GIOVE: Solid foundation for Galileo

Today, the specialists at the European Space Agency's Research and Technology Centre in the Netherlands are able to confirm that the GIOVE-A mission is a success. This is an essential result for the next step in the programme: the launch of GIOVE-B, the second experimental satellite, scheduled for lift off by mid-2008. This satellite will broadcast the latest signals, which have been agreed with the United States, and two different types of onboard technologies that will provide the best timing synchronisation experienced so far. When complete, Galileo will be a constellation of 30 satellites supported by a network of ground stations, creating a global network. With this joint project, the European Commission and ESA plan a civil system providing guidance and assistance regardless of location. The fact that Galileo will be a civil system means it will guarantee continuity of access and signal quality - unlike the American GPS system, which is under military control. Nevertheless, Galileo and GPS will be compatible and interoperable - increasing the reliability of both systems.ESApod video programme