Europe orders eight more Galileo satellites

The European Commission on Friday issued a contract worth some US$330 million for eight more satellites for its Galileo satellite-navigation network, bringing the total number in production by a German-UK consortium to 22 and keeping the programme on track to be fully operational by the end of the decade.
March 19, 2012 Read time: 1 min

The 2465 European Commission on Friday issued a contract worth some US$330 million for eight more satellites for its Galileo satellite-navigation network, bringing the total number in production by a German-UK consortium to 22 and keeping the programme on track to be fully operational by the end of the decade.

So far, the project launched two in-orbit validation (IOV) satellites last October and plans to put another two validation satellites into orbit  this year to prove the system. The first of the 22 fully functioning satellites on order will be launched to provide planned initial satellite navigation services in 2014, with full global operation of the system by 2019, when the expected full 30-satellite constellation is in orbit.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Intelligent approaches to future mobility
    June 14, 2012
    IRF Geneva actively involved in the launch of the UNECE strategy package on ITS that is expected to mark a milestone for future United Nations activities on ITS. High-level speakers, governments, experts and academia from all around the world gathered in Geneva on 28th February for a landmark ‘kick-off’ session aimed at positioning ITS more prominently on the policy makers agenda and to contribute to the policy-segment and launch of the new UNECE strategy package on ITS. The strategy package contains
    Read More
  • Increased infrastructure spending
    February 22, 2012
    With economies booming in the BRIC countries and other regions, spending on infrastructure is at a high - Patrick Smith reports As economic crisis grips much of the world, many countries are still spending billions on infrastructure to improve transportation. While the USA and Europe struggle with debt problems (and this has affected much of the rest of the world) the development of highways, airport, ports and other infrastructure is gathering pace in other regions to boost economic developments.
    Read More
  • Simple road safety measures save lives
    February 15, 2012
    Elementary road safety measures quickly pay back the costs of investment and, more importantly, help save lives as Patrick Smith reports. More than 300 people in the UK are alive today or have avoided the prospect of a lifetime of special care because just 15 roads have had simple improvements put in place.
    Read More
  • Latest GIS and software tools improve operations
    February 24, 2012
    Innovative GIS and software solutions are coming to market from the three key market players - Mike Woof reports Competition is strong in the field for GIS and surveying systems as well as the associated software. The three major players in the sector, Leica Geosystems, Topcon and Trimble, all invest heavily in research and development and continue to roll out new solutions for construction customers that will boost the efficiency of surveying as well as overall project implementation.
    Read More

Highlighted Content