ESA buys new satellites for Galileo navigation system

According to a European news source, earlier this month, the European Space Agency (ESA) signed three contracts in London (UK) to buy 8 satellites and order 3 new launchers for the navigation system. by Galileo satellite.

Eight new satellites were purchased from Germany's OHB System AG for € 250 million. OHB has agreed to provide 14 satellites. The second contract was signed with Arianespace of France to order three satellite launchers using Ariane 5 missiles, with a deposit of about 30 million euros. The actual cost to buy launchers is currently unknown.

The third contract was signed with France's Astrium SAS to purchase Ariane 5 missiles, which could carry four Galileo satellites at the same time, for nearly 30 million euros. Galileo satellites are currently being launched in pairs using Russian Soyuz rockets. The operating time of this satellite program is expected to begin in 2014.

European Commissioner Antonio Tajani is in charge of business and business, observing newly signed contracts that show the program's specific steps to be "on time and within budget" . He added that these orders will speed up the transfer of satellites and launchers. The satellites will be launched from Guyana (France).

Galileo positioning system - named after Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei to commemorate his contributions - is a global positioning satellite (GPS) system built by the European Union and is a strategic project for Europe.

The project demonstrates the growth and development of Europe in the field of information technology via satellites, while helping this continent affirm its independence, bring many economic benefits and enhance the position of Europe. Europe in foreign relations.

Galileo is different from American GPS and GLONASS of the Russian Federation in that it is a system operated and managed by civil and non-military organizations. The plan to put the Galileo navigation system into operation is currently 3-4 years behind the original plan.