The Future

With current satellite navigation only really covering North American and European continents how long do we have to wait until it becomes available all over the world? At the moment the technology that runs in-car navigation and GPS systems relies upon a satellite system primarily run by the U.S. Military. This system is aging and with control laying with the worlds most dominant super power it could mean that it could be shut down if the military believe it is of strategic importance.

Introducing Galileo

With a desire to bring an up to date service on-line designed for both civilian and military use both Germany and Italy along with France and Great Britain drafted concepts for Galileo back in early 2003. The technology guarantees greater accuracy for positioning and covers many hire altitudes and black spots that the current system lacks.

Apart from accuracy what else does will it bring?

Originally this started off as a project of the EU, but it was never set it stone that it couldn't branch out beyond Europe. The biggest country to join was China in 2003 contributing close to $300,000,000 to the project.

Many of Asia's investing contributors are fast growing economies with fast growing technological needs. Their investment in the project expects to see them push GPS and Sat Nav technology meaning travelers in those countries should have access to international systems covering a greater area of the globe.

When will it be ready?

2010 is the expected finish of the Galileo satellite network but with a handful of satellites already in place for testing it shouldn't be too long after the official switch on that products hit the market. Originally scheduled to finish in 2008 Galileo came up against problems with economic difficulties in the early days which coupled with pressure from the U.S. nearly led to the its demise in the wake of the 9/11 attacks. Since then though its increased international backing has led to greater support and even over funding in the project!