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Galileo operational early 2014
Current Affairs -- 07 January 2010 -- 13:40CEST
The European Commission has awarded 3 of the 6 contracts for the procurement of its satellite navigation system, Galileo, putting it on track for launch in early 2014.
The €85 million contract awarded to ThalesAleniaSpace is for the system support services. The signing of a framework contract in December with both OHB System AG and EADS-Astrium GmBH, both of Germany, paved the way for the eventual provision of a maximum of 32 satellites. The first OHB order, for 14 satellites, has a value of €566 million. The remaining satellites will be procured from either OHB or EADS-Astrium GmBH depending on which company provides the most advantageous offer. The Commission intends to follow a strategy of double sourcing to lower risks, particularly in terms of delivery timings, and increase flexibility.
The €397 million contract with Arianespace covers the launch of 5 Soyuz launchers, each carrying 2 satellites. The first launch is scheduled for October 2012.
The Open Service, the Public Regulated Service and the Search and Rescue Service will be provided as of early 2014.
The Safety-of-Life Service and the Commercial Service will be tested as of 2014 and will be provided as Galileo reaches full operational capability with a constellation of 30 satellites.
The remaining contracts, for the ground mission infrastructure, the ground control infrastructure and the operations, should be awarded by mid-2010.
For more information about Galileo, visit http://ec.europa.eu/transport/galileo .
Photo: Courtesy of European Space Agency
DI-VE - News Details
Current Affairs -- 07 January 2010 -- 13:40CEST
The European Commission has awarded 3 of the 6 contracts for the procurement of its satellite navigation system, Galileo, putting it on track for launch in early 2014.
The €85 million contract awarded to ThalesAleniaSpace is for the system support services. The signing of a framework contract in December with both OHB System AG and EADS-Astrium GmBH, both of Germany, paved the way for the eventual provision of a maximum of 32 satellites. The first OHB order, for 14 satellites, has a value of €566 million. The remaining satellites will be procured from either OHB or EADS-Astrium GmBH depending on which company provides the most advantageous offer. The Commission intends to follow a strategy of double sourcing to lower risks, particularly in terms of delivery timings, and increase flexibility.
The €397 million contract with Arianespace covers the launch of 5 Soyuz launchers, each carrying 2 satellites. The first launch is scheduled for October 2012.
The Open Service, the Public Regulated Service and the Search and Rescue Service will be provided as of early 2014.
The Safety-of-Life Service and the Commercial Service will be tested as of 2014 and will be provided as Galileo reaches full operational capability with a constellation of 30 satellites.
The remaining contracts, for the ground mission infrastructure, the ground control infrastructure and the operations, should be awarded by mid-2010.
For more information about Galileo, visit http://ec.europa.eu/transport/galileo .
Photo: Courtesy of European Space Agency
DI-VE - News Details
