Sat, May 28, 2011
First Satellites To Deploy For A European Space-Based
Navigation System
Arianespace, the European Space Agency, and the European
Commission announced Monday that the launch of the first two
satellites of Europe's global navigation satellite system is
planned to take place on October 20th, 2011. This will be
the first of a series of Galileo satellite launches to be performed
by Arianespace from the CSG, Europe's Spaceport in French
Guiana.
Arianespace Soyuz Launch Facility
The announcement of the date of the first launch follows a
detailed assessment review, under the chairmanship of the Director
General of the European Space Agency, with the participation of
Arianespace and industrial prime contractors. This assessment was
held at the end of last week and concluded that the space and
ground segment components as well as operations will be ready for a
launch in October.
The two Galileo satellites will be deployed using a Soyuz
launcher. The October launch will mark Soyuz' inaugural flight from
its new launch facilities at the CSG.
Jean-Jacques Dordain, Director General of ESA, pointed out the
significance of this launch: "The October launch will be a perfect
example of European and international cooperation. On one side we
will have the first operational Galileo satellites in orbit,
resulting from the cooperation between the European Union and ESA.
On the other side this launch is the first launch of Soyuz from
CSG, a program made possible through the cooperation between ESA
and Russia."
"Arianespace is both proud and honored to be contributing to
Galileo, this innovative project, reflecting the innovative
technologies that are constantly being developed in Europe for the
benefit of all citizens," said Jean-Yves Le Gall, Chairman and CEO
of Arianespace. "After the successful orbiting of the first two
qualification satellites of the constellation, Giove A and Giove B,
I would like to thank the European Commission and ESA for
having chosen us again, which is a further recognition of our
market leadership. With this launch, we will also be opening a new
chapter in our own history, as we start Soyuz operations from the
Guiana Space Center. More than ever, we will be able to deliver the
full range of launch services expected by our customers from around
the world."
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