First Galileo satellite on orbit to demonstrate key technologies



 

Artist's impression of GIOVE-A, the first of ESA’s In-Orbit Verification spacecraft for the Galileo global navigation satellite system, as it deploys its second solar array shortly after launch by a Russian Soyuz/Fregat vehicle, in December 2005.




 
Soyuz on launch pad six, fueled and ready for lift off. Liquid oxygen is evaporating and being vented, causing the white clouds surrounding the base of the rocket.

First step for Galileo
 
Lift off of Soyuz carrying GIOVE-A
 
The Soyuz carrying GIOVE-A climbs into the sky above Kazakhstan.



Release date: 20 July 2009