Posted: Thu, May 8, 2008, 6:50 AM ET (1050 GMT)
Europe's second experimental navigation satellite transmitted its first signals on Wednesday. The Galileo In-Orbit Validation Element B (GIOVE-B), launched late last month, started transmitting navigation signals on Wednesday. The spacecraft used a GPS-Galileo common signal in accordance with an agreement between the EU and US reached last year. The signal will not be used operationally, but will be studied to ensure that it is generated properly. GIOVE-B is also designed to test a number of technologies planned for the operational Galileo navigation satellites planned for launch starting early next decade.

Related Links:

•  BBC article
•  vnunet.com article
•  ESA press release