Space for Innovation in Rail - 13th Sept 2023 (Day 1)

The integration of space data and services within the rail sector can create a power force energy, it can be an enabler for the rail sector to transform its operation and deliver better services to clients at a lower cost. - Anna Samsel van Haasteren.

On the 13th and 14th of September 2023, Europe's Rail Joint Undertaking hosted a conference in Madrid focused on the integration of satellite technology with railway systems, especially ERTMS.

The event served as a platform for discussion, where various stakeholders explored technical, regulatory, and investment aspects of this integration. Below is a summary of the points discussed on the first day, focusing on opportunities and challenges in front of the railway sector.

Satellite Integration is a Promising Technology for Railways ???

• The consensus among the panelists was that satellite integration in the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) is a promising technology with the potential to enhance rail safety, efficiency, and competitiveness.
• A collaborative approach among infrastructure managers, satellite operators, and other stakeholders is foreseen to be a crucial element. It's this synergy that will help navigate the complexities of the integration of satellite technologies in railway systems.
• A key element of the system is its high precision. The infrastructure managers may benefit from the technology due to reduction of the infrastructure elements leading to lowering maintenance costs.

Space systems for the Railway ??

Satellite-based localization enhances train positioning and control within ERTMS, offering precise data and location, which is vital for ensuring the safety and efficiency of train operations.

It's a collective enhancement of rail transportation by providing precise positioning, accuracy, but above all, integration of rail transport with other modes, infrastructure monitoring, and sustainability solutions.

Several systems were discussed with Galileo and EGNOS emerging as key systems for the integration with railway systems, not only for industry to develop advanced solutions but also as proposal for a low cost solutions for regional lines.

• Galileo - developed by the European Union with the European Space Agency, it's a Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) providing navigation, positioning, and timing services.
• EGNOS - is an augmentation system, mainly used for aviation, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of primary GNSS signals. In combination with Galileo, accuracy up to 2.5 meters is achievable..
• Copernicus - used for monitoring purposes, it can be utilized to detect conditions of the tracks, contribute to the monitoring of the railway health status and to the detection and response to natural disaster preventing accidents and damage to the infrastructure.

R&D Initiatives ??

The innovation pillar of R&D activities plays a pivotal role in driving the integration of satellite technology into ERTMS. Multiple ongoing projects contribute to advance in technology and pave the way for the future implementation of the system.

Challenges Looming Ahead ??

• The integration of new technology within existing infrastructures demands meticulous planning to navigate technical and operational challenges especially with non-unified infrastructure.
• Significant initial investments could potentially deter operators from deploying the system.
• Satellite systems used in countries like United States are ten times cheaper then the European system.

We might learn from the experience in Europe, because ERTMS stands for European, but we should turn this into G, in order to have a global system, and to sell it across the world and have a one standard also outside Europe, but if we are not credible in terms of price, we might continue selling ERTMS as a solution for high-speed lines, greenfield products, but we'll definitely not convince countries in Asia to deploy ERTMS as it stands now for regional local lines. - Marcin Wojcik

Collaboration - The Way Forward ??

• A collaborative approach among infrastructure managers, satellite operators, and other stakeholders is crucial. It's this synergy that will help navigate the complexities emerging from the integration of satellite technologies in railway systems.
• Consideration of international collaboration is vital, given the global nature of rail transport. Opportunities for harmonization and interoperability with non-European systems should be explored to maximize benefits.

Investment and Political Backing ??

• The transition to satellite technologies calls for substantial investment and political support. A clear strategic vision backed by both member states and the European Commission was emphasized as paramount for this transition.
• Technical discussions pivoted around Command Control and Signalling (CCS), focusing on the future use of satellite technology for precise location and asset management, especially in regional applications.
• The necessity of engaging all stakeholders, including those responsible for tendering and investments, was raised to ensure alignment and awareness in transitioning to new technologies.

Cost-Benefit Analysis ??

• The importance of a thorough cost-benefit analysis was underscored to evaluate the feasibility and safety levels of implementing satellite technology in the railway sector.
• Integrating satellite technology into ERTMS is a significant undertaking, and it requires clear financial commitments and objectives. Financial frameworks, can play a crucial role in supporting these initiatives.

So there is a good question to what extent it makes sense to retrofit all those old locos that are in many cases diesel-propelled, that are with book value zero [...]. We should maybe think in Europe about tackling this problem globally, not that every operator should fight and try to survive on its own, but having a global picture, and also motivating the coming years and months. So we'll need to find the funding because it's better for the taxpayer to have ERTMS deployed in a cheap way, and have the rolling stock also digital than to prolong the current situation. - Marcin Wojcik

Aiming for 2027 ??

There's a hopeful projection that a full set of specifications, including the satellite GNSS specification, will be ready for the next TSI package scheduled for 2027.

This will allow for suppliers to develop products. However, past experience has highlighted the lengthy period between specification creation and product deployment in the sector.

The first day of the conference provided a comprehensive platform to discuss and showcase the synergies between satellite-based technologies and the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS), emphasizing the revolutionary steps Europe is taking to improve rail transportation.

By integrating these advanced systems, the industry aims to significantly improve operational efficiency. Ultimately, it will lead to a more reliable transportation alternatives for the continent.

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See the full conference from 13th Sept online .