OHB-System AG, a subsidiary otf the European Space- and Technology group OHB Technology AG, has just set the first milestone in the Galileo FOC (Full Operational Capability) programme. Recently, the Bremen company signed the delivery contract with the British subcontractor Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. (SSTL) for the 14 payloads for the satellites of the European navigation system „Galileo" . The overall volume of the contract amounts to € 230 million.

With this contract, SSTL has committed themselves to develop, integrate and deliver to OHB 14 payloads for the Galileo Satellites.

Berry Smutny, CEO of the OHB-System AG, stated: „ This contract fortifies our partnership with SSTL for low-cost satellites for Galileo. It is our common target to deliver first-class quality navigation satellites on time."

OHB-System is the main contractor for the first 14 satellites of the future European navigation system"Galileo" and above all this, responsible for the development and integrateion of of the satellite bus. As from mid 2011, all satellites will be finalized on the Bremen site. The first launch of two Galileo Satellites is scheduled at the end of 2012.

* The OHB project is funded by, and part of, the Galileo programme which is an initiative by the European Union (EU), and where the European Space Agency (ESA) acts in the name of, and on behalf of, the EU. "Galileo" is a trademark subject to OHIM application number 002742237 by EU and ESA.