OHB-System is part of the German-UK consortium that is constructing 14 of the first 18 Galileo spacecraft.

BBC: Galileo price rises 1.9bn euros

The first of 22 OHB-SSTL spacecraft should launch next year, again on a Soyuz from French Guiana.

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Asked about the affair, Mr Tajani said he was satisfied that OHB-System was "committed wholeheartedly" to the project.

BBC: Galileo price rises 1.9bn euros

"It is feasible to take Galileo satellites up with electric propulsion, if the technology is available and mature enough, " commented OHB's Ingo Engeln.

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Although Mr Smutny denied the cable's contents, OHB's board decided to remove him from his post to prevent any further damage to the company's reputation and the Galileo project.

BBC: Galileo price rises 1.9bn euros