Galileo satellites went in the wrong direction because of freezing fuel

The frozen fuel on Russia's Soyuz rocket caused two satellites of Europe's Galileo global positioning system to fly in wrong direction in August, AFP on 8 October led to a conclusion of the investigation. good.

>>>Galileo satellite of Europe goes wrong

Incident caused by problems in the fuel tubes located on Fregat's fourth push floor of the Soyuz rocket. This is a technical error that could easily be adjusted for future launches, Israeli CEO Arianespace Stephane told AFP.

Tubes containing hydrazine fuel, used on the Fregat booster stratum, to control satellites in their right positions in orbit, were frozen during launch as they were located near a liquid helium tube. super cold, according to investigators' findings.

A Russian Soyuz rocket launched from the European space center in Kourou - (Photo: AFP)

The two satellites each cost 40 million euros (51 million US dollars) and weighed 700kg, launched from the European space center in Kourou, French Guiana (South America) on August 22. As planned, they are placed in orbit with a height of 23,500km. However, failure at the Fregat push has made satellites into orbit 17,000km, where they are not working.

Previously, the Galileo system's fifth and sixth satellites were delayed for more than a year due to technical problems.

Currently two other Galileo satellites are scheduled to orbit at the end of 2014, paving the way for the first phase of Galileo service systems in 2015, including applications for smartphones and positioning. cars, as well as search and rescue work.

By 2017, according to the Galileo system roadmap, all 24 satellites will operate in orbit. Six backup satellites are expected to join the system in 2020. At that time, Galileo navigation system will be fully operational.

It is known that the Galileo program worth 5.4 billion euros ($ 7.2 billion) when completed will help Europe to be independent in deploying its global positioning applications, no longer depending on the System. Global Positioning System (GPS).

In addition to Europe, Russia and China are also building their own navigation system, respectively Glonass and Bac Dau.

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