Galileo receivers locate themselves using new encrypted signal in Norway

During a two-hour trial on 16 September, five operational Galileo satellites transmitted an encrypted signal, and receivers at Norway’s Jammertest exercise used it to establish their position. ESA describes it as the first real-world positioning test of Galileo’s forthcoming Signal Authentication Service. [1]

The service is intended to help receivers detect and reject spoofed navigation signals. It is still being developed, although a related Galileo feature, Open Service Navigation Message Authentication, is already available. The Norwegian exercise gives teams a controlled setting in which to test navigation equipment against jamming and spoofing arranged by the authorities. [1]

ESA also reported preliminary indications that ground receivers picked up signals from both Celeste demonstration satellites under contested conditions. Upgraded prototypes of two EGNOS monitoring stations returned for further tests after their first field trials last year. [1]