The Testing and Demonstration Hub for Galileo and PNT is a state-of-the-art testing facility open to Horizon Europe project consortia and serves as a critical resource for testing and validating prototype user equipment and navigation platforms using present and future Galileo and EGNOS services. Galileo and EGNOS: Europe’s PNT Backbone As two core components of the EU Space Programme, Galileo (the EU’s global satellite navigation system) and EGNOS (the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service) form the backbone of Europe’s PNT infrastructure. These systems enable a large number of applications across numerous sectors, from transportation and agriculture to emergency response and even space users.In addition to space-based PNT, JRC is also working on the EU PNT ecosystem, which consists of merging existing space assets and emerging technologies to provide precise time and/or position, with the aim to strengthen the EU economy.The European Microwave Signature Laboratory is part of the hub. It provides unique measurement capabilities in microwave remote sensing and radio frequency compatibility.© European Union Advanced testing capabilities The Hub is supported by a team of scientists and engineers who specialise in testing and evaluating prototype user equipment. An inventory of all the state-of-the-art GNSS testing capabilities that the hub can offer has been developed through a cooperation agreement with the Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space and the EU Agency for the Space Programme (ESPA). This inventory was updated in 2024 and technical details can be found in the Inventory of GNSS Testing Capabilities. General publications28 May 2024JRC GNSS Testing and Demonstration Hub: Inventory of GNSS testing capabilities Supporting Horizon Europe PNT projects The Horizon Europe research framework programme contains a stream of R&D actions related to the conception, design, testing and operational deployment of EU PNT services.Many of the actions develop prototype user equipment and navigation platforms using present and future Galileo and EGNOS services. The Hub ensures that these systems and platforms can be thoroughly and quantitatively assessed by providing these actions with access to state-of-the-art testing facilities. Why PNT matters Space-based PNT services such as Galileo and EGNOS play an essential role in modern infrastructure, technology and society, with billions of users relying on them for a wide range of applications and services. This widespread adoption has led to significant economic and social impact in the EU.The planned evolutions of the Galileo and EGNOS programmes include several key developments aimed at enhancing their capabilities and performance. The introduction of new PNT services is an important stream of the planned enhancements, some of which are unique world-wide, such as the open service navigation message authentication (OSNMA), Galileo high accuracy service (HAS ), or the Galileo emergency warning satellite service (EWSS).EU GNSS is crucial to drone operators as a means of navigation and positioning.© European Union Get in touch For questions or further information about the Testing and Demonstration Hub for Galileo and PNT, please contact: JRC-Galileoec [dot] europa [dot] eu (JRC-Galileo[at]ec[dot]europa[dot]eu) Events and News ESA-JRC International Summer School on GNSS 2026 Laboratories involvedEMSL & GNSSEuropean Microwave Signature Laboratory and EU GNSS Simulation and Receiver Testing FacilitiesLiving LabsLiving labs integrate research and innovation processes in real life communities and settings
As two core components of the EU Space Programme, Galileo (the EU’s global satellite navigation system) and EGNOS (the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service) form the backbone of Europe’s PNT infrastructure. These systems enable a large number of applications across numerous sectors, from transportation and agriculture to emergency response and even space users.In addition to space-based PNT, JRC is also working on the EU PNT ecosystem, which consists of merging existing space assets and emerging technologies to provide precise time and/or position, with the aim to strengthen the EU economy.The European Microwave Signature Laboratory is part of the hub. It provides unique measurement capabilities in microwave remote sensing and radio frequency compatibility.© European Union
Space-based PNT services such as Galileo and EGNOS play an essential role in modern infrastructure, technology and society, with billions of users relying on them for a wide range of applications and services. This widespread adoption has led to significant economic and social impact in the EU.The planned evolutions of the Galileo and EGNOS programmes include several key developments aimed at enhancing their capabilities and performance. The introduction of new PNT services is an important stream of the planned enhancements, some of which are unique world-wide, such as the open service navigation message authentication (OSNMA), Galileo high accuracy service (HAS ), or the Galileo emergency warning satellite service (EWSS).EU GNSS is crucial to drone operators as a means of navigation and positioning.© European Union
EMSL & GNSSEuropean Microwave Signature Laboratory and EU GNSS Simulation and Receiver Testing Facilities
Living LabsLiving labs integrate research and innovation processes in real life communities and settings
