The second generation of Galileo satellites are marching steadily towards completion. Many of the satellite components have been built and tested and are now being assembled into the satellites that will fly in space in the coming years.

Two families of second generation satellites are being built: one by Airbus Defence and Space and one by Thales Alenia Space. These two families will be fully interoperable with one another and with the current Galileo satellites while enabling new services and capabilities for Europe’s satellite navigation constellation.

In this photo, the electric propulsion system that will bring the satellite to its final orbit is being lowered onto the satellite platform of the Airbus Defence and Space satellite family. This proto flight model is the first of the Airbus Defence and Space satellites that will fly in space.

When the satellite is launched, Ariane 6 will bring it to an orbit of around 7000 km. From there, the electric propulsion module will take over and bring the satellite to its final orbit of over 23 000 km in medium Earth orbit over the course of six months.

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. ESA is also entrusted with research and development activities for the future of Galileo within the EU programme Horizon Europe. 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.

Learn more about Galileo.