Satellite-based Communications, Navigation and Surveillance/Air Traffic Manageme

nt System â Approach/Landing Operations

Navigation system performance requirements are defined for single aircraft and f
or the total system that includes the Signal-Inâ Space, the airborne equipment, and
the ability of the aircraft to fly the desired trajectory. All the navigation a
ids must fulfill four basic performance requirements in order to be certified i.
e. continuity, availability, integrity and accuracy.
i. Continuity: It is the ability of the entire system to carry out its func
tion without interruption during planned operating period.
ii. Availability: It is the ability of the system to transmit signals of the
required quality most of the time. This is a critical requirement in landing gu
idance and for this reason stand by equipment is added to ground-based aids.
iii. Integrity: It is the ability of the navigational aid (s) to warn the pil
ot that it has failed or giving incorrect message.
iv. Accuracy: It is the ability of the navigational aid(s) is to guide the p
ath of an aircraft within pre- defined tolerances.
Galileo is Europaâ s contribution to the next generation Global Navigation Satellit
e System (GNSS) intended to provide the European Nations with greater independen
ce by delivering a civil controlled satellite based navigation system. Implement
ation of Galileo is expected to stimulate growth in the use of GNSS technology i
n intermodal transport systems thereby improving mobility safety and quality of
life whilst also stimulating economic growth in the areas of receiver manufactur
es and application development. When considering the possibility of a failure of
GPS to maintain a service, the implications for commercial customer in the fiel
ds such as telecom, location based services and financial community are clearly
not acceptable. For these reasons and in consideration of the potential impacts
on European business, the European Commission (EC) and the European Space Agency
(ESA) has embarked on the definition phase of Galileo.
The current base line for Galileo calls for a constellation of around 30 middle
Earth orbiting (MEO) satellites. The option of including some GEOS in the conste
llation is not rule out and indeed. Some interesting options could become availa
ble if GEOS are used to complement the system. The option of delivering a search
and rescue service is also being analyzed for both technical and economic viabi
lity.
Frederic Gaspoz