UK satellite technology companies have figured strongly in the latest stage of Europe’s plans to launch a global positioning network.
The European Commission (EC) and the European Space Agency (ESA) have short-listed 11 applicants for the procurement programme of Galileo, Europe’s proposed global navigation system.
Surrey Satellite Technology (SSTL) is working with OHB systems, one of two prime contractors bidding for the space segment to provide the 30 satellites required in Galileo’s fully deployed system.
“This is not only good news for SSTL but also good news for the UK, as both satellite payload bidders operate in the UK,” said Phil Davies of SSTL.
In April this year, EADS Astrium, the second company bidding for the payload contract, signed an agreement to buy 85% ownership of SSTL from the University of Surrey.
The first experimental satellite of the Galileo programme, GIOVE-A, was launched in December 2005, having been built by SSTL. A further test satellite, GIOVE-A, was launched on the 26th April this year.
Having built and conducted several in-orbit tests for GIOVE-A, SSTL recently completed a similar campaign, analysing signals from the new GIOVE-B satellite.
For use under civilian control, Galileo will be inter operable with both GPS and Glonass, the two existing global navigation systems, the use of duel frequencies as standard allows Galileo to deliver real-time positioning down to one metre.
The next stage of short-listing will involve bidders putting forward detailed proposals which should take six months. Contracts are expected to be placed in the first half of next year.
VIDEO: Giove - Europe's first Galileo satellite
The full list of the 11 pre-selected candidates are:
1. System Support
• ThalesAleniaSpace (IT)
• Logica (NL)
2. Ground Mission System
• ThalesAleniaSpace (FR)
• Logica (UK)
3. Ground Control System
• Astrium (UK)
• G-Nav grouping represented by Lockheed Martin IS&S (UK)
4. Space segment
• Astrium (DE)
• OHB System DE
5. Launch Services
• Arianespace (FR)
6. Operations
• Nav-up grouping represented by Inmarsat (UK)
• DLR (DE) and Telespazio (IT)