150 million euro contract brings Galileo a step closer to completion
The European Space Agency (ESA) concluded a 150 million euro contract with Galileo Industries on 21 December, paving the way for the construction of the first four satellites in the Galileo constellation. The contract marks the second stage in the so called 'in-orbit validation' (IOV) phase of the project - which follows the test phase but precedes full deployment - the first being the contract signed in July 2003 for two test satellites. Overall the IOV phase will cost 950 million euro, which covers the delivery of the first four satellites in the final constellation of 30 as well as the ground stations needed to operate them. Giuseppe Viriglio, director of EU and industrial programmes at ESA, said: 'This marks a further step forward for Galileo. In line with the recent EU Transport Council green light for final deployment of the constellation, ESA is securing the foundations for this unique satellite locating and positioning system.' The recently signed agreement between ESA and Galileo Industries mainly concerns the management of the programme and the selection of the engineering systems and technical support needed to ensure coherence within the system. Günter Stamerjohanns, CEO of Galileo Industries, concludes: 'This contract marks a key step towards completing this major European technology project. Galileo Industries is proud to be playing a leading part in meeting this enormous challenge.'