Space Software for the Satellite Based Augmentation System [SGAT]

The SGAT (SBAS Geometry Analysis Tool) is a specialized software application developed by us and funded by the European Space Agency (ESA) under the PECS (Plan for European Cooperating States) program. SGAT plays a critical role in the space industry by enabling engineers and researchers to model and analyze the behavior of satellite navigation systems in real-world conditions. 

At its heart, SGAT helps improve systems that support accurate positioning on Earth, a foundational need for everything from aviation navigation to autonomous vehicles and precision agriculture.

What is SBAS?

To understand SGAT, we first need to understand SBAS (Satellite-Based Augmentation System). These systems are built on top of global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), such as GPS and Galileo. In simple terms, SBAS makes satellite positioning more accurate, more reliable, and safer, essential for safety-critical applications such as aircraft landings and autonomous navigation. 

Developing software for space systems is not like building regular apps. The team had to follow ECSS (European Cooperation for Space Standardization) rules, a highly rigorous set of technical and quality standards that ensure any space-related software is reliable and fit for mission-critical tasks. This meant that, beyond just writing code, the Touch4IT team had to adjust its entire development process, from planning and design to testing and documentation, to meet benchmarks typically found in aerospace firms.

Unified, Powerful Tool

Before SGAT, engineers used multiple different tools to simulate and analyze SBAS geometry. SGAT combines them into a single platform, saving time and reducing the risk of mistakes. 

Simulates Real Conditions Fast

SGAT can generate complex simulations - like 24-hour signal and geometry analyses - in just minutes. That’s a massive efficiency boost compared with traditional methods. 

User-Oriented Design

The software isn’t just powerful; it’s built with researchers and analysts in mind:

• Configurable satellite constellations

• Ground station and location setups

• Visualization tools like contour plots, line-of-sight maps, and precision graphs

• Split-screen comparisons so multiple scenarios can be evaluated side by side

• Nanosecond-level time granularity for precise modelling

All of this helps users understand what’s happening in the space signal environment with clarity and control.

Here’s why SGAT really matters:

• Faster research and development: Simulations that took days can now be done in hours or minutes. 

• Improved engineering decisions: Precise visualizations and analysis make it easier to optimize SBAS systems and other augmentation infrastructure. 

• Stronger space systems capability: By mastering ECSS compliance and aerospace-grade workflows, Touch4IT has positioned itself as a credible software partner in the space tech ecosystem.

The most important phase was adapting to the software development process for the space industry and performing it under highly stringent reviews conducted by ESA professionals. Additionally, ensuring compliance with ECSS - European Cooperation for Space Standardization was considered. 

In the context of this tool, we have performed various integrations:

• RINEX files 

• SP3 files 

• TLE files 

• SINEX files 

• Almanac files 

SBAS systems and tools, such as SGAT, which help design and analyze them, are part of a growing global push toward better positioning services. These services are becoming crucial not just for aviation, but for shipping, autonomous transport, precision farming, surveying, and more. 

SGAT’s role? It’s not just a tool - it’s a bridge between complex satellite signal science and practical, usable insights for engineers. That makes it both practically impactful and technically impressive.