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InOrbit Validation of Galileo Proves It Works
Article by: maft
Date: 11 Feb 2014
Since 2011 the European Space Agency (ESA) have launched four Galileo satellites into orbit around the earth and also set up ground-based equipment across the globe. Using this they have recently carried out In-Orbit Validation (IVO) of the system - a process that involved over 10,000km of driving across Europe. The results are that it no only works but "works well"; with recorded accuracy from the four satellites being 8m horizontal and 9m vertical 95% of the time.
One feature of Galileo is its Search and Rescue, which works with the existing international Cospas–Sarsat programme. The tests have shown that a distress signal can be pinpointed to within 2km 77% of the time and 5km 95% of the time. All signals were transmitted to the Mission Control Centre within just 90 seconds.
"Europe has proven with IOV that in terms of performance we are at a par with the best international systems of navigation in the world," comments Didier Faivre, ESA Director of Galileo and Navigation-related Activities.
While there is still a long way to go to the expected 2019 complete date, these tests show that the years of planning have paid off. A public satellite positioning system can only be a good thing when, in theory, the USA could disable GPS for the public at their will.
Source: esa.int - 'Galileo Works, and Works Well'
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Posted by Andy_P on Tue Feb 11, 2014 6:44 pm
