Special Session #1

SPECIAL SESSION #1

Exploring GNSS: Precision Navigation and Timing Solutions for Aerospace Metrology

Francesco Menzione

European Commission Joint Research Centre

• francesco.menzione@ec.europa.eu

Ciro Gioia

European Commission Joint Research Centre

• ciro.gioia@ec.europa.eu

In the contemporary aerospace landscape, Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSSs) have emerged as pivotal players. They offer precise navigation and timing solutions critical to a diverse range of applications, from aircraft navigation to satellite communication and beyond. However, the full potential of GNSS in the field of aerospace metrology is yet to be fully explored and realized. The proposed special section aims to delve into the intricacies of GNSS, its advancements, applications, and future prospects in the context of aerospace metrology. This exploration aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how GNSS technology is revolutionizing the aerospace industry and what lies ahead.

The special section would encompass the following key areas:

• Accurate real-time positioning information essential for the navigation of aircraft, drones and spacecraft. This includes determining the position, speed, and direction of the aircraft, which is critical for flight path planning, guidance, and control.
• GNSS precise timing information that is crucial for various aerospace applications. This includes synchronizing on-board systems, coordinating ground-based operations, and ensuring the accuracy of communication signals.
• Improving safety of air travel by providing reliable navigation and positioning data, which helps prevent collisions, supports emergency response, and aids in search and rescue operations.
• Optimizing flight paths, reducing fuel consumption, and enhancing the overall performance of aerospace systems exploiting GNSS.
• Space Missions: GNSS is increasingly being used in space missions, including satellite orbit determination, new payload’s steering, remote sensing and even interplanetary navigation.
• Real-world case studies showcasing the successful integration and application of GNSS in aerospace metrology, providing attendees with practical insights and inspiration.
• A forward-looking discussion on future trends, developments, and potential innovations in GNSS technology for aerospace applications, sparking thought-provoking conversations about the future of this field.
• Challenges encountered in integrating GNSS technology in aerospace metrology and potential solutions.

This special section would serve as a rich source of information and a platform for industry experts, researchers, practitioners, and enthusiasts to share their insights, experiences, and questions. The goals of the sections are to engage attendees in meaningful dialogues, foster collaborations, and expand professional networks.

Francesco Menzione received Master degree (2012) and Ph.D. (2017) from the University of Naples Federico II in Aerospace Engineering and Satellite Navigation. He spent almost nine years, from 2012 till 2021, working in the aerospace sector as navigation and control engineer. In 2021, he joined European Commission’s Joint Research Centre as Technical and Scientific Officer for the Galileo Sector within the Space, Connectivity and Economic Security Unit. He currently provides technical and project management support to different funded EC DEFIS studies and research areas focusing on Precise Orbit Determination, Space Service Volume, LEO-PNT, Hybrid PNT, Galileo High Accuracy Service (HAS) and GNSS based remote sensing

Ciro Gioia obtained his MSc in Nautical Sciences and a PhD from Parthenope University in 2009 and 2014, respectively. He served as a consultant for the European Commission Joint Research Centre (JRC) from May 2014 until June 2016. He then transitioned to a role as a scientific project officer at the same institution, where he concentrated on location and navigation, particularly in relation to geomatics, from July 2016 to July 2022. Since October 2024, he has been working as a project officer for the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre. His research primarily focuses on achieving accurate and reliable navigation through multi-sensor navigation, integrity, interference detection, and mitigation.