A Proposal for the Extension and Institutional Framework of European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS) in the implementation of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) in Africa

Abstract

The Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) is a space-based radio positioning system that includes the use of one or more satellite constellations. It was designed for intended operations which include provision of 24-hour geo-spatial positions, velocity and time information to suitably equipped users anywhere on, or near the surface of the earth. The system is at present composed of two operational satellite systems namely: the American Global Positioning System (GPS) and the Russian Global Orbiting Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS). It is expected to include the European Galileo Services in the nearest future. Several augmentation systems designed to provide greater efficiency and accuracy for GNSS users at different levels have been developed and are at various implementation stages. The European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS) is one of such augmentation systems. Several trials have been conducted in Africa by the European Space Agency (ESA), to ascertain the coverage and performance of EGNOS. The results showed that a satisfactory
positional accuracy is achievable in Africa if the process involved is integrated with the European service area, thereby complying with Approach with Vertical Guidance-1 (APV-1). Therefore, this paper proposes EGNOS extension and institutional framework in the implementation of GNSS in Africa and also outlines the benefits to be derived from such implementation. The proposed extension architecture is expected to be an independent solution whereby the processing and uplink of navigation messages will be carried out in Africa with the institutional framework providing the guiding regulations.

Keywords: EGNOS Extension, Institutional framework, GNSS implementation and Africa