Galileo satellite deals start launch race
Andy Extance · Physics World · 2010
The European Space Agency (ESA) has distributed over €1bn (£869m) worth of contracts to begin producing the satellites for Europe's global navigation system. Dubbed Galileo, it will comprise 30 orbiting satellites that can provide more precise positioning data than existing US and Russian systems, down to the centimetre scale. Galileo will also be more reliable, functioning in cities where high-rise buildings can obstruct signals, and will boast encrypted and anti-jamming capabilities for security applications.