Galileo update

SSTL… Payloads packed off for Galileo

Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. (SSTL) has successfully completed the delivery of the payloads for the first four Full Operational Capability (FOC) satellites of GALILEO to prime contractor OHB System AG. The payloads were shipped to OHB in Bremen, Germany for integration of the payload to platform and the start of the satellite integration and test activities. The delivery of these four navigation payloads is part of an on-going contract, awarded to the OHB-SSTL consortium in 2010 for the first 14 Galileo FOC satellites. SSTL is continuing work on the payloads for the next ten FOC satellites, with the next five payloads already in production at its advanced technical facility, The Kepler Building. In addition to these 14, SSTL and prime contractor OHB were awarded the contract for a further eight Galileo satellites in 2012. www.satnews.com

European Patent Office awards best patented GNSS related innovation

With the development and extension of the European satellite navigation system Galileo the protection of innovative technologies and applications is becoming more and more important for Europe’s inventors. In 2012, the European Patent Office (EPO) granted 104 patents in the field of satellite navigation technologies (source: EPO).

For the first time the EPO will award a prize within the ESNC 2013 to the best GNSS application innovation that has been granted a European patent. “We want to support inventors to gain recognition while helping them to protect ideas and to encourage innovation. The ESNC is a fantastic opportunity for us to seek out promising patented GNSS related innovation. Our prize will recognise the best patented innovation based on its high economic potential, strong technological impact, and outstanding benefits for today’s society.” says Oswald Schröder, Principal Director Communications and Spokesperson at EPO.

The winner of the ESNC EPO Best Patented Innovation Prize will be shortlisted and presented to the jury tasked with compiling a list of 15 total finalists (in five different categories) for the prestigious European Inventor Award 2014. If nominated, the winner will be included in a Europe-wide publicity campaign and get dedicated marketing support including integration in high-ranking media partnerships, e.g. with CNN, Financial Times, or Les Echos. In addition, the winner and two runnersup will receive an economic study (valued at approx. EUR 5,000) on the market potential of their patent in the corresponding field of technology. www.galileo-masters.eu