The convoy composed of rolling stock provided by various European rail operators has already started its journey of 20.000 km. It is set to travel across the Union. To keep passengers, train spotters and rail aficionados in the loop about its location, we have equipped CEE with a Galileo and EGNOS device, which is retransmitting its precise position.
EU Space on the same track with Connecting Europe Express!
Connecting Express Europe is a truly European initiative relying on #EUSpace to complete this trip of over 100 stops! To follow its location, we have equipped CEE with a Galileo and EGNOS device, which is retransmitting its precise position.
GNSS receivers onboard trains are multipurpose instruments. Positioning, timing and synchronization generated by Galileo and EGNOS are used to provide real-time information on the train’s location and thus update passengers on potential delays. So whenever you are checking a platform display for time updates be sure that satellite technology is in the mix!
Leading rail companies have already started implementing positioning solutions that rely on EU space data. In June 2020, Alstom became the first railway manufacturer to integrate certified data fusion algorithms for fail-safe train localization, using position and speed of trains based on GNSS data coming from multiple constellations including Galileo.
When it comes to managing rail infrastructure, optical data from the Copernicus constellation can provide valuable information on the status of rail tracks and their surrounding environments. For instance, railway operators can monitor and prevent vegetation encroachment that can endanger the operations of trains. Similarly, EO data can generate information about landslides or soil subsidence near tunnels and railway tracks.
To learn more about how the EU Space Programme benefits our railways click on the video below. You will also find it playing onboard Connecting Europe Express.
More information
Press release – European Union Agency for the Space Programme
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