Two new satellites join the Galileo constellation

The European Galileo navigation system has two extra satellites in orbit following their launch within the early morning of Sunday, 28 April, at 01:34 BST/02:34 CEST. With 30 satellites now in orbit, Galileo is increasing its constellation, rising the reliability, robustness and, finally, the precision, benefiting billions of customers worldwide.

Already the most precise satellite navigation system on this planet and the most important European constellation of satellites, Galileo has been operational since 2016, when Preliminary Companies have been declared. Galileo is making a distinction throughout the fields of rail, maritime, agriculture, monetary timing companies and rescue operations.

Many strategic sectors depend upon it: Already 10% of the EU’s yearly GDP depends on satellite navigation and that is set to extend. From discovering our means, to supporting Search and Rescue actions and offering ultra-precise timestamps for all types of institutional and commercial applications, Galileo is integral to our on a regular basis lives.

For the reason that conception of Galileo, 38 Galileo satellites have been developed and examined by ESA and European trade for the EU’s Galileo program. Of those, 4 In-Orbit-Validation and 26 Full Operation Functionality satellites have been positioned in orbit with 12 launches.

This launch is going down only some days after the brand new Public Regulated Service (PRS) alerts began to be broadcasted. This encrypted navigation service is particularly designed for approved governmental customers and delicate functions, contributing to extend Europe’s autonomy and resilience within the essential area of satellite navigation.

The eight remaining Galileo First Technology satellites are able to be launched quickly, after which a Second Generation (G2) of satellites will begin becoming a member of the constellation, anticipated in 2026 with the Ariane 6 launcher.

ESA, as Galileo’s design authority and system improvement prime, is working with European trade to develop the G2 satellites that may revolutionize the fleet with enhanced capabilities. G2 satellites will use electric propulsion and host a extra highly effective navigation antenna, extra and even higher atomic clocks and totally digital payloads.