G Farris wrote:

Galileo has won some European funding approval this year, so it should move
forward to at least the next stage.It is a very clever initiative, because it
plays on the Europeans' pride (particularly the French) in not having to rely
on something developed and offered (even for free) from the Americans.

Actually, it was't pride. If I recall correctly, the Europe didn't want
to re-invent the wheel but to cooperate with the USA. It was the USA who
declined to give guaranties, basically saying that GPS was crucial
military infrasturcture and that the US army would always reserve the
right to shut it down, jam it or whatever at its discretion. It was at
this point that Europe said no thanks, we're gonna develop our own
system, even if it's expensive.

Stefan