Thailand, China, Laos and Brunei already use the Chinese system, which currently consists of 16 operational satellites. PHOTO: AFP/ FILE
The satellites, which blasted off from Europe's spaceport in French Guiana aboard an Ariane 5 rocket at 10.06 AM local time (1306 GMT), will be part of the European Union's alternative to the US Global Positioning System, or GPS.
SpaceX seeks US approval for internet-via-satellite network
The launch brings the number of Galileo satellites - each weighing about 700 kgs (1,543 pounds), equipped with antennae and sensors and powered by two 5-square-metre (53.8 square foot) solar wings – in orbit to 18, of a planned total of 30.
1730464033-0/BeFunky-collage-(12)1730464033-0-165x106.webp "article")
1732445375-0/Untitled-design-(9)1732445375-0-270x192.webp "sinkhole shuts victoria s great alpine road")
1732428810-0/Copy-of-Untitled-(3)1732428810-0-270x192.webp "philippine vp sara duterte warns of assassination plot against president if she is killed")
1732425487-0/BeFunk_§_]__-(42)1732425487-0.jpg "us senator lindsey graham warns uk over netanyahu arrest")
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ