Europe orders four more Galileo satellites for delivery in 2031
The European Space Agency has extended contracts for four additional Galileo Second Generation satellites, taking the contracted fleet to 16. Thales Alenia Space and Airbus Defence and Space are each contracted to build two more spacecraft. Delivery is scheduled for 2031, while the first launch of the earlier second-generation satellites remains targeted for 2028. The additional spacecraft have yet to enter orbit.
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Two manufacturers receive two additional spacecraft each
The European Space Agency (ESA), Europe’s intergovernmental space organisation, announced contracts for four more Galileo Second Generation satellites on 27 October. Galileo is the European Union’s satellite navigation system. The extensions take the contracted second-generation fleet from 12 spacecraft to 16, with two additional satellites each for Thales Alenia Space in Italy and Airbus Defence and Space in Germany.[1], [2]
Both manufacturers had been contracted in 2021 to build six spacecraft apiece. The Thales Alenia Space extension was signed in Rome on 23 October, followed by the Airbus agreement in Ottobrunn, Germany, on 26 October. Delivery of the four additional satellites is scheduled for 2031, with launches to follow. Their configuration will match that of the satellites already being developed.[1], [2]
The first second-generation launch remains targeted for 2028
The first 12 satellites are on an earlier schedule. Development and qualification are approaching completion, while system integration and compatibility campaigns continue. Integration and flight testing of the first spacecraft are planned for 2027 before the first second-generation launch targeted for 2028. The newly ordered four have a later delivery timetable in 2031.[1]
The second generation is intended to work alongside the 38-spacecraft first-generation fleet, four of which have yet to launch. Galileo has offered open services since 2016. Its uses include transport and agriculture, precise timing for finance and support for rescue operations. Continuity between generations is part of the planned transition.[1], [2]
Digital navigation hardware is planned for the new generation
Planned equipment includes fully digital navigation payloads, improved antennas, links between satellites and an advanced atomic-clock configuration. ESA describes these as supporting more robust positioning, navigation and timing. The European Commission manages and funds Galileo. ESA leads technical design, development and qualification, while the European Union Agency for the Space Programme provides services and oversees operations. Thales Alenia Space will assemble its additional spacecraft in Rome, leading a consortium involving partners in 14 European countries.[1], [2]
Both manufacturers describe a planned operating lifetime of 15 years for their spacecraft.[2]
