Galileo is the European Union's Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), managed by the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) with design and development by the European Space Agency (ESA). It provides highly accurate, guaranteed global positioning services under civilian control with improved positioning and timing information. Galileo offers various services, including an Open Service (OS) for mass-market use, a Search and Rescue (SAR) function, a High Accuracy Service (HAS), and a Public Regulated Service (PRS) for authorized users.
All verified mentions of this organization in source documents.
Two new Galileo satellites were launched from the European spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana on 4 December 2021.
Galileo provides positioning services to more than 2 billion users worldwide.
The European Commission manages the Galileo program as part of a European partnership.
Galileo has been operational since 2016 as the global navigation satellite system fully financed and owned by the European Union.
Prior to VS26, 14 of the 26 Galileo satellites already in orbit had been launched by Soyuz between 2011 and 2016, and 12 had been launched by Ariane 5 between 2016 and 2018.
VS26 raised Galileo’s total fleet to 28 satellites.
Galileo operates under civilian control and offers high-precision positioning, navigation, and timing services to more than 2.3 billion users worldwide.
Galileo provides dual frequencies as standard to deliver real-time positioning accuracy down to the meter range.
The Galileo satellites are built by prime contractor OHB System, with payloads supplied by Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL), an Airbus Defence and Space subsidiary.
Arianespace’s 13th launch of 2021 was the 8th Soyuz mission of the year and launched the Galileo FOC 23-24 satellites into Medium Earth Orbit (MEO).
Soyuz and Ariane 6 are planned to orbit six additional Galileo FOC satellites.
The ESA-led Launch Readiness Review confirmed that the first two satellites in the final batch of 12 Galileo first-generation satellites were ready for launch, contingent on no external circumstances arising before the night of 1–2 December.
These two Batch-3 satellites will add to the 26-satellite Galileo constellation already on orbit and delivering initial services around the globe.
Galileo Second Generation satellites featuring enhanced navigation signals and capabilities are in development with deployment expected to begin by 2024.
The pair of Galileo Batch-3 satellites are the first of a total of 12 Batch-3 satellites manufactured by OHB Systems and their suppliers from across Europe.
Galileo satellites 27 and 28 are scheduled to be launched by a Soyuz launcher from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana on 2 December at 01:31 CET (1 December at 21:31:27 local Kourou time).
Two further Galileo launches are planned for the following year to allow Galileo to reach full operational capability, followed by launches of the rest of the Batch-3 satellites which are undergoing pre-flight testing.
The hydrazine fuel loaded into the two Galileo satellites will be used to maneuver them during their 12 years of working life.
The two satellites to be launched will add to the 26 Galileo satellites already in orbit and delivering Initial Services around the globe.
Galileo satellites 27 and 28 are scheduled to be launched for the European Space Agency (ESA) by a Soyuz launcher from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana on 2021-12-02 at 01:31 CET (2021-12-01 at 21:31:27 local Kourou time).