Galileo Serves Second Course

摘要

The European GNSS rapidly gathered momentum in April, with a second satellite launched on April 27 (the scheduled date, not yet arrived as this magazine goes to press), a second interface control document (ICD) issued for comment, and a new governing directorate and director. Earlier in the month, European transport ministers moved closer to closure on the funding ruckus. On April 16, the European Space Agency (ESA) appointed several directorate positions, including a director of the Galileo program and navigation-related activities. Rene Oosterlinck will serve a term through the end of 2010; he is currently the ESA's director of Legal Affairs and External Relations. Prior to that position, he had long exposure to and experience with Galileo preparations as head of the Navigation Depart-ment, dealing primarily with Galileo and EGNOS during 2000-2005.