Andrew Yee[_1_]
January 19th 08, 08:01 PM
ESA News
http://www.esa.int
18 December 2007
Two years in space for Galileo satellite
On 28 December, it will be two years since GIOVE-A -- the first Galileo
satellite -- was launched by a Soyuz rocket from Baikonur, in Kazakhstan.
This satellite demonstrates the progress Europe has made in setting up its
own navigation system.
Since January 2006, Galileo signals have been broadcast by GIOVE-A, and
received all around the globe. At ESA's research and technology centre in
the Netherlands, a laboratory is checking both the instruments on board the
spacecraft that generate the signals and the receivers on the ground. This
testing and calibration has allowed the specialists to confirm the success
of the mission, which is a good sign for the rest of the programme.
The next step is well under way, with GIOVE-B -- the second experimental
satellite -- finishing its preparations for launch in ESA's test facilities.
This second Galileo satellite will embark the most accurate atomic clock
ever flown in space, which will contribute to the quality of the performance
of the Galileo system.
After GIOVE-B, the validation in orbit will be completed with the launch of
four further satellites -- the minimum required to obtain a satellite
navigation position measurement. These satellites are currently being built
at locations across Europe, for launch from the end of 2009.
To reach operational status, Galileo needs a constellation of 30 satellites
and an associated network of ground stations spread all around the globe.
This phase has just been confirmed with the decisions taken by the European
Union, which has agreed on a financing package of 3.4 billion Euros [USD 5
billion] and proposed to entrust ESA with the full deployment of Galileo by
2013.
While waiting for Galileo, another positioning system is in its
pre-operational phase in Europe. EGNOS, the European Geostationary
Navigation Overlay System, is a network of ground stations that improves GPS
signals and retransmits them via geostationary satellites. EGNOS allows
position determination accurate to within two metres. Originally designed to
improve air traffic safety, EGNOS is accessible to all and paves the way for
Galileo.
With these steps, the European Commission and ESA are progressively setting
up a civilian system able to offer guidance and help worldwide.
[NOTE: Images supporting this release are available at
http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEM060NJCAF_index_1.html ]
http://www.esa.int
18 December 2007
Two years in space for Galileo satellite
On 28 December, it will be two years since GIOVE-A -- the first Galileo
satellite -- was launched by a Soyuz rocket from Baikonur, in Kazakhstan.
This satellite demonstrates the progress Europe has made in setting up its
own navigation system.
Since January 2006, Galileo signals have been broadcast by GIOVE-A, and
received all around the globe. At ESA's research and technology centre in
the Netherlands, a laboratory is checking both the instruments on board the
spacecraft that generate the signals and the receivers on the ground. This
testing and calibration has allowed the specialists to confirm the success
of the mission, which is a good sign for the rest of the programme.
The next step is well under way, with GIOVE-B -- the second experimental
satellite -- finishing its preparations for launch in ESA's test facilities.
This second Galileo satellite will embark the most accurate atomic clock
ever flown in space, which will contribute to the quality of the performance
of the Galileo system.
After GIOVE-B, the validation in orbit will be completed with the launch of
four further satellites -- the minimum required to obtain a satellite
navigation position measurement. These satellites are currently being built
at locations across Europe, for launch from the end of 2009.
To reach operational status, Galileo needs a constellation of 30 satellites
and an associated network of ground stations spread all around the globe.
This phase has just been confirmed with the decisions taken by the European
Union, which has agreed on a financing package of 3.4 billion Euros [USD 5
billion] and proposed to entrust ESA with the full deployment of Galileo by
2013.
While waiting for Galileo, another positioning system is in its
pre-operational phase in Europe. EGNOS, the European Geostationary
Navigation Overlay System, is a network of ground stations that improves GPS
signals and retransmits them via geostationary satellites. EGNOS allows
position determination accurate to within two metres. Originally designed to
improve air traffic safety, EGNOS is accessible to all and paves the way for
Galileo.
With these steps, the European Commission and ESA are progressively setting
up a civilian system able to offer guidance and help worldwide.
[NOTE: Images supporting this release are available at
http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEM060NJCAF_index_1.html ]