[Satellite Today  07-03-07] The Galileo In-Orbit Validation Element (GIOVE-B) satellite has completed in-orbit testing, prime contractor Astrium announced July 3.
    The European Space Agency confirmed the conclusion of the test phase during the in-orbit review, as key components of the Galileo system such signal generator and Passive Hydrogen Maser atomic clock were tested in real-time conditions. The tests involved running through a variety of scenarios such as switching from the first payload chain to the second and employing different combinations of frequencies. Ground-based receiver antennas are used to record the signal quality, accuracy and modulation.
    “We can confidently say that the satellite is operating and transmitting perfectly,” Reinhold Lutz, Astrium’s senior vice president, of navigation, said in a statement. “The successful results of every single test performed prove that the platform and its payload are ready to go into service. The quality of the signals and the accuracy of the atomic clocks provide the best possible evidence that the Galileo technology really does deliver the added value that we had hoped to obtain from the system. We are also very proud of the world’s most advanced navigation satellite. As the test confirms, our company now has the necessary technological skills to take the spacecraft on through the in-orbit validation phase and continue building the system up to Full Operational Capability.”
    The satellite, placed in orbit in April, will continue the demonstration of technologies for the navigation payload of future Galileo satellites.
    The European Commission reopened the procurement process for Galileo July 1, seeking bids for the development of the satellite navigation constellation and ground system. Galileo is scheduled to be operational by 2013.