Bright Ideas Welcome at 2010 European Satellite Navigation Competition

The European Satellite Navigation Competition (Galileo Masters), now in its seventh year, is seeking the best ideas for satellite navigation applications from companies, entrepreneurs, research institutes, universities, and individuals. Prizes total more than €500,000.

The 2010 contest begins on May 1, when competitors may register and submit their ideas online at the secure ESNC website. It closes on July 31.

Delays Continue to Plague Europe's Galileo GNSS Program

At this week’s (March 9–11) Munich Satellite Navigation Summit, Galileo program officials — public and private — acknowledged that it faces delays at both ends of its latest schedule.

At the near end, the lead contractor for the Galileo in-orbit validation (IOV) satellites that it is building with a consortium of companies said the first IOV will not launch in 2010 as per the most recent schedule. Instead, said Mike Healy, director of navigation for EADS Astrium, the satellite will not be ready for launch until probably February 2011.

Peter Chapman-Andrews New Director of Royal Institute of Navigation

Peter Chapman-Andrews replaced David Broughton as director of Britain’s Royal Institute of Navigation in January. He will be the fourth director since RIN was founded in 1947.

Chapman is a graduate of Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth. He served as Queen’s Harbor Master, Portsmouth, and as fleet navigation officer on the staff of CinC fleet. He also served as aircraft director officer, principal warfare officer, navigation officer and ship’s commander during his career in the Royal Navy. He retired  in 2004 with the rank of captain.

IFEN Simulator Receives Galileo ICD Certification

TÜV SÜD, an independent third-party certifier, has awarded IFEN GmbH an official certificate affirming the conformance of IFEN’s NavX-NCS GNSS RF navigation constellation simulator with the Galileo Open Signal Signal-in-Space Interface Control Document (OS SIS ICD).

ESA, Industry Sign Galileo FOC Contracts

René Oosterlinck, the European Space Agency’s director of the Galileo program and navigation-related activities, and company representative signed the first three contracts for the Galileo full operational capability (FOC) phase on January 26. The event marks the official start of building the Galileo operational infrastructure.

Surrey Satellite Divides Business Following Galileo Satellite Win

Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL) has restructured its business, forming two new business units to manage its activities.

European Commission Okays Key Galileo Contract After Years-Long Political Morass

The European Commission (EC) has announced the award of three of the six contracts for the procurement of Galileo’s initial operational capability (IOC), including a €566-million (US$811.2-million) award to OHB System AG for a first order of 14 satellites.