The Galileo programme office opens
The European Commission and the European Space Agency (ESA) have opened a joint office to help streamline the implementation of the Galileo satellite navigation programme. The office will serve as the central source of expertise and permanent point of contact for coordination between the various players and parts of the programme. 'This marks a step forward in one of Europe's most promising new space programmes' remarked ESA Director General, Antonio Rodotà. Commission vice president Ms Loyola de Palacio, who is also responsible for energy and transport, added: 'The office is the first permanent physical link between the two main European institutions which are pressing ahead with work on our new satellite-based navigation, positioning and precision timing systems, Galileo.' The definition phase of the Galileo programme is being run by the European Commission's Directorate-General for Energy and Transport, with ESA as an equal partner in the joint management board and playing a full role in technical development. 'Industry has been pushing ahead with the various studies required for this phase, and user groups have been defining their potential needs, which will eventually determine the system performance requirements.' says ESA. The new office will coordinate studies under water and prepare for decisions by the board directing the programme. It will also provide technical support to the board and industrial and scientific teams working on Galileo, preparing the way for decisions on the transition and implementation phase.