EGNOS Trial on North Atlantic and Arctic Ocean

The upcoming EGNOS system will provide signals in space as augmentation to the existing satellite navigation systems GPS and GLONASS, granting enhanced position accuracy, availability and integrity for the user. An EGNOS test signal (ESTB signal) is available from the AOR-E geostationary satellite since mid-February 2000 and can be used for first tests and demonstrations. We had the opportunity to perform tests on the German icebreaking research vessel Polarstern during a twomonth expedition in summer 2000. The expedition area extended to the fringes of the EGNOS coverage area in the North Atlantic Ocean and Arctic Ocean. The well equipped research icebreaker served as an excellent measurement platform since a wide variety of GPS relevant sensor data was available, and the ship's own navigational system based on 2-frequency GPS with differential correction (Sky Fix) and LORAN-C made it possible to record valuable comparison data. For the purpose of EGNOS position data collection, a Novatel WAAS receiver board with corresponding GPS antenna were installed. The EGNOS data were recorded nearly during the entire voyage. Additionally some files contain recordings of the AOR-W satellite, which spreads the WAAS test signal and which could be received temporarily during the voyage. The main trial objective was to collect data regarding the quality of the EGNOS (test) signal with increasing latitude. The results of the test drive are summarised in this paper.