The German government has unveiled an implementation roadmap for the European Union's proposed €2.4 billion ($3.2 billion) Global Monitoring for Environment and Security programme that avoids the Galileo satellite navigation system model.
A joint project with the European Space Agency, GMES will use existing satellites operated by different organisations to provide services from 2008 while new spacecraft called Sentinels will deliver more capabilities early next decade.
The 30-satellite Galileo constellation, also a joint programme, is being designed by ESA with industry contractors and operated by a private consortium - the creation of which has been problematic.
Source: Flight International
