SSTL are pleased to see so much talk about their Guildford-built GIOVE-A satellite once again in the news. However, the nature of the news is surprising. Everyone likes a good conspiracy, whether it’s the hacking of the Pentagon computer systems or the decryption of DVDs by a teenager in his bedroom.

As such, when a group of University researchers took an interest in decoding Galileo ( see Members of Cornell University's Global Positioning System Laboratory have cracked the so-called pseudo random number (PRN) codes of Europe's first global navigation satellite, despite efforts to keep the codes secret), a (rather sensationalist) headline caught the imagination of the media. And why not, if Galileo signals were to be given away for free how would the new system be paid for? Furthermore, Galileo, whilst designed to work alongside GPS will inevitably raise some eyebrows in the US, home of GPS.

Confusing, the article explains that GIOVE-A codes have been cracked, but clearly states that these are not the real Galileo codes. Indeed, to crack the Galileo spreading codes is - other than the immediate challenge - a waste of time because Galileo spreading codes are already published (ICD for Galileo is public and available on Galileo Joint Undertaking (GJU) website.

As the press release fairly commented, SSTL’s Martin Unwin politely refused the request for Galileo signal information. GIOVE-A was designed and built by SSTL, a long time pioneer in space technology for the GJU. The company is renowned for its unique capability to develop highly cost effective, rapid response solutions – in this case the timeframe of 27 months from contract signing to launch represents a highly competitive industry benchmark. As the manufacturer, it is not SSTL’s responsibility to release information about Galileo related services, such information is available through the proper channels as and when they choose to release it.

The mission of GIOVE-A (Galileo In Orbit Validation Element) was to secure the Galileo frequency filing with the ITU, the signals were first received in January at the Chilbolton Observatory. GIOVE-A is now completing secondary mission objectives, collecting information to characterise the radiation environment of the planned medium earth orbits of the eventual Galileo constellation, providing essential feedback for the design of the 30 operational Galileo navigation satellites.

There is no secrecy about GIOVE-A, it is not providing services but test signals used to assess their suitability and performances for the In Orbit Validation of the future Galileo system.

GIOVE-A spreading codes are easy to determine by simple technical analytical means. However, spreading codes have nothing to do with encryption codes. Encryption codes are used to control access to satellites, and access to commercial and PRS services. Galileo encryption codes will be generated by Key Management Facilities (KMF) under development. Encryption codes will not be public, and will have a strong level of protection. In case encryption codes are compromised (cracked) the system will generate new codes to protect the commercial and security integrity of the services provided.

Contrary to miscellaneous media reports, Galileo will provide a free service in a similar way to GPS but with greater (1m) accuracy. Revenue is generated by paid sub – metre location and timing services that will enable new applications. The Programme has already stated on several occasions that the open service will be provided without direct user fees as recollected in the Article 10 of the EC/USA agreement.