GIOVE-A2 to secure the Galileo programme



 

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.



GIOVE-A being prepared for testing
 
GIOVE-A in a clean room at ESA-ESTEC, having instrumentation sensors installed prior to testing. The phased array, L-band antenna is visible on the top face.

GIOVE-A launch - satellite separates from Fregat upper stage
 

Artist's impression of the launch of GIOVE-A in December 2005, on a Russian Soyuz/Fregat vehicle. The satellite is shown as it separates from the Fregat upper stage after reaching a medium Earth orbit. On top of the satellite is its phased array L-band antenna, able to illuminate all the visible Earth below it.





Release date: 10 May 2007