The first two satellites in the Galileo constellation, two experimental trail-blazers dubbed GSTB-V2/A and GSTB-V2/B, are at an advanced stage of preparation, ready to make the first step (*) under the In-Orbit Validation phase of the Galileo programme.

Both are currently in the last-tests phase before commencing their mission into orbit. The first, GSTB-V2/A, is at present undergoing its final environmental test campaign (solar simulation, acoustic and vibration checks) on the test facilities at ESA's ESTEC centre in Noordwijk (The Netherlands). The second, GSTB-V2/B, is undergoing its final integration tests at the Alenia Spazio facilities in Rome (Italy).

The two launches will be performed by a Soyuz rocket from the Baikonur cosmodrome, the first by the end of 2005. The second launch is planned for later on in 2006.

On Tuesday 9 November, media representatives will have a unique opportunity to get an in-depth Galileo background briefing given by several experts. After the briefing, Ms Karla Peijs, Dutch Minister of Transport, Public Works & Water Management, and Jean-Jacques Dordain, ESA's Director General, will share with the media an opportunity to see the first spacecraft at ESA's Test Centre at ESTEC.

At the same time, Minister Peijs will announce the chosen names of the two experimental satellites.

(*)This "first step" in the Galileo programme is known as the Galileo System Test Bed (GSTB) and comprises the launch of experimental satellites to secure the frequencies allocated to Galileo by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) to test in-orbit-critical technologies and the novel navigation signals specifically developed for this programme.

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