Medical and Hospital News  
GPS NEWS
Europe adds two more satellites to Galileo sat-nav system
by Staff Writers
Paris (AFP) Dec 17, 2015


Europe on Thursday launched another two satellites for its multi-billion-euro Galileo sat-nav system, a rival to America's GPS, the European Space Agency (ESA) said.

The launch of satellites 11 and 12 in the Earth-orbiting constellation brought Europe a step closer to providing initial navigation services next year.

"With today's launch, Europe has doubled the number of its Galileo satellites in orbit in just nine months," ESA director general Jan Woerner said in a statement.

"Along with the ground stations put in place around the globe, this brings Galileo's completion within reach. Initial Galileo services are scheduled to begin within next year."

The orbiter duo was taken aloft a Russian Soyuz rocket from Europe's spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, at 1151 GMT, and released into orbit at an altitude of nearly 23,500 kilometres (14,600 miles), the agency said.

The project should ultimately comprise about 30 orbiters, including a number of spares.

Initial services can start once 16 are in place -- hopefully after a four-satellite launch in the second half of 2016, Arianespace chief executive Stephane Israel told AFP this week.

The project, which will also provide crucial search-and-rescue services, has been plagued by delays, technical glitches and budgetary difficulties.

The launch of orbiters seven and eight in March this year was about three months late to allow for a probe into an August 2014 mishap that sent satellites five and six into a lop-sided orbit.

The pair have since been manoeuvred into a better, more circular path.

The mishap was blamed on frozen fuel pipes on board the Soyuz rocket's fourth stage, called Fregat -- a problem the European Space Agency says has since been fixed.

The launch of satellites five and six, meant to have been the first fully operational Galileo orbiters, had itself been delayed by more than a year due to "technical difficulties".

The first four orbiters were launched in 2011 and 2012.

The European Commission has budgeted seven billion euros ($7.56 billion) for the project until 2020.

The remaining satellites will be launched using a combination of Soyuz rockets, which can take two into space at a time, and Europe's own Ariane 5 ES launcher, which is being adapted to handle four.

The first Ariane launch is scheduled for be next year, followed by one each in 2017 and 2018.

There will be one Soyuz launch in 2018 as well -- bringing the total to 26 satellites, sufficient for full operation, launch firm Arianespace has said.

A decision on additions will be taken next year.


Thanks for being here;
We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain.

With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords.

Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year.

If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceDaily Contributor
$5 Billed Once


credit card or paypal
SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter
$5 Billed Monthly


paypal only


.


Related Links
GPS Applications, Technology and Suppliers






Comment on this article via your Facebook, Yahoo, AOL, Hotmail login.

Share this article via these popular social media networks
del.icio.usdel.icio.us DiggDigg RedditReddit GoogleGoogle

Previous Report
GPS NEWS
Russia, China develop navigation system draft for SCO, BRICS
Moscow (Sputnik) Dec 16, 2015
Russian and Chinese experts have developed a draft project to create a global international navigation system based on China's BeiDou and Russia's GLONASS satellite navigation for the member states of BRICS group and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Russian Space Systems company said in a statement on Tuesday. On Monday, Russia's GLONASS Union said Russia and China would also finaliz ... read more


GPS NEWS
Nepal passes long-delayed bill on quake rebuilding

Amnesty accuses Turkey of abusing, forcibly deporting refugees

America's penchant for guns stronger than ever after attacks

Human skin detection technology for improved security, search and rescue

GPS NEWS
Europe adds two more satellites to Galileo sat-nav system

Russia, China to Finalize Satellite Navigation Chip Set Deal by Year-End

Russia, China develop navigation system draft for SCO, BRICS

Soyuz in the zone Dec 17 Galileo GPS launch

GPS NEWS
Scientists say face mites evolved alongside humans

How brain architecture leads to abstract thought

Chitchat and small talk could serve an evolutionary need to bond with others

Humans evolved to get better sleep in less time

GPS NEWS
Less knowledge about global species diversity than assumed

Study finds people transformed how species associated after 300 million years

Anatomy of a microscopic wood chipper

Researchers document captive parrots using, sharing tools

GPS NEWS
Early childhood exposure to farm animals boosts immunological responses

Mosquitoes tuned to seek out warm-blooded hosts

Swine flu toll up by 15, reached 57 in Iran: Official

Pigs that are resistant to incurable disease developed at University of Missouri

GPS NEWS
Billionaire head of China's Fosun re-emerges after 'disappearance': media

China signs law easing social registration system

Scuffles as China rights lawyer put on trial

China medical student executed for poisoning

GPS NEWS
U.S., U.K. help build West African partners' anti-piracy capabilities

Villagers recall fear as troops fired in 'Chapo' raid

GPS NEWS
Fosun disappearance stokes fear among China CEOs

Hong Kong auctioneers go experimental as sales struggle

China industrial output rebounds after stimulus

Major China bank PSBC raises more than $7 bn: Xinhua









The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2024 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. All articles labeled "by Staff Writers" include reports supplied to Space Media Network by industry news wires, PR agencies, corporate press officers and the like. Such articles are individually curated and edited by Space Media Network staff on the basis of the report's information value to our industry and professional readership. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Statement Our advertisers use various cookies and the like to deliver the best ad banner available at one time. All network advertising suppliers have GDPR policies (Legitimate Interest) that conform with EU regulations for data collection. By using our websites you consent to cookie based advertising. If you do not agree with this then you must stop using the websites from May 25, 2018. Privacy Statement. Additional information can be found here at About Us.