European Union Launches First Galileo GPS Satellite

5:00 am on December 29, 2005 | Category: Wireless Technology

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The European Space Agency has launched the beginnings of its new Galileo satellite navigation network, which they believe will provide a better alternative to the existing US-based GPS network.

The first of the 30 Galileo satellites was launched yesterday, and has already begun successfully transmitting signals, according to European scientists.

US officials have criticized Europe’s plans for the new system, claiming that it could interfere with GPS signals, and present a potential security threat during wartime.

European Union lawmakers, however, believe that Galileo will actually end up being superior to the US Defense Department’s satellite navigation network. The civilian-controlled system, they say, will guarantee continual operation, and ultimately cover a greater range with more precision.

The Galileo satellite constellation is expected to cost about $4 billion, and be fully operational by 2010. The first Galileo-compatible GPS receivers will likely be made available by the end of 2008.

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    Edited by Jeremy Maddock