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EU monies 'should fund Galileo' EU monies 'should fund Galileo'
(about 23 hours later)
The European Commission's plan to get the Galileo satellite navigation system back on track is released on Wednesday. The European Commission has outlined its plan to get the Galileo satellite navigation system back on track.
The BBC understands it will reiterate the Commission's view that the stalled 3.4bn-euro project should be 100% funded by the European Union. The Commission believes the project could be salvaged with the help of unspent EU funds - without additional taxpayers' money from EU governments.
This would mean member states having to find about a billion more than they expected because of the collapse of private sector involvement.This would mean member states having to find about a billion more than they expected because of the collapse of private sector involvement.
The EC is determined to have Galileo operational by the end of 2012.The EC is determined to have Galileo operational by the end of 2012.
However, this target is dependent on financing arrangements being put in place this year.However, this target is dependent on financing arrangements being put in place this year.
So far, only four spacecraft in the eventual 30-satellite constellation have been ordered. Unless contracts are issued for more platforms in the coming months, the timetable will slip again and Europe's biggest single space project may then face calls to be scrapped altogether.So far, only four spacecraft in the eventual 30-satellite constellation have been ordered. Unless contracts are issued for more platforms in the coming months, the timetable will slip again and Europe's biggest single space project may then face calls to be scrapped altogether.
GALILEO UNDER CONSTRUCTION A European Commission and European Space Agency project30 satellites to be launched in batches by end of 2011-12Will work alongside US GPS and Russian Glonass systemsPromises real-time positioning down to less than a metreGuaranteed under all but most extreme circumstancesSuitable for safety-critical roles where lives depend on service Europe lofts Galileo satellite Q&A: Europe's Galileo project Galileo puts UK on mapGALILEO UNDER CONSTRUCTION A European Commission and European Space Agency project30 satellites to be launched in batches by end of 2011-12Will work alongside US GPS and Russian Glonass systemsPromises real-time positioning down to less than a metreGuaranteed under all but most extreme circumstancesSuitable for safety-critical roles where lives depend on service Europe lofts Galileo satellite Q&A: Europe's Galileo project Galileo puts UK on map
The Commission will present a document in Brussels which it believes can "progress" and "reprofile" the project. The favoured position in the document is to take the extra monies needed to build Galileo fully from the reserves in the EU budget. One alternative had been to give the European Space Agency (Esa) a bigger role, resulting in its members making up the shortfall with extra contributions.
The BBC understands its favoured position in the document is to take the extra monies needed to build Galileo fully from the reserves in the EU budget. One alternative had been to give the European Space Agency (Esa) a bigger role, resulting in its members making up the shortfall with extra contributions.
The EC, however, would prefer that Esa stick to its current role as the "procurement agent, design authority and prime contractor".The EC, however, would prefer that Esa stick to its current role as the "procurement agent, design authority and prime contractor".
Galileo's planned network will beam radio signals to receiving devices on the ground, helping users pinpoint their locations.Galileo's planned network will beam radio signals to receiving devices on the ground, helping users pinpoint their locations.
The system's technologies are designed to bring greater accuracy and reliability to navigation and timing signals delivered from space.The system's technologies are designed to bring greater accuracy and reliability to navigation and timing signals delivered from space.
It is intended to work alongside, and complement, the US Global Positioning System (GPS).It is intended to work alongside, and complement, the US Global Positioning System (GPS).
The present funding crisis was triggered by the failure to agree a Public Private Partnership (PPP), in which a consortium of aerospace and telecom companies would build much of Galileo's infrastructure and then run its services.The present funding crisis was triggered by the failure to agree a Public Private Partnership (PPP), in which a consortium of aerospace and telecom companies would build much of Galileo's infrastructure and then run its services.
Wednesday's recommendations will emphasise the need for open competition in the procurement of infrastructure and urge that the EU appoint a single programme manger to oversee Galileo. Wednesday's recommendations emphasise the need for open competition in the procurement of infrastructure and urge that the EU appoint a single programme manager to oversee Galileo.
Bob Cockshott, from the UK's Location and Timing Knowledge Transfer Network welcomed the news, commenting: "There is no question - Galileo must be seen through to completion. A civilian satellite navigation system in Europe presents huge opportunities to people, business and the individual economies of European countries."