To achieve the correct solution, the calibrated Chilbolton station was used to receive the signals from GIOVE-A. ESA's Navigation Laboratory processed the resulting data. The signal generator manufacturer, TAS (France), calculated the new settings for the unit. Finally, the satellite manufacturer, Surrey Space Technology Limited (SSTL) uploaded the new values to the payload using their ground station at Guildford, in the United Kingdom.
Thanks to the cooperation of a large international team, GIOVE-A is now transmitting optimised signals. Research and testing continues and manufacturers are using the signals as they develop the receivers that users will need when Galileo enters operational service.
Galileo is a joint initiative between ESA and the European Commission. When fully deployed in the early years of the next decade, it will be the first civilian positioning system to offer global coverage.
