Galileo Constellation Expands with Activation of Two New Satellites

On Sunday, April 28, 2024, at 01:34 BST/02:34 CEST, two new Galileo satellites were launched into orbit aboard a Falcon 9, completing the second of the three orbital planes of this constellation. On September 5, approximately 3 months after the launch from Cape Canaveral, the satellites (number 29 and 30 of the sequence) reached their final positions at 23,222 km altitude, where they underwent testing and were officially deemed operational.

The Constellation

The addition of these satellites has improved the Galileo system’s accuracy, availability, and reliability. The next launch is scheduled for Sept. 16 from Cape Canaveral also on board a Falcon 9, bringing us closer to completing the entire constellation.

Galileo, which has been active since 2016, currently has 30 operational satellites in orbit. Of these, 26 have now reached Full Operational Capability (FOC), and the remaining 4 are spares in case of failure.

Six satellites are still planned to be launched in the coming years to complete the First Generation constellation. The launch of the Second Generation (G2) satellites will begin in 2026 aboard Ariane 6, further improving the system.

Successful In-Orbit Testing

After the launch of Galileo satellites 29 and 30, the Mission Control Team verified the correct deployment of the solar panels for the generation of power necessary for the initialization of the systems. Meanwhile, it was verified that the network of ground stations was functioning, allowing tracking and control of the constellation. The post-launch phase is called the “drift” phase. It focuses on guiding the satellites towards their final position, which was reached on June 24. The initial operations were managed by the Galileo Service Operator, which involved around 30 ESA and OHB experts at the Galileo Control Center in Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany.

Over the following months, up until the start of operations on September 5, each component underwent rigorous testing. This ensured integrity after the stresses caused by the launch, including antennas and atomic clocks.

On August 21 it was confirmed by the ESA, OHB, and SSTL agencies that the satellites had not suffered damage, guaranteeing their physical and performance integrity. With the Security Accreditation Board’s final approval, the satellites are now operational. They are now strengthening the precision and reliability of the Galileo constellation.

EUSPA

The European Union Agency for the Space Program makes available daily all the information relating to the operational status of the constellation:

Galileo is already the most precise satellite navigation system in the world. With the implementation of these additional two satellites, the accuracy and availability of Galileo signals are increasing. This project is essential not only for the simple daily facilitation of having GPS service on our cellphones but especially for numerous strategic sectors. These include agriculture, climate services, transport, aviation and drones, emergency management and humanitarian aid, and so on.

^{*Cover image credits: ESA}