After its successful launch on 27 April, GIOVE-B has began transmitting navigation signals on May 7. This is a truly historic step for satellite navigation since GIOVE-B is now, for the first time, transmitting the GPS-Galileo common signal using a specific optimised waveform, MBOC (multiplexed binary offset carrier), in accordance with the agreement drawn up in July 2007 by the EU and the US for their respective systems, Galileo and the future GPS III. These GIOVE-B signals, locked on-board to its highly stable Passive Hydrogen Maser clock, will provide higher accuracy in challenging environments where multipath and interference are present, and deeper penetration for indoor navigation. It demonstrates that Galileo and GPS are truly compatible and interoperable and that positioning services will benefit all users worldwide.

With GIOVE-B broadcasting its highly accurate signal in space using is extremely stable clock we have a true representation of what Galileo will offer to provide the most advanced satellite positioning services, while ensuring compatibility and interoperability with GPS. I am looking forward to the first microwave obeservations (in the RINEX format) from the 13 world wide distributed Galileo Experimental Sensor Stations (GESS) to study the quality of the signals in comparison with GPS and GIOVE-A. In addition this should give us information regarding the stability and behaviour of the on-board clock.

As soon as I have some results I will inform you here (after ESA approval of course).

For more information look here:
http://www.esa.int/esaNA/SEMGVUZXUFF_index_0.html

Labels: ESA, Galileo, Giove