular emphasis on safety and efficiency of communication;
- operational approval, covering the definition of operations and procedures, the derivation of specific requirements, a hazard assessment process and the generic approval by responsible authorities.
The project applied the elaborated methodology on a typical first generation (GNSS-1) system application from the waterborne sector, as identified in the EGNOS programme. In addition, it applied the methodology to the Galileo programme, which is the current scheme for a second generation (GNSS-2) application offering navigational assistance and related communication services.
Policy implications
The MUSSST project is part of several actions to elaborate methodological baselines for the use of GNSS. First and second generation applications, such as EGNOS in civil aviation or Galileo for all transport sectors, form an important part of current EU policy priorities.