GSA Header
Welcome to GSA
Home  |  Register  |  Links  |  Site Map  |  Contacts  |  Search  
16 May 2012

FP6

GNSS research under the Union's previous Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development

Although the EU's Sixth Research Framework Programme (FP6) is now referred to as the ‘previous' Framework Programme, it should be noted that vast majority of activities launched under FP6 are still ongoing and are highly relevant to current and future actions under FP7.

With FP6 (2002-2006), the European Commission clearly identified areas of fundamental interest for GALILEO user recognition and market penetration, and earmarked €100 million for GALILEO R&D activities under its ‘Aeronautics and Space' thematic priority.

FP6 GALILEO research is described in the ‘GALILEO detailed work programme', which encompass all activities in the 2003-2006 timeframe. General research areas include applications, the user segment, standardisation, certification, and local components.

Specifics

Beginning in July 2003, GALILEO R&D activities financed under FP6 were launched across three separate calls for proposals, with budgets of €10 million, €70 million and €20 million, respectively. Funding covered a wide range of tasks, areas and activities, all aimed at achieving the larger general objectives of GNSS research and development. Specific items included:

  • Preliminary user receiver development
  • Local elements core technology development - building upon concepts established under the Fifth Framework Programme (GALILEI)
  • Introduction of GALILEO Services using EGNOS
  • Application market development, including safety-of-life (SoL) applications
  • Initial mission implementation activities
  • Early preparation of market penetration
  • Optimisation of the GALILEO navigation mission and the complementary non-navigation missions
  • Benefits of the combined use of GALILEO and GPS services
  • Supporting European industry in key technological developments
  • Involvement of SMEs to underpin innovation
  • Support for the international dimension of GALILEO
  • Tracking and tracing - electronic fee collection, animal tracking, transportation of dangerous goods, fisheries, etc.
  • Crisis management - including convergence of GALILEO, SATCOM and GMES and all potential synergies between these systems and services
  • Time and synchronisation
  • Utilisation of the public regulated signal (PRS) - development of the user segment
  • Complete GNSS signal simulator for receiver testing - development and early validation of user segment technologies.

All FP6-funded activities were meant to complement the development phase of GALILEO, jointly financed by EC and ESA, and have therefore been carried out in close coordination with ESA.
© GSA - All rights reserved