Two new satellites added to Galileo constellation for elevated resilience

The thirteenth launch within the Galileo programme, carried out by SpaceX beneath contract with ESA, has taken Galileo satellites quantity 31 and 32 (FM26 and FM32) to medium Earth orbit, extending the constellation to make it extra strong and resilient. Within the coming weeks, the brand new satellites will attain their closing vacation spot at 23 222 km, the place they are going to be examined previous to beginning operations. 

ESA Director of Navigation Javier Benedicto stated, “With the deployment of those two satellites, Galileo completes its constellation as designed, reaching the required operational satellites plus one spare per orbital aircraft. The remaining 6 Galileo First Technology satellites are anticipated to be deployed in 2025 and 2026 for elevated robustness and efficiency, solidifying the resilience and reliability of Galileo and enabling uninterrupted supply of the world’s most exact navigation.” 

ESA, as design authority and system improvement prime, along with producer OHB, has developed and examined 38 satellites because the conception of Galileo. All however six satellites have been launched, with the remaining ones prepared to affix the constellation beginning subsequent 12 months. They are going to be launched in pairs by Ariane 6, ESA’s new launcher that efficiently accomplished its inaugural flight in July. Thereafter, the primary batch of Galileo Second Technology (G2) satellites, at the moment beneath improvement by Thales Alenia House and Airbus Defence and House, may also be positioned in orbit by ESA’s heavy launcher. 

Galileo, onwards and upwards

2024 has been a busy 12 months within the Galileo programme, that strikes forward at full pace. In April, the primary twin launch of the 12 months positioned satellites 29 and 30 in orbit. After a profitable early orbit part and take a look at marketing campaign, the pair entered into service in September.  

Only a few days previous to the April launch, Galileo’s new Public Regulated Service (PRS) alerts began broadcasting. This encrypted navigation service is particularly designed for authorised governmental customers and delicate purposes, contributing to extend Europe’s autonomy and resilience within the vital area of satellite tv for pc navigation. 

Additionally in April, Galileo’s floor section, the biggest in Europe and one of many continent’s most important infrastructures, was migrated with no consumer influence. This improve was wanted partially to organize the system for Galileo’s Second Technology, that’s being constructed by European business. G2 satellites can be ground-breaking with totally digital navigation payloads, electrical propulsion, a extra highly effective navigation antenna, inter-satellite hyperlink capability and a sophisticated atomic clock configuration. 

About Galileo

Galileo is at the moment the world’s most exact satellite tv for pc navigation system, serving over 4 billion smartphone customers across the globe since coming into Open Service in 2017. All smartphones bought within the European Single Market at the moment are assured Galileo-enabled. As well as, Galileo is making a distinction throughout the fields of rail, maritime, agriculture, monetary timing companies and rescue operations. 

A flagship programme of the EU, Galileo is managed and funded by the European Fee. Since its inception, ESA, as system improvement prime and design authority, leads the design, improvement and qualification of the house and floor techniques, and procures launch companies. ESA can be entrusted with analysis and improvement actions for the way forward for Galileo inside the EU programme Horizon Europe. The EU Company for the House Programme (EUSPA) acts because the system prime for the operational system supplier, making certain exploitation and protected and safe supply of companies whereas overseeing market calls for and software wants.  

For more information about Galileo: https://www.usegalileo.eu/EN/