[3/6/07] Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. (SSTL) will build a second Galileo test satellite under a contract from the European Space Agency (ESA), SSTL announced March 5.

The Galileo In Orbit Validation Elements-A2 (GIOVE-A2) will be based on the GIOVE-A satellite, which began transmitting the Galileo test signals in January 2006 so Europe could claim the frequencies filed for Galileo with the International Telecommunications Union as well as allow testing of ground equipment.

GIOVE-A2 will maintain the frequency filing for 27 more months and facilitate further development of ground equipment, SSTL said. The satellite also will carry upgrades that will allow for testing of the common L1 open service signals recommended by the European Union and the United States. These signals will provide free position and timing information to users.