The security deal is due to be formally signed with the U.S. next week and the plan is to ship the Galileo satellites, each weighing roughly 700 kilograms, to the U.S. on March 27, one diplomat said.
The first launch of two satellites would then take place in the second half of April with the second launch scheduled for July, Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton previously told POLITICO.
The security deal text makes clear that staff posted by the EU or ESA should get access to “classified equipment and documentation” related to Galileo and even says the EU has the right to post security guards to protect its gear.
Should the launch fail, the ESA would have clearance to retrieve any debris, store the remains and ship it back to Europe, according to the agreed text.
To assuage fears from some countries — notably France — that it could become commonplace to launch satellites using SpaceX rather than Ariane, the security pact will expire in 2027.
CORRECTION: The headline of this article has been updated to correct that the EU has agreed a deal with the U.S; it will be signed next week.
