Euro GPS System Launched

Europe's global satellite navigation system, Galileo, has launched on Friday, sending the first two satellites on a Soyuz rocket from the European Space flight base in French Giuana.

Both satellites were launched at the new base at 10.30am, marking the start of Europe's own GPS system, which is expected to rival that of the US.

A second pair of satellites will be sent into orbit next year, while the entire system will take some ten years to complete.

European Parliament President Jerz Buzek said: "Today marks a milestone for Europe. Having our own state of the art space policy and technology is of strategic importance to the EU.

"It is high time that Europe becomes independent from other systems and thus strengthens its competitiveness and self-sufficiency."

Herbert Reul, Chair of the European Parliament's Industry, Research and Energy Committee, said the moment was very important to Europeans.

"First, the two satellites are the starting point for a navigation network that has an enormous economic potential: Galileo is expected to generate economic and social benefits worth around €60-90 billion over the next 20 years.

"Second, Galileo is a truly European project; no Member States could have developed it alone. Third, it will improve Europeans' safety, daily lives and comfort. And finally, this launch demonstrates our determination to overcome political and financial difficulties."

The European Parliament and the Council decided in 2008 to complete Galileo using the EU budget, while EU leaders said the vital thing to do now was ensure sufficient funding for the project in the future.

"Galileo must be operational as quickly as possible, we cannot risk losing ground to our global competitors," Mr Reul added.

The new system is expected to make GPS tracking more accurate, accessible and cheaper for users. The satellites also represent the first GPS systems to be launched solely for civilian use.

(DW/BMcC)