European Satellite Navigation Galileo services will start at the end of 2014

EU News 40/2014

Brussels, 28 January 2014
IP/14/80

Galileo, the EU satellite navigation programme (the European "GPS") and Copernicus, the EU Earth monitoring programme, are in decisive phases this year. With the launch of six additional Galileo satellites, Europeans will soon be able to enjoy their own satellite navigation system. The first Copernicus satellite launch in March will also enable considerable progress in improving maritime security, climate change monitoring and providing support in emergency and crisis situations. The progress in both European space programmes - Galileo and Copernicus - was announced by Vice President Antonio Tajani following a meeting with Jean Jacques Dordain, Director General of the European Space Agency (ESA) and the CEOs of five main companies involved: Arianespace, Telespazio, Thales Alenia Space, OHB and Airbus Space and Defence. As a result of the meeting, all five companies and the ESA expressed their strong commitment to the launch of additional satellites for the two space programmes in 2014, as communicated to Vice President Antonio Tajani by the Director General of the European Space Agency. This could allow initial Galileo services to be available, subject to finalising all technical issues, at the end of 2014/beginning of 2015.

Source and additional information:
http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-14-80_en.htm?locale=en

File Photo: Antonio Tajani Date: 27/01/2014 Reference: P-024751/00-06 Location: Rome - Palazzo Giustiniani (C)EU, 2014 URL

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