EC gives guarantee on Galileo launch

The European Commission (EC) has strongly defended its Galileo global satellite navigation programme, issuing an official communiqué stressing that is fully funded to begin its next phase and meet the 2008 launch target~ ~ While admitting that it will face “obstacles along the way,” the EC says it is “committed to moving forward into the launch and operational phases of the project”, and that “Galileo will definitely become operational in 2008.”~ ~ The statement follows increasing concerns that the recent accession of new member states to the European Union together with the rising costs of the project could push schedules back by at least two years and might even result in the cancellation of the entire programme (something the US, which opposes any global GPS system over which it has less than 100% control, would dearly love to see happen).~ ~ Confirming that Galileo will now move forward into its next phase, the vice-president of the EC, Jacques Barrot, said both public and private sector funds are committed to the project.~ ~ At least two consortia – led by Eutelsat and SES Global – are bidding for the rights to operate the Galileo system with the winner expected to be announced in February next year.~ ~ Galileo is being facilitated in four phases comprising development (2002-2005 at the cost of US$1.46 billion), deployment (2006-2008, $2.79 billion split 1/3 public and 2/3 private), and then operation and exploitation. ~ ~ Exploitation costs are estimated at $292 million a year with an exceptional contribution of the public sector for the first few years of $664.5 million. Thereafter, the costs will borne entirely by the private sector.~ ~ “Galileo is without a doubt the most wonderful European technological project. We are now on the home straight and next year will see the launch of the first satellites,” Barrot said.~ ~ He added, “Galileo will be as much of a technological revolution as mobile telephony was. This venture shows how capable Europe is of making a united effort in pursuit of a common goal.”~ ~ The renewed pledge of support for the system came a week after the Chinese Prime Minister, Jiabao Wen, visited the European Space Agency and said that the People’s Republic is committed to helping Galileo to be a success – a statement that caused the US even more worry.~