EU Agency Updates Galileo High Accuracy Service Plans

The European Union Agency for the Space Programme outlines roadmaps for the upcoming Galileo Full Service launch.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Space

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The European Union Agency for the Space Programme updated its Galileo navigation system technical roadmaps to prepare for upcoming full-service status. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The European Union Agency for the Space Programme has released an updated Info note regarding the Galileo High Accuracy Service. This update details technical enhancements, including phase biases and ionospheric corrections, as the agency prepares for the system to reach Full Service status.

Why it matters

The update incorporates operational lessons learned since the initial service launch to ensure the platform meets performance targets. These advancements are designed to provide increased reliability for the more than 4 billion users currently utilizing the Galileo navigation system.

The upcoming Full Service declaration aims to achieve a horizontal positioning accuracy of 20 cm. This initiative relies on the transmission of phase biases and ionospheric corrections to the constellation for over 4 billion existing users.

The players

European Union Agency for the Space Programme

This agency is responsible for the operational management and security of the Galileo satellite navigation system.

Galileo

Owned by the European Union, this global satellite navigation and timing system serves billions of users worldwide.

The details

The upcoming transition to Full Service will integrate high-accuracy data authentication capabilities across two distinct service levels. By refining system protocols based on initial performance data, the European Union intends to bolster the navigation and timing accuracy provided by its satellite infrastructure.

Timeline

  1. 2027: The European Union Agency for the Space Programme expects to declare the Galileo HAS Full Service.

The Big Picture

This roadmap updates the Galileo High Accuracy Service Phase 2 specifications to define the trajectory for satellite navigation capabilities. It follows the established framework for system enhancements, ensuring the platform evolves alongside modern timing and positioning requirements.

Future users can expect significantly improved positioning accuracy reaching down to 20 cm for high-precision applications. This development will likely lead to more reliable location-based services across various industries, including transport and autonomous systems.

The takeaway

The transition to Full Service represents a significant milestone in expanding the precision capabilities of the European-owned navigation network. Users reliant on timing data should monitor upcoming documentation from the Galileo Service Centre to prepare for the 2027 deployment.

Further reading

For more information on current developments in orbit, visit our Space section.

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