China to sign seven satellite navigation contracts with EU
(Agencies)
Updated: 2005-06-10 10:16

China is to sign seven contracts with the European Union to participate in a future satellite navigation system called Galileo.

A computer image shows three satellites that will form part of the Galileo navigation system. China is to sign seven contracts with the European Union to participate in the satellite navigation system. [AFP]

According to Zhang Guocheng, acting director of the National Remote Sensing Center of China (NRSCC), the seven projects in space, on the ground as well as in applications will be contracted to Chinese companies and organizations by the end of July.

"We have many other countries which expressed interest to take part in the Galileo program, but as far as I can see, none of these potential partners is ready to contribute as much as China does," Rainer Grohe, the executive director of Galileo Joint Undertaking (GJU), said in a press release.

China has committed itself in 2003 to a 200-million-euro investment in Galileo, a project with an estimated final cost of 3.5 billion euros.

The selection process is currently under way for an operator who will run the system for 20 years. A decision is expected by the end of June.