List of Galileo satellites

Model of a Galileo satellite

This is a list of past and present satellites of the Galileo navigation system. The fully operational constellation will nominally consist of 30 satellites in Medium Earth Orbit, with 24 active and 6 spares equally divided into 3 orbital planes in a Walker 24/3/1 configuration.[1]

As of September 2024, 32 Galileo (4 IOV "In Orbit Validation" and 28 FOC "Full Operational Capability") satellites have been launched. The 2 GIOVE ("Galileo In-Orbit Validation Element") prototype vehicles were retired in 2012. Currently, 25 satellites are operational, 2 are undergoing commissioning, 4 are not usable, and 1 is decommissioned.

The remaining 6 FOC satellites have completed manufacturing and testing. They are currently in storage awaiting launch by Ariane 6.[2]

FOC satellites were awarded and built in three batches by OHB in Bremen, Germany, with the contribution of Surrey Satellite Technology (SSTL) in Guildford, United Kingdom.[3][4]

  1. Batch 1 consists of 14 FOC satellites (Galileo-FOC FM1 to Galileo-FOC FM14)
  2. Batch 2 consists of 8 FOC satellites (Galileo-FOC FM15 to Galileo-FOC FM22)
  3. Batch 3 consists of 12 FOC satellites (Galileo-FOC FM23 to Galileo-FOC FM34)

In parallel to Batch 3's completion, the Galileo Second Generation (G2G) satellites, featuring electric propulsion, enhanced navigation signals and capabilities, inter-satellite links and reconfigurability in space, were in development by Thales Alenia Space (TAS) and Airbus Defence and Space, with their deployment expected to begin in 2026.[3][5][6][7][8]

VS-01 launching the GSAT0101 and GSAT0102 IOV satellites on 21 October 2011
  1. ^ https://www.euspa.europa.eu/eu-space-programme/galileo/faqs/what-does-galileo-consist
  2. ^ "ESTEC says goodbye to Galileo 1st Generation satellites". GPS World. 15 November 2022. Retrieved 1 March 2023.
  3. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference eoportal was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ "12 things you never knew about Galileo satellites". ESA. 5 December 2021. Retrieved 5 December 2021.
  5. ^ "ESA signs contract for new generation of Galileo". ESA. 28 May 2021. Retrieved 5 December 2021.
  6. ^ "ESA signs contract for new generation of Galileo". Airbus. 16 June 2021. Retrieved 12 December 2021.
  7. ^ "Galileo". Airbus. 16 June 2021. Retrieved 12 December 2021.
  8. ^ "Thales Alenia Space will play a major role on-board Galileo 2nd Generation and will boost performances and cybersecurity for the constellation". Thales Alenia Space. 3 March 2021. Retrieved 13 December 2021.