Satellite positioning researchers will meet in Finland to solve positioning challenges – the European Space Agency’s research event in Espoo begins on 13 July

The ESA/JRC International Summerschool on GNSS will be held in Espoo on 13–24 July 2026. It is an international event for satellite positioning researchers, organised by the European Space Agency (ESA) and the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC). The event focuses on GNSS technology and the future, threats to satellite systems and their countermeasures, and brainstorming and development of products and services that use GNSS.

“Satellite positioning is a very topical field of research in which a lot is happening in Europe. In Finland, we conduct high-quality research, and within the business and innovation activities in the field, we have plenty of exploitable opportunities,” says Minister of Economic Affairs Sakari Puisto.

At the Summerschool event, internationally renowned scientists and specialists will give talks, alongside practical exercises and lab work. A limited number of 100 participants have been selected this year, a record in candidate submission and participation out of which three researchers from the National Land Survey of Finland’s Geospatial Research Institute (FGI) will participate.

“At the Finnish Geospatial Research Institute FGI, we carry out extensive research on satellite positioning with funding from the European Space Agency and participate in ESA space programs and their management. This Summerschool event in Finland is an opportunity for our researchers to be part of an international network of researchers,” says Professor Sanna Kaasalainen from the Finnish Geospatial Research Institute (FGI).

Close cooperation throughout Europe in the development of satellite systems

The European Space Agency is currently developing and testing solutions to counter satellite positioning interference with two new satellites. In March, the Celeste satellites, which are built in Europe, were launched to a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) around the globe. Researchers at the Finnish Geospatial Research Institute (FGI) have joined the Celeste project by assessing the performance of low-orbit satellites in the Arctic.

“In Finland, we handle the fundamentals of positioning and support the development of the European Galileo positioning system. Now, in the Celeste project, we are helping to improve the European system further. In the current security environment, it is more important than ever to focus on European cooperation to maintain and develop our satellite systems,” says Kaasalainen.

Functioning satellite positioning creates conditions for innovation and growth

In addition to technology and security, new business is also an emphasis of the Summerschool event.

“In Finland, there’s a lot of business activity in the satellite positioning field. Maintaining and developing a reliable and secure positioning system is also important, as it adds to the conditions for new innovations that use positioning and, through them, growth,” says Kaasalainen.