The European Commission presented its midterm review on the development of Europe’s satellite navigation programs Galileo and EGNOS. Recent progress in the development of Galileo, including the signature of four major contracts and the testing of the first four operational satellites, means the satellite navigation system will deliver initial services in 2014. It is expected to help secure a bigger share of the space technology market and bring European independence in a sector that is important for its economy and for the well-being of its citizens. There has also been considerable progress with the EGNOS program which increases the accuracy of signals from satellite navigation systems. The promotion of satellite navigation technology is in line with Europe’s 2020 strategy and contributes to sustainable economic development.
