1994 – the idea of a global positioning system for Europe is first proposed. The idea is that it will be independent from the GPS system developed by the USA, and the GLONASS system in Russia. It will also have greater accuracy and to be under civilian, not military, control

1999 – the four projects developed by teams of engineers in Germany, France, the UK and Italy are made into one

Jan 2002 – the project is in big trouble following the attack of September 11, 2001. The United States GPS system and Galileo uses the same signal to turn them off. This means that in times of emergency both would have to be shut down, affecting US defence capability. The Americans wants the EU to abandon Galileo.

March 2002- European Transport ministers decide to go ahead with the project

May 2003 – the first stage of the project is agreed by the European Union and the European Space Agency. The estimated final cost is €3 billion.  Telecommunications companies all over Europe start thinking of potential uses for the new system. It is estimated Galileo will generate 150,000 new jobs

Sept 2003 – China joins the project and says it will contribute around 20% of the cost, €230 million. It is interested in the part of the system to be used by the police and security services, as well as potential military applications. The USA is not happy.

June 2004 - Galileo will consist of various systems. There is a public or ‘open’ system, which can track objects on the ground to within 4 metres of their actual position. There are also more accurate systems reserved for commercial, police and air traffic control use, which are protected by encryption. The USA and EU will be able to jam each others signals in war zones, to prevent an enemy from using it, without closing down their own system.

June 2004 – the first annual Galileo Masters Competition is held to choose the best potential applications for the new system.

July 2004 – Israel decides to become a partner in the project

Dec 2004 – an agreement is signed between the ESA and Galileo Industries to build the first four satellites for the Galileo system at a cost of €150 million

June 2005 – the Ukraine announces it wants to get involved in the project. The second annual Galileo Masters Competition is held

Sept 2005 – India joins the programme. It will contribute three satellites and several ground stations to start functioning in 2006, but to become part of the Galileo system once it is ready

Nov 2005 – Morocco and Saudi Arabia join the programme

Dec 2005 – two test satellites are launched in Kazakhstan. The following month,  they successfully send back the first navigational signals.

June 2006 - the third annual Galileo Masters Competition. More countries have expressed interest in joining the project including Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Malaysia and Australia.