The European GPS System Lifts Off

The European Union launched the first two satellites in its Galileo satellite navigation system, which will consist of a 30-satellite constellation later this decade.

The EU touts Galileo as a civilian managed system providing "independence in navigation" -- meaning the world will no longer have to rely on the pioneering GPS system built, paid for and managed by the U.S. Defense Department.

Maybe Galileo will serve as a good fall back when the LightSquared cellular system, which knocks out some GPS receivers, goes into operation.