Galileo - one step closer to full operational capability

Four more Galileo satellites were launched on an Ariane 5 launcher from Guyana Space Centre in Kourou, French Guyana, on 12 December 2017 at 18:36 UTC. This launch brings the Galileo system to 22 satellites, with one more launch remaining before the constellation reaches completion.

For the first time, the European GNSS Agency (GSA) has been responsible for the Launch and Early Orbit Phase (LEOP) of this space mission following the handover to the GSA of the responsibility for Galileo operations and service provision on July 1, 2017.  The GSA will be overseeing Spaceopal Gmbh in their new role as Galileo Service Operator. The European Space Agency will maintain an advisory role.

This launch is anticipated to enhance the global availability of navigation signals. Galileo began Initial Services just under a year ago, on December 15, 2016. Speaking at the launch event, GSA Executive Director Carlo des Dorides said: “Today’s successful launch is another positive step forward for Galileo and the GSA. The fact that leaders from five of the world’s major chipset and receiver manufacturers attended the launch for the first time is testament to the growing industry support and confidence being placed in Galileo and a realisation of what it has to offer the market.”

The next Galileo launch is scheduled to take place in 2018, with an Ariane 5 launcher carrying another four Galileo satellites (two satellites to complete the constellation and two orbit spares).

You can find more at ESA’s press release.