Brussels, 03/12/2010 (Agence Europe) - The first two satellites of the Galileo system should be placed in orbit in August 2011, with the launch of a further two in early 2012 and the awarding of contracts in the two remaining markets during the first half of 2011 (see EUROPE 10244), the secretary general of the European Space Agency (ESA), Jean-Jacques Dordain, said in a letter to European Industry Commissioner Antoni Tajani. Despite these developments, Galileo could suffer further delay if the European Commission does not issue another call for tenders in spring 2011 for construction of the eight missing satellites of the constellation. Failing this decision, the European satellite radio-navigation programme, which is to ensure the EU has autonomous access to space, will be available in 2017 at the earliest instead of early 2014 as currently foreseen. Another €1 billion is needed (in addition to the €2.4 billion already invested) to finalise the programme. The search for funds for Galileo is not helped by either the current discussions on the EU budget 2011 or the extra cost of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER).
With the announcement in January 2010 (EUROPE 10051) of the awarding of three of the six contracts into which the system had been divided after the public/private partnership responsible for setting it in place was dissolved in 2007, the Commission secured the launch of 10 satellites (five launches with two satellites placed in orbit for each launch), and the construction of the 14 satellites necessary (in addition to 4 precursor satellites already in orbit) to ensure primary services. €240 million are still required for the construction of the 8 missing satellites (about €30 million per satellite), and €700 million for the launch service, the cost amounting to about €35 million for each launch. Paradoxically, when it comes to reducing the cost of the launch, the Commission decided, by attributing contracts in January, to pursue launches with the Russian launching system Soyuz rather than the Ariane 5 developed by France. Very well informed sources say the main problem with this decision is that awarding the contract to the Russian company has deprived European industry of fallout in terms of employment, capabilities development and “know-how”, with, at the same time, a significant price difference compared to the planned rate of return (the Russian offer being 10% less expensive). Antoni Tajani, who is to be in Paris on Tuesday 7 and Wednesday 8 December for consultation with the sector for industry, space and tourism, may contact ESA during his visit. (A.By./transl.jl)