ESA · Space

Galileo Achieves First Real-World Position Fix with New Authentication Signal

Galileo has successfully demonstrated its upcoming Signal Authentication Service (SAS) by achieving the first real-world position fix using encrypted signals under spoofing conditions. This marks a significant step in enhancing satellite navigation security.

During a test in Norway and the Netherlands, five operational Galileo satellites transmitted a new encrypted signal. Receivers successfully located themselves using these signals, proving the effectiveness of the SAS against interference like jamming and spoofing.

The Signal Authentication Service, developed through collaboration between the European Commission, ESA, and EUSPA, will work alongside the existing OSNMA to provide a higher level of protection against interference.

This test occurred during Jammertest, an annual event where technologies are deliberately subjected to various jamming and spoofing scenarios to improve resilience. The SAS signal proved reliable under these challenging conditions.

Satellite navigation relies on navigation messages and ranging measurements. The SAS uses encrypted ranging signals, complemented by OSNMA which authenticates the navigation message, allowing receivers to trust the signal's origin.

SAS is expected to become operational next year after validation. Together with OSNMA, it will enable receivers to detect and reject a wide range of spoofing attacks, with both services being free and available worldwide.

Users of Galileo's High Accuracy Service will also benefit from these authentication features. This suite of services positions Galileo as a unique system with advanced protection for mass-market and governmental users.

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