Belgium to accommodate Galileo logistics centre

28/06/2018

The logistics centre of Galileo, the European satellite navigation system, has recently been set up in Transinne. It is responsible for the effective operation of Galileo's sixteen antenna stations.

Transinne is a small village, near Redu, in the province of Luxembourg, but is well known to fans of space travel. Since 1991, the district has been home to the Euro Space Centre, where people of any age can learn all about the universe and its discovery. It is now also the home of GILSC (Galileo Integrated Logistic Support Centre), Galileo's logistical centre. In fact, it's no easy task to ensure that Galileo's sixteen base stations, located all across the world, have sufficient stock and to be responsible for their maintenance, as well as dealing with any technical issues.

The building, which operates a strict security system, measures 3000 m² and cost 12.6 million euros. This sum was funded entirely by the Walloon region.

The European Union and the European Space Agency ESA have been working for some while on their own satellite navigation system. Galileo aims to be an independent alternative for military systems such as the American Global Positioning System (GPS) and the Russian GLObal NAvigation Satellite System (GLONASS). Galileo currently has 22 satellites in circulation. There should 30 by 2020, when the system will become fully operational.