Galileo satellites 29 and 30, launched from Cape Canaveral three months ago, have reached their intended positions at an altitude of 23,222 km. After extensive testing, they have been deemed fully operational. Both satellites are part of the same orbital plane, one of three that make up the Galileo constellation. With two of the three planes now fully populated, just one more launch is needed to complete the constellation. The upcoming launch of the next Galileo satellites is planned for the coming weeks from Kennedy Space Center in Florida aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9.
The two new satellites are already active, transmitting navigation signals that enhance system accuracy and contribute to the overall reliability and robustness of the Galileo system.
In-Orbit Testing Success
The satellites were launched on 28 April by SpaceX under contract with the European Space Agency (ESA), using a Falcon 9 rocket to place them into medium Earth orbit, near their final target positions. During the first hours after launch, the Mission Control Team confirmed the successful deployment of the solar arrays and ensured that the network of ground stations could track and control the satellites.
Initial operations were managed by the Galileo Service Operator, supported by a team of around 30 satellite experts from ESA and satellite manufacturer OHB, all based at the Galileo Control Centre in Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany. These operations were conducted under the supervision of the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA).
The satellites' final orbital positions were reached on 24 June after a guided drift phase. Since then, each satellite component, including its antennas and clocks, has undergone thorough testing to ensure no damage occurred during the launch.
On 21 August, ESA, OHB, and payload manufacturer SSTL reviewed the test results and confirmed that the satellites experienced no degradation during launch. Following these results, ESA and EUSPA validated the satellites' performance, and the Security Accreditation Board granted approval for both satellites to commence full operations.
This achievement is the result of a collaborative effort involving ESA, EUSPA, the European Commission, OHB, SSTL, and various teams at the Galileo Control Centres.
Galileo: A Global Leader in Satellite Navigation
Since its Open Service launch in 2017, Galileo has become the world's most precise satellite navigation system, serving over four billion smartphone users globally. All smartphones sold within the European Single Market are equipped with Galileo capabilities. Beyond consumer electronics, Galileo supports diverse industries, including rail, maritime, agriculture, financial services, and search and rescue operations.
Galileo is a flagship program of the European Union (EU), managed and funded by the European Commission. ESA oversees system design, development, and qualification for both space and ground segments, and manages the procurement of launch services. In addition, ESA is responsible for research and development through the EU's Horizon Europe program. EUSPA serves as the operational system provider, ensuring safe and secure service delivery and responding to market demands and application needs.