Tags: European Space Agency, Galileo, Satellite Navigation, Satellite Positioning
Publication: GPSWorld.com
Publication Date: 03/12/2013

Galileo’s horizontal position fixes. Image credit: ESA

The European Space Agency (ESA) has announced that the first four satellites of the future Galileo Satellite Navigation constellation achieved their first autonomous position fix. The agency said it obtained accuracy in the 10-meter range, which fulfills its expectations since the infrastructure is only partially deployed.

The longitude, latitude, and altitude position fix took place at the Navigation Laboratory at ESA’s ESTEC, in Noordwijk, the Netherlands. This was the first time Europe has been able to determine a position on the ground using its own, independent system.

Once completed, Galileo will have a constellation of 30 satellites. The system’s early service is scheduled to start at the end of next year.

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