Think you know EU Space?
You read our news, follow us on Twitter and Instagram, watch our YouTube videos, download our publications, and subscribe to our weekly Watch This Space Newsletter. Maybe you’ve even attended an event or two.
But does that make you ‘space smart’?
To find out, it’s time to put your EU Space knowledge to the test and take our online quiz!
There are 10 questions that cover everything from EGNOS, Galileo and Copernicus to market uptake and the forthcoming GOVSATCOM. Some might be a breeze, but others might leave you scratching your head.
To help you out, we’ve created this cheat sheet, which you can use to go from being a space student to becoming a space ace.
How many Galileo satellites are now in orbit?
There are currently 28 Galileo satellites in orbit. The most recent satellite to enter service is called Nikolina, named after one of the children who won the 2020 Galileo drawing competition. With satellites 29 and 30 set for launch later this year, Galileo will soon enter Full Operational Capability.
What are EUSPA’s responsibilities?
Under our new mandate, which went into effect just over a year ago, EUSPA is responsible not only for implementing the EU Space Programme (and ensuring that EU citizens and companies benefit and make the best out of it) but also for the satellite service provision of Galileo and EGNOS and the security accreditation of the EU Space Programme. But even with our expanded mandate and new responsibilities, EUSPA’s mission remains the same: linking space to user needs.
How many airports across Europe use EGNOS today for safer, greener and less noisy landings?
EGNOS has revolutionised aviation – creating greater access to small and regional airports, increasing safety and facilitating more sustainable flight routes across Europe. Today, over 400 airports have implemented EGNOS-based approaches, including many small and regional airports that cannot afford the high cost of ground-based navigational systems. By increasing accessibility to regional airports, EGNOS-based procedures help decongest Europe’s busy airspace, especially around the major hub airports.
At what altitude do Galileo satellites orbit Earth?
While Galileo satellites may be orbiting 22,900 kilometres above us, their impact is felt right here on Earth. Whether you’re using a navigation device in your car or on your mobile phone, thanks to these satellites in space, you’ll always know your exact position. That same positioning and timing information is also used for everything from search and rescue missions to keeping the trains running on time.
What percentage of new tractors in Europe use EGNOS?
With EGNOS, European farmers can leverage the many benefits of precision agriculture, including cutting waste, saving time, reducing fatigue, optimising equipment and increasing crop yields. No wonder 97% of new tractors use EGNOS!
Which facts and figures are true about EUSPA?
Just as the EU is diverse, so too is EUSPA. Today, we have 250 colleagues from 22 different nationalities. Our team is spread across 7 locations and 5 sites that stretch from our headquarters in Prague to our operational facilities in France, Spain, the Netherlands, Germany, Italy and Belgium. With plans to expand to around 300 staff by 2024, we’re always looking for new talent to join our team.
What will GOVSATCOM offer?
As the fourth pillar of the EU Space Programme, GOVSATCOM will offer secure communication capabilities to security and safety critical missions managed by the EU and its Member States. EUSPA has been entrusted with the procurement of the secure operational ground segment, its operations and the coordination of the user-related aspects of GOVSATCOM, all in close collaboration with Member States and other involved entities.
Today, how many smartphones use Galileo worldwide?
Around the world, more than 3 billion smartphones rely on Galileo’s precise positioning information for a range of location-based services. This number will continue to grow, as all smartphones sold within the European single market are now required to be Galileo-enabled.
Which component of the EU Space Programme allows us to monitor climate change?
From curbing CO2 emissions to fighting illegal logging and tracking biodiversity, Copernicus – Europe’s Earth Observation programme – is an essential tool for monitoring climate change and delivering on the Green Deal’s ambitious goals.
According to the 2022 EUSPA EO and GNSS Market Report, how much revenue did the GNSS and Earth Observation downstream market generate in 2021?
Not only did the GNSS and EO downstream market generate over EUR 200 billion in revenue in 2021, but it’s set to reach almost half a trillion over the next decade. Add this up and what you have is a very lucrative investment opportunity.
A space ace
You now have all the information you need to ace our space quiz. Keep following our EUSPA channels to ensure your EU Space knowledge stays in top form!
Media note: This feature can be republished without charge provided the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) is acknowledged as the source at the top or the bottom of the story. You must request permission before you use any of the photographs on the site. If you republish, we would be grateful if you could link back to the EUSPA website (http://www.euspa.europa.eu).