Galileo goes to the Moon

Written by Copernical Team Tuesday, 07 April 2026 07:45

font size decrease font size increase font size

Last year, history was made as a navigation receiver on the Moon determined its position in real time using signals from approximately 410 000 km away. The receiver, called the Lunar GNSS Receiver Experiment (LuGRE), acquired signals from four navigation satellites orbiting Earth: two Galileo satellites and two GPS satellites.

The mission also tested Galileo’s Emergency Warning Satellite Service (EWSS) on the Moon, demonstrating the robustness and reach of the planned service.

About Galileo

Galileo is currently the world’s most precise satellite navigation system, serving billions of smartphone users around the globe since entering Open Service in 2016. All smartphones sold in the European Single Market are now guaranteed Galileo-enabled. In addition, Galileo is making a difference across the fields of rail, maritime, agriculture, financial timing services and rescue operations. 

The Galileo programme is managed and funded by the European Commission under the EU Space programme. Since its inception, ESA leads the design, development and qualification of the space and ground systems, as well as carrying out launches. The EU Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) acts as the service provider, bringing the satellites into service and overseeing their operation and the market and application needs. 

For more info about Galileo: https://www.usegalileo.eu/EN/