Giove-B, the experimental satellite was launched on Sunday, April 27, 2008 from Kazakhstan in order to test technologies to be used in the Galileo system. The second and final test of the satellite is aimed to successfully operationalize Galileo Navigation system, designed to rival the American GPS system. The experimental satellite is also going to test the atomic clock, which is likely to be the most accurate in space. Galileo is scheduled to be operational by 2013 and is rooted to be technologically superior than the American GPS system.

 

Galileo is going to provide more than double existing GPS coverage, offering navigation to sailors, pilots, motorist and emergency rescue teams. The Giove-B satellite was put in to space with the help of Soyuz Launch vehicle. The Giove-B launch is touted as a crucial feat for the Galileo Navigation system, which has already experienced several delays. If all the technologies work as predicted by scientists and engineers in Giove-B, then European Union will finally launch four operational satellites in 2010. Full capability, however, will be put to use by 2013.