GALILEO UPDATE

Galileo satellites are “topped off” for Arianespace’s upcoming Soyuz launch

The two European Galileo navigation satellites for Arianespace’s next mission from French Guiana have been fueled at the Spaceport, readying them for integration with their Soyuz launcher.

These spacecraft were “topped off” during activity this week at the Spaceport’s S3B payload preparation facility, further advancing preparations for the September 10 mission – which is designated Flight VS12 in Arianespace’s launcher family numbering system, signifying the 12th liftoff of the medium-lift Soyuz vehicle from French Guiana.

Flight VS12’s satellites are the fifth and sixth in Galileo’s full operational capability (FOC) phase. www.spacedaily.com

Partnership to develop high performance receivers for Galileo satellite systems

Two European companies are partnering up to develop a robust and high performance receiver to take advantage of the new Galileo satellites. Airbus Defence and Space says it will use Lime Microsystems’ Field Programmable RF transceiver technology to develop a timing receiver capable of exploiting signals from the new Galileo satellite navigation constellation. www.electronicsnews.com.au

Czech Republic seeking seat of Galileo logistics system

The Czech Republic, along with Belgium, is shortlisted for the seat of the Galileo navigation system’s logistics centre, which would be built in the Most-Velebudice complex in the Usti Region, north Bohemia. The Galileo logistics centre will be the only one in Europe to store reserve parts for the Galileo infrastructure, including parts of satellites, ground aerials and other IT components. The centre will also provide basic assembly works. http://praguemonitor.com

Next two Galileo satellite reach Europe’s spaceport

Europe’s ninth and tenth Galileo satellites have crossed the Atlantic, touching down in French Guiana ahead of their joint launch this September.

The delicate navigation satellites made their journey within environmentally controlled containers, having passed a gamut of tests to confi rm their readiness for space.

September’s launch on a Soyuz rocket will see Europe’s own satnav constellation reach double fi gures. These are Flight Models 5 and 6 of the Full Operational Capability version.