Europe’s satellite navigation system takes a major step forward with the activation of a new geostationary satellite, creating better service reliability and preparing for future advancements
Major transition for EGNOS
On 25 August 2025, the European Commission marked a major advancement in the EU Space Programme with the transition of the EGNOS GEO-3 satellite, Eutelsat 5 West B, from test to full operational status.
This development strengthens the operational capabilities of EGNOS, Europe’s satellite-based augmentation system (SBAS), and ensures continued high-quality service across the region.
This transition is part of the bigger rollout of the EGNOS System Release 2.4.3, which began in August 2025. This system release aims to maintain the reliability and continuity of EGNOS services while also laying the groundwork for the next generation of the programme.
The space segment
The recent upgrade introduces a planned “GEO swap” in the EGNOS space segment. As of 25 August, GEO-3 (Eutelsat 5 West B) has officially joined the operational satellite lineup. On 5 September 2025, GEO-2 (ASTRA 5-B, PRN 123) will shift to test status, ensuring a smooth handover without service interruptions.
Following this update, the operational EGNOS space segment will consist of:
GEO-2 will remain in a test configuration, contributing to the system’s development and validation efforts. Despite this reconfiguration, the European Commission has confirmed that service continuity across the EGNOS coverage area remains fully intact.
Focusing on safety and reliability
EGNOS plays a crucial role in enhancing the accuracy and reliability of GPS signals, particularly for applications in safety-critical sectors such as aviation, maritime navigation, and rail. By broadcasting correction data and integrity information through geostationary satellites, EGNOS ensures users receive more precise and trustworthy positioning data.
The transition of GEO-3 to operational status is an essential step in maintaining this high level of reliability. It provides added resilience to the system, ensuring that users continue to benefit from dependable satellite navigation services in various environments and use cases.
This latest system release is also a stepping stone toward the future of the EU’s satellite augmentation capabilities. The upcoming EGNOS V3 will represent a significant technological leap, introducing enhanced features such as:
- Dual-frequency capabilities
- Multi-constellation support
- Increased robustness and improved service performance
These advancements will enable EGNOS to process signals not only from GPS but also from Galileo and other GNSS constellations, providing users with greater accuracy, coverage, and resilience.
The European Commission, in coordination with its operational agency EUSPA, continues to manage system upgrades and space infrastructure developments. With the successful integration of GEO-3 and preparations underway for EGNOS V3, Europe is reinforcing its leadership in satellite navigation and ensuring long-term service excellence for millions of users.