EU launches its first satellites to rival GPS system

The EU yesterday took a major step forward into the cutting edge of satellite technology with the launch of the first two operational Galileo satellites from Kourou, French Guiana.

The launch, which will be followed by many others in the coming years, puts the EU a step closer to having its own smart satellite navigation system rivalling the US-based GPS.

The EU system, which should be operational from 2014, is expected to bring many new benefits to the European economies and the daily lives of its citizens.

From 2014, the new constellation will enable improved services ranging from more precise in-car navigation, effective road transport management, search and rescue services, more secure banking transactions and also reliable electricity provision, which all rely heavily on satellite navigation technologies to work efficiently.

According to the Commission, the overall economic impact is estimated to be about €90 billion over the next 20 years.