The GIOVE-A satellite was successfully launched on the 28th December 2005.
GIOVE-A is the first GIOVE (Galileo In-Orbit Validation Element) test satellite. It was built by Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL), and successfully launched on 28 December 2005 by the European Space Agency and the Galileo Joint. Read more
Retired GIOVE-A satellite helps SSTL demonstrate first High Altitude GPS navigation fix
An experimental GPS receiver, built by Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL), has successfully achieved a GPS position fix at 23,300km altitude - the first position fix above the GPS constellation on a civilian satellite. The SGR-GEO receiver is collecting data that could help SSTL to develop a receiver to navigate spacecraft in Geostationary orbit (GEO) or even in deep space. Read more
Mission accomplished for Galileo's pathfinder GIOVE-A
With the initial satellites of the Galileo constellation working well in orbit, it has been decided to end the mission of ESA's pioneering GIOVE-A navigation satellite. Launched on 28 December 2005, this first experimental satellite performed the vital task of securing the radio frequencies provisionally set aside for Galileo by the International Telecommunications Union. Read more
Europe's quest to create its own version of the American GPS system has taken another major step forward. The European Commission has issued a contract worth some 250m euros (£210m; $330m) to a German-UK consortium to provide eight more spacecraft for its Galileo satellite-navigation network. Read more
12 January 2006. The GIOVE-A satellite is in good health and started transmitting the first Galileo signals from medium Earth orbit on 12 January, 2006. Source
GIOVE-A is the first GIOVE (Galileo In-Orbit Validation Element) test satellite. It was built by Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL), and successfully launched on 28 December 2005 by the European Space Agency and the Galileo Joint. Read more
A 3D presentation of the Galileo satellite navigation system, a joint development by the European Union and European Space Agency. This constellation of satellites will allow users to pinpoint their location anywhere on Earth -- their launches commencing on 20 October 2011.
Use red/blue 3D glasses to experience the full 3D experience of this clip.
The European Space Agency, Arianespace and the European Commission announced today that the launch of the first two satellites of Europe's global navigation satellite system is planned to take place on 20 October. This will be the first of a series of Galileo satellite launches by Arianespace from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana. Read more
Galileo satellite undergoes launch check-up at ESTEC
Galileo's first satellite is undergoing testing at ESA's technical centre in the Netherlands, checking its readiness to be launched into orbit. This marks a significant step for Europe's Galileo satnav constellation. The first part of Europe's global satellite navigation system is due to be launched over the next two years - a total of four Galileo In-Orbit Validation (IOV) satellites. Read more
German satellite boss sacked after WikiLeaks revelation
WikiLeaks documents published by a Norwegian newspaper have caused a German satellite company CEO his job. Berry Smutny reportedly called a major European project his company is involved in a 'stupid idea.' The CEO of German satellite company OHB-Technology, Berry Smutny, was fired four days after a WikiLeaks document revealed Smutny's candid comments on the European Galileo satellite project. On January 13, the Norwegian newspaper Aftenposten cited the document in a story that published Smutny's comments. The WikiLeaks document, dated October 2009, detailed conversations between Smutny and US diplomats in Berlin. Read more