[Satellite Today – 4-23-08] The European Parliament has given its backing to Galileo’s deployment phase, which paves the way for the European satellite radio navigation system to be operational by 2013, Parliament announced April 23.
    The deployment phase, in which all space and ground-based infrastructure is to be established, will run from 2008 to 2013. The deployment phase will be entirely funded by the European Union, which is investing 3.4 billion euros ($5.4 billion) and  will become “the owner of all tangible and intangible assets created or developed under the programs,” according to the text adopted by the European Parliament. Member states, third countries or international organizations may provide additional funding.
    The next step for Galileo will be the launch of the Giove-B satellite scheduled for April 27. Giove-A satellite was placed in orbit in 2005.