Last test phase for the European GPS
(published in Ouest-France)
Galileo, the European GPS, will experience a new decisive stage on Sunday. After several years of political and technical complications, a test satellite will be launched from the site of
Baikonur (Kazakhstan). The launch will be piloted from the European Space Agency's control center in Fucino (Italy). Objective: to make the final adjustments before the launch of the
first operational satellites.
What is the advantage of Galileo over current GPS? Galileo is based on the same technology as GPS. But it offers a higher degree of precision (a few meters instead of 10
meters). And, most importantly, it has superior reliability. In addition, it will be received without hazard in cities and in regions located at extreme latitudes.
When will the system be available? The target set by the European Commission is: 2013. The first four "active" satellites will be launched in the first half of 2010 to
reach 30 in 2013.
Are GPS and Galileo compatible? A user will be able to receive GPS and Galileo signals on a single receiver. But, for that, it will be necessary to have a dual-mode receiver, so
re-equip. But by 2013, our good old GPS will be outdated…
Why a European system? In addition to the technical advantage, the interest is of a strategic nature: ensuring European independence in terms of satellite use and no longer depending on the
American system. The GPS had, in fact, been restricted during the war in Iraq. The challenge is also industrial at a time when the American Gps, the Russian Glonass are modernizing and the Chinese are
start the race.
How it works ? Each satellite in the constellation is equipped with an atomic clock that measures time with extreme precision. The ground receiver, integrated for example in a
mobile phone, for its part has in memory the precise coordinates of the orbits of each of the satellites of the constellation. By reading the signal that arrives at it, it determines the time
put by the signal to get to it and calculates the distance. As soon as a receiver on the ground receives signals from at least four satellites simultaneously, it can calculate its exact position.
How much does it cost ? The cost of developing and deploying GALILEO, including the manufacture and launch of thirty satellites and the establishment of a ground component, is
valued at between 3,2 and 3,5 billion euros, or approximately 7 euros per citizen.
How is Galileo funded? After having attempted mixed financing, private-public, in the form of a concession, the European Commission decided to finance the deployment of the system,
until 2013, by the Community budget. A formula which received the agreement of all Member States last year and the approval of the European Parliament last Wednesday.
Who builds Galileo? The test satellite – a 500 kg cube – is built by Astrium and Thales Alenia Space. For the other satellites, calls for tenders will be launched this
summer, divided into several batches, so as not to exclude any European industrialist from this "adventure". Each lot will be awarded to an industrial leader, obliged to subcontract 40%. European,
EADS, the French Thales and Alcatel, the German Astrium or the British SSTL are in the running.
What economic benefits? According to some studies, GALILEO will create some 150 jobs and the resulting market for services and equipment is estimated at around €000 billion.
a year.
Nicolas GROS-VERHEYDE.