Galileo Satellite Navigation Launched

Galileo Satellite Navigation - The impact on drivers


Galileo Satellite Navigation Project

The European Union (EU) has launched the first in a series of satellites that will make up the EU Galileo satellite navigation system aimed at reducing EU reliance on the American satellite Gblobal Navigation System. The EU has long been wary of the American global navigation system which the world has come to rely on. The main concern was that the American system, which was designed primarily for the American military can be degraded in times of war and can also be turned off without warning. The American President, George Bush has said that the American GPS satellites could be disabled during national crisis to prevent terrorist from accessing the system.

The first of the EU Galileo test satellites named Giove A is claimed to be equipped with the most advanced atomic clock. A series of test is planned with signals from the satellite over the next 2 years and this will be followed by the launch of another test satellite named Giove B. Giove B will be followed with the launch of a total of 30 satellites that will form the operational Galileo satellite navigation system. The system is planned to begin commercial operation by 2008.

Galileo and the future of driving
The Galileo project will have a significant impact on drivers and the future of road and traffic management. Read the full article Galileo Satellite Navigation