 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
EU Gives Galileo Satellite Consortium May Deadline
Brussels (AFP) March 22, 2007 EU transport ministers threatened on Thursday to seek alternatives for completing the Galileo satellite navigation system unless the current consortium resolved key problems. "To date there have been considerable delays," lamented German Transport Minister Wolfgang Tiefensee, who was chairing a meeting with counterparts in Brussels. "A number of key issues such as organisation and technical issues, financial issues have not yet been satisfactorily resolved." Twenty months since the consortium was chosen in June 2005, the concession contract remains unsigned, even though it was supposed to be inked in December that year, as the companies squabble over who will do what. The system, worth around 1.5 billion euros (1.95 billion dollars) and meant to be fully operational in 2012, is aimed at breaking Europe's dependence on the free US Global Positioning System (GPS), used aboard many cars, boats and aircraft. But unless the companies demonstrate progress in resolving the problems by May 10, Tiefensee said, "we (will) need to look to new ways of moving this major innovation project forward and getting it back on track." "If the consortium were not to respond we would look at all possibilities, including a new call for tender, but we're not at that stage and I feel that this ultimatum will be respected," said EU Transport Commissioner Jacques Barrot. The current consortium comprises Britain's Inmarsat, the European group EADS, French firms Thales and Alcatel, Spain's Hispasat and Aena, Italy's Finmeccanica and Germany's TeleOp. Industry sources have accused Hispasat of causing the delays with demands for a bigger role than initially foreseen, although the Spanish government has dismissed such claims. Barrot said the consortium had to come up with a single operating structure by May 10 with one head capable speaking for all the members. "We need a consortium company that is capable of negotiating and taking decisions, so that the blockades are not continued," said Tiefensee. "That is why Galileo is still in a crisis."
Source: Agence France-Presse Community Email This Article Comment On This Article Related Links GPS Applications, Technology and Suppliers GPS Applications, Technology and Suppliers
Lockheed Martin Completes Work On Modernized GPS Satellites
King Of Prussia PA (SPX) Mar 22, 2007Lockheed Martin announced the delivery of the eighth and final satellite in the modernized Global Positioning System Block IIR (GPS IIR-M) production program to the Air Force. |
|
|
| The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2006 - SpaceDaily.AFP and UPI Wire Stories are copyright Agence France-Presse and United Press International. ESA PortalReports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additionalcopyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement,agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by SpaceDaily on any Web page published or hosted by SpaceDaily. Privacy Statement |
