[10-04-07 – Satellite Today]  Novatel Inc. received a contract from Thales Alenia Space Italia for continued development of a component of ground reception chain reception for Galileo, Novatel announced Oct. 2.

The component, known as a ground reference receiver forms part of the ground reception chain, which will be used in the Galileo Ground Mission Segment. Novatel is under contract to delivery 25 production units under the contract, which now is valued at 6.3 million euros ($8.6 million since Novatel began work in June 2005.

"Novatel will now be able to better manage this project on a long-term basis,”Tony Murfin, vice president, business development, said in a statement. "The funded Galileo ground reference receiver technology we are developing is a key strategic advantage for Novatel, as demand for Galileo ground infrastructure expands to other regions worldwide. We anticipate that a new, firm basis will soon be established in Europe to allow the Galileo system to move forward to full deployment."