Next Galileo Satellite Reaches Launch Site

The next Galileo navigation satellite has touched down at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana, to begin preparations for launch in October 2012, when this plus another new satellite will join the first two Galileo satellites – launched last year – in medium-Earth orbit at 23,222km. This will mark a significant step in Europe’s programme because it will complete the deployment of infrastructure required for the IOV phase and will allow for the first time a computation of on-ground position based solely on Galileo satellites.

The IOV phase is being followed by the deployment of additional satellites and ground segment as required to achieve the ‘Full Operational Capability’, leading to provision of services.

The first 22 of these ‘Final Operational Capability’ satellites are currently being built by OHB in Germany, responsible for the platforms and final satellite integration, and UK-based Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd, producing the payloads.