The first test satellite of Europe's Galileo navigation system,
which blasted off at 13:19 Beijing Time on Wednesday, has sped up
space research cooperation between China and Europe.
In an interview with Xinhua after the launch, Zhang Guocheng,
vice director of the National Remote Sensing Center of China
(NRSCC), said that the test satellite will not work in the future
system, but will play a key role in ensuring the successful
deployment of the whole constellation.
China-made parts and equipment are not on the test satellite,
Zhang said.
In orbit, the satellite will test atomic clocks and navigation
signals, secure Galileo's frequencies in space and allow scientists
to monitor how radiation affects the craft.
The second Galileo test satellite is scheduled to be launched in
2006.
The 3.5-billion-euro Galileo system is a network of 30
satellites intended for civilian use, and will end Europe's
reliance on the US-controlled global positioning system (GPS).
As the first non-EU country, China promised it would invest
200million euros into the project. Since July, China has signed
seven technological development and service contracts with European
partners.
Zhang said the Chinese enterprises that are taking research and
development missions for the project are all competitive state
companies.
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(Xinhua News Agency December 29, 2005)
