Europe readies for satellite launch, moves closer to own satnav

Europe is set to launch the next two satellites Thursday for its multi-billion-euro Galileo satnav system, a rival to America's GPS, according to space firm Arianespace. This would bring Europe a step closer to providing initial navigation services by next year, Arianespace chief executive Stephane Israel told AFP, after many years of frustrating delays. "The programme is truly on track, moving forward, keeping its promises," he said. Weather permitting, a Russian Soyuz rocket will launch the satellite pair -- numbers 11 and 12 in the Galileo constellation orbiting Earth -- from Europe's spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, at 1151 GMT. More

(Source: Yahoo7 News - Dec 17)