An inquisition for Galileo - November 12, 2007
Europe’s attempts to build a rival to America’s GPS network have been attacked by the British politicians behind a recent inquiry. The Galileo project could turn into a £10 billion white elephant, according to Gwyneth Dunwoody, chairwoman of the Transport Select Committee. Actually Dunwoody used rather more colourful language, telling BBC Radio 4, “This is not one pig flying in orbit, this is a herd of pigs with gold trotters, platinum tails and diamond eyes.”
The committee’s new report on Galileo says there is not enough information available to determine whether the benefits outweigh the costs. Any decision must be delayed until this becomes clear, they say (report PDF). Earlier this year the European Union doubled the subsidy needed from member states for the project to 4.5 billion euros (Bloomberg).
Initially a strong reason for Galileo was that the US military could turn off or degrade the GPS signal. However earlier this year the US said newer GPS satellites would not be down-gradable. The programme is already behind schedule and the European Commission is now proposing to divert funds from its agriculture budget to fund Galileo (AFP). Dunwoody would prefer money be spent on better roads and railways.
Whether or not the project goes forward remains to be seen; for now, though, it still moves...
More coverage
MPs urge action on Galileo costs, BBC
MPs censure EU satellite project, Reuters
MPs demand satellite cost review, Guardian
Galileo an ‘orbiting Railtrack’, say mps, Independent
Galileo slammed by UK politicians, Register
BBC Q&A on Galileo
Galileo gets into position, Nature from 2005
Image: Artists impression of Galileo satellite / ESA
Comments
Here's a tip, I work as joint PRO for SSTL who built GIOVE-A. They have just issued a statement which outlines the realistic cost implications - I would ask is it really so unaffordable and so difficult a project for the EU to succeed in?
Posted by: Robin Wolstenholme | November 14, 2007 01:38 PM
It not about cost/benifit, it's about Europe having to go through teething troubles in order to even attempt such an undertaking.As an Ex spacecraft controler for both ESOC and GSOC I can tell you that if you are looking for cost/benifit in the space business you may as well whistle Dixie.
Actually the benifits are many, much the same as parenting, not immediately obvious but there in the long term. Stop this short termism, soundbite-ism and blinkered eye-ism.
Posted by: Gareth Davies | November 21, 2007 05:15 PM