Galileo system still bedevilled despite progress

摘要

Despite launch contract sign-ings and production award announcements declared at the Paris air show the Galileo satellite navigation system is still a programme bedevilled by disputes and delays whose full deployment is likely to be more expensive and come years later than its stakeholders have been led to expect.rnWhile Arianespace celebrated in Paris its contract signing for launching the Galileo satellites, questions were being asked about the role of its EADS Astrium Ariane 5 rocket - with suggestions that 13 Samara Space Centre Soyuz 2-lb boosters would also be needed, an eventuality that could extend the period needed to launch the entire constellation.