The first element of Europe's global satellite navigation system is on its way: the four Galileo In-Orbit Validation (IOV) satellites that form the operational nucleus of the full constellation, launched two each by two Soyuz rockets.
Developed in collaboration between ESA and the European Commission (EC), Galileo will provide high-quality positioning, navigation and timing services to users across the whole world as a civil-controlled service with guaranteed continuity of coverage.
