With satellite navigation becoming increasingly crucial to global infrastructure, there is a growing threat of spoofing, which involves the deliberate broadcasting of false navigation signals, but OSNMA may be the answer to this problem
Spoofing can mislead GPS and GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receivers, leading to location errors of hundreds of kilometres. This creates risks for sectors such as civil aviation, maritime transport, and logistics, particularly in geopolitically sensitive areas like the Baltic Sea, the Black Sea, and parts of the Middle East.
To address this concern, the European Union is taking steps with the official launch of Galileo’s Open Service Navigation Message Authentication (OSNMA) capability.
Starting Thursday, 24 July 2025, OSNMA will become fully operational, offering strong protection against spoofed signals.
What is OSNMA?
OSNMA is a feature developed for the Galileo satellite system. It allows each satellite to broadcast a digital signature alongside its normal navigation data. This digital signature enables receivers to verify that the signal originates from a genuine Galileo satellite, further helping to detect and reject spoofed signals.
This extra layer of security does not require any significant change to Galileo’s existing infrastructure. OSNMA has been designed to use the system’s spare capacity efficiently, enabling a seamless rollout and widespread adoption without disrupting current services.
European collaboration
The successful development and launch of OSNMA is the result of more than ten years of coordinated effort across Europe’s space and defence sectors. The European Commission’s Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space has led the initiative, guiding the vision and overseeing implementation. The European Space Agency (ESA) has managed the core infrastructure. At the same time, the EU Space Programme Agency (EUSPA) will be responsible for daily operations via the European GNSS Service Centre in Torrejón, Spain.
The collaboration also includes many partners from Europe’s aerospace industry, showcasing a united approach to safeguarding critical navigation technologies and reinforcing Europe’s position as a global leader in space.
Testing for full operations
Galileo satellites have been broadcasting OSNMA data since 2021 in test mode. This allowed developers, manufacturers, and users to evaluate the feature and integrate it into their systems. With the transition to full operational status in July 2025, OSNMA will now offer formal service guarantees, marking a significant milestone in global satellite navigation security.
Many GNSS receivers, including those used in logistics, personal devices, and high-end applications, are already compatible with OSNMA. One early adopter is the Smart Tachograph system, which is mandatory in all EU trucks and now benefits from improved navigation security and reliability.
In the future, Galileo plans to expand its services with the introduction of the Public Regulated Service (PRS) and the Signal Authentication Service (SAS). These will create even better resilience and performance, particularly with the next generation of Galileo satellites expected to arrive in the coming decades.
