The EC awards major Galileo contracts

Date: 2/2/2010

Source: Europa

Following the previously announced reduction in the order for Galileo satellites by the EC, the Commission has issued three of the six contracts that will enable the initial deployment and service provision of Europe’s satellite navigation system from early 2014. For details on the EC reducing the Galileo satellite order, see previous ITS Radar International article.

The three contracts issued are as follows:

• ThalesAleniaSpace - System support services, covers the industrial services needed to support the European Space Agency for the integration and the validation of the Galileo system. It has a value of €85 million (£76 million)
• OHB System AG – provision of 14, out of the intended 32, satellites. The contract has a value of €566 million (£508 million). The remaining satellites will be procured in subsequent work orders, each time from either OHB or EADS-Astrium GmBH, depending on which company provides the most advantageous offer
•  Arianespace - Launch of five Soyuz launchers, each carrying two satellites. The first launch is scheduled for October 2012. The value of the contract amounts to €397 million (£357 million).

It is anticipated that the Open Service, the Public Regulated Service and the Search And Rescue Service will be provided from early 2014. The Safety-of-Life Service and the Commercial Service will be tested by 2014 and will be provided as Galileo reaches full operational capability with a constellation of 30 satellites. The remaining three procurement contracts, for the ground mission infrastructure, the ground control infrastructure and the operations are expected to be awarded by mid 2010.

ITS Radar International will continue to monitor Galileo developments

Key words: Galileo