PARIS - Giove A, the first Galileo test satellite, has been repositioned to a parking orbit after completing its planned mission.

Built by Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. and launched in December 2005, Giove A performed far beyond its two-year design life, securing international frequency filings, collecting data to characterize Galileo's medium Earth orbit and demonstrating atomic clocks and other key system technologies.

The spacecraft remains operational and will continue broadcasting test signals from its new position, 113 kilometers (70 miles) above the planned orbit of the Galileo operational satellites, until it is finally decommissioned.

A second test satellite, Giove B, built by an Astrium-led team, remains in operation.

The first four operational spacecraft, known as the In-Orbit Validation satellites, are under construction by a European consortium including Astrium, Thales and Finmeccanica. They are to be launched in two pairs, one in the first half of next year and the other in early 2011.

European space industry executives say they expect system, satellite and launch awards for the other 26 operational spacecraft, known as Full Operating Capability satellites, to be issued by year's end. These contracts are on the critical path and the European Space Agency, which is running the procurement process on behalf of the European Commission (EC), says they must be finalized this year if the system is to meet the ECs 2013 in-service objective.

The other three awards - for satellite and mission control and operations - are to be issued early next year. Two teams are vying for the system and satellite awards. Arianespace was selected for the launcher contract, but two rockets, the Ariane 5 and Soyuz, are in competition. According to industry officials, best and final offers for these three contracts are to be opened on Nov. 11 and the winners officially announced on Dec. 21.

Artist's concept of Giove A: NASA