Galileo RF Constellation Simulator Design Verification and Testing

The characterisation and certification of Galileo Ground Receiver Chain (GRC) elements for the Galileo satellite-based navigation system is a critical programme activity, particularly for the In-Orbit Verification phase (IOV). Spirent has been contracted by the European Space Agency (ESA) via Thales Alenia Space to provide reference test equipment in the form of RF Constellation Simulators (RFCS) to support certification of the GRC and test user receiver elements. These RFCS are able to support all the Galileo frequencies and services, including open service, commercial service, safety-of-life service and public regulated service (PRS). This paper begins by presenting a brief technical description of the RCFS design and architecture and proceeds to describe the scope of and approach to the formal verification process. Where appropriate, further detail of some of the verification techniques used are presented including a statement of the requirement, the test equipment and procedures involved and a summary of the results obtained. Most specific PRS aspects are excluded from this paper due to their classified status. Initial conclusions are drawn and future work is described.