Galileo launch delayed
March 13, 2006The success of the first launch in Europe's satellite-navigation system means the next Galileo launch can be pushed back until autumn.
Mission managers say they have enough data from the first satellite, Giove-A, to secure the network's allocated frequencies. The Giove-B was originally set for lift-off this spring, the BBC reported.
The $4 billion project, which is expected to comprise 30 satellites by 2010, will deliver precise navigation and timing data across the globe.
While public signals from the Global Positioning System are already widely used, the U.S. military reserves the right to limit their use or switch them off for security reasons.
In building Galileo, European states are seeking a system over which they have independent control, the BBC said.
Giove-A was launched in December from Kazakhstan, charged with the task of securing the frequencies allocated to Galileo by the International Telecommunications Union.
Copyright 2006 by United Press International
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