A Landmark Advancement for EGNOS

On August 25, 2025, the European Commission celebrated a significant milestone in the EU Space Programme with the successful transition of the EGNOS GEO-3 satellite, Eutelsat 5 West B, from testing to full operational status. This pivotal upgrade not only enhances the operational capabilities of EGNOS, Europe’s satellite-based augmentation system (SBAS), but also promises uninterrupted quality service across the continent.

Rolling Out EGNOS System Release 2.4.3

This transition is part of a larger initiative known as EGNOS System Release 2.4.3, launched in August 2025. This rollout aims to ensure that EGNOS services remain reliable and consistent while laying the foundation for the next-gen capabilities of the program.

The New Geostationary Satellite Strategy

As of August 25, the much-anticipated GEO swap is in full effect in the EGNOS space segment, with GEO-3 officially joining the satellite lineup. Additionally, on September 5, 2025, GEO-2 (ASTRA 5-B, PRN 123) will transition to test status, guaranteeing a seamless handover without any service interruptions.

Post-upgrade, the EGNOS operational satellite roster is as follows:

- GEO-1

- GEO-3

Although GEO-2 will be in a testing phase, it will still contribute to the development and validation efforts, with the European Commission ensuring that service continuity across the EGNOS coverage area remains fully intact.

Safety and Reliability at the Forefront

EGNOS is crucial for improving the accuracy and reliability of GPS signals, especially for safety-sensitive areas like aviation, maritime navigation, and rail. By transmitting correction data and integrity information through its geostationary satellites, EGNOS guarantees users receive precise, trustworthy positioning data.

The transition of GEO-3 into operational status is vital for maintaining the system's robust reliability, ensuring users benefit from consistent satellite navigation services across diverse applications.

Next-Generation Features on the Horizon

This latest system upgrade is a critical step toward the future of the EU’s satellite augmentation capabilities. The anticipated EGNOS V3 will usher in a dramatic technological transformation, featuring:

- Dual-frequency capabilities

- Multi-constellation support

- Enhanced robustness and improved performance