The European Space Agency (ESA) awarded contracts this week to both Airbus and Thales Alenia Space contracts to build two additional Galileo satellites each to enhance the Galileo navigation system.
This contract means that each manufacturer will now build eight second generation Galileo (G2) satellites. ESA previously contracted both manufacturers in 2021 for six G2 satellites each.
ESA stated the four satellites are scheduled for delivery in 2031 will launch soon after.
They will be identical to the G2 satellites already under development. They will be equipped with fully digital navigation payloads, inter-satellite link capacity and an advanced atomic clock configuration, with more reliable positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) services.
“With these contracts, ESA and European industry are safeguarding the continuity of Europe’s satellite navigation services, responding to the evolving needs of users, and strengthening Europe’s strategic autonomy. These contracts represent an investment in Europe’s ability to navigate its own future, independently and with confidence,” commented ESA Director of Resilience, Navigation and Connectivity Laurent Jaffart.
The Galileo system has been in operation since 2016 and is currently composed of 36 satellites in orbit, with two remaining to launch.
The 16-satellite G2 system will join the first generation and continue the constellation and support new services. ESA reports that development and qualification activities are nearing completion for the first 12 G2 satellites, which are set to begin launching in 2028.
