05/03/2007 (Agence Europe) - According to information published by AFP on Monday 5 March, the European Space Agency (ESA) has signed a contract with Surrey Satellite Technology Limited to build a new satellite, GIOVE-A2, for the Galileo satellite navigation system. The satellite, the cost of which is estimated at €25-30 million, will be ready for launch in the second half of 2008. The first satellite, GIOVE-A (Galileo In Orbit Validation Element), which was to test the technology used by the future European location and tracking system under real conditions, was launched in December 2005. The second, GIOVE-B, is due to be put into orbit at the end of the year. (aby)