Press Release
Galileo: Network for sensor stations completed
Oberpfaffenhofen, 11/29/2013 – A total of 21 sensor stations for the European satellite
navigation system Galileo are in use around the world. These are now fully connected to
each other – thanks to a new antenna system at the Galileo Control Centre in
Oberpfaffenhofen. The system reaches especially remote ground stations which are not
connected to the international network by normal landlines. The new system was put into
operation on 29 November 2013 by DLR GfR (Gesellschaft für Raumfahrtanwendungen
mbH), a company of the German Aerospace Center (DLR). With the implementation of
the network, the performance capacity of the Galileo Control Centre is now available to its
full extent. DLR GfR developed and built the antenna system in a very short period of time
on behalf of satellite manufacturer SES TechCom Services.
Oriented towards the equator
The system consists of three parabolic reflector antennas, each with a diameter of 4.8
metres. The antennas are installed on the roof of the control centre. Via geostationary
communication satellites, they make contact with remote sensor stations in the Galileo
system: near the equator, on Tahiti in French Polynesia and La Réunion off the coast of
Madagascar, or in the Polar Regions, such as Troll in Antarctica or Svalbard to the north
of Norway.
The sensor stations and ground stations around the world are required in order to
monitor the satellites and produce the Galileo useful signal with the highest precision.
DLR Gesellschaft für Raumfahrtanwendungen mbH
Corporate Communications | +49 8105 28 3292
Muenchener-Str.20 | 82234 Wessling
Press Release
Although some locations are isolated, they have been chosen for their optimum position
for satellite navigation: the satellite signals can be received optimally at any point in time
with simultaneous optimum contact times between the sensor stations on the ground and
the satellites in their orbit.
The new system in Oberpfaffenhofen integrates these important but remote Galileo
ground stations into the overall network – enabling a completely flexible exchange of
data.
Doubly secured
Up to now, cable connections have been used as far as possible for data exchange
between ground stations. Another type of data connection is now available via satellites.
In order to guarantee the secure availability of the Galileo system, this second connection
is also necessary for stations that are already connected: the new system increases the
overall availability of Galileo services.
Planning and constructing the antenna system took just seven months. DLR GfR ensured
the project was completed within the tight schedule – from the procurement of
components, assembly and testing through to the operational broadcast. After their
successful activities in Oberpfaffenhofen, the infrastructure experts are now concentrating
on the next development: an identical system for the second control centre in Fucino,
Italy. This second system is essential in order to guarantee Galileo navigation services are
DLR Gesellschaft für Raumfahrtanwendungen mbH
Corporate Communications | +49 8105 28 3292
Muenchener-Str.20 | 82234 Wessling
Press Release
maintained if the first system fails. The system in Fucino is scheduled to commence
operation in early 2014.
About DLR GfR mbH
DLR GfR mbH is a company that offers reliable, safe and secure services in the aerospace sector. In the Galileo Control
Centre in Oberpfaffenhofen we operate and monitor the Galileo satellite constellation on behalf of the European
Commission.
Our company is a full subsidiary of the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V.,
DLR). DLR GfR mbH itself holds 50% of the joint venture spaceopal GmbH, headquartered in Munich, which was
founded to acquire and handle Galileo work orders. A further 50% share is held by Italian company Telespazio S.p.A.,
which operates the second Galileo control centre in Fucino, Italy.
DLR GfR mbH has implemented a technical infrastructure that guarantees 99.99% availability, certified to “secret”
level and monitored around the clock. We operate both ground stations and control and test systems. DLR GfR mbH is
also certified as an air navigation service provider for communication and navigation services at airports.
Techn. Contact:
Head of Operations
Mr Christian Arbinger
Tel. + 49 (0)8153/ 28- 1262
E-Mail: Christian.Arbinger@dlr-gfr.de
Comm. Contact:
Corporate Communications
Mrs Simone Sonntag
For further information please also see
Tel. + 49 (0)8153/ 28- 3292
www.dlr-gfr.de
E-Mail: Simone.Sonntag@dlr-gfr.de
DLR Gesellschaft für Raumfahrtanwendungen mbH
Corporate Communications | +49 8105 28 3292
Muenchener-Str.20 | 82234 Wessling