Backed by Russia, the Europeans will launch two of their Galileo global positioning satellites into space in October, UPI quoted the European Commission as saying this week. "This launch is of historical importance," European Commission Industry Commissioner Antonio Tajani said in a statement. "Europe is demonstrating that it has the capability to be at the forefront of technological innovation." To be launched Oct. 20 from French Guiana, the two satellites would be the first of eventually up to 30 placed in orbit by 2019. Galileo would then provide around-the-globe navigation for aircraft, ships, cars and private users -- similar to the U.S. Global Positioning System. The satellites will be launched via a Russian Sojus carrier rocket because Europe's Ariane isn't up to the task.
