Major German contribution to the satellite navigation system
The go-ahead made by EU transport ministers for the Galileo European satellite navigation system gives a considerable boost to Germany and for the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in particular.
Professor Johann-Dietrich Wörner, chairman of the DLR Executive Board said: "From the German point-of-view it is particularly pleasing that due to these decisions, the industrial guidance for the Galileo satellites will be in Germany. Also DLR's Oberpfaffenhofen facility was confirmed as one of the main control centres and given a strengthened role.
We thank transport minister Tiefensee for a crucial portion of this success by his thorough conduct in the negotiations."
After unusually difficult discussions, on 30 November a breakthrough occurred which Spain could agree to. Once the financial means become available and the industrial structure agreed upon, Galileo can become a reality.