Galileo Second Generation developing at full speed
The building of twelve Galileo Second Generation satellites is progressing rapidly, with several key milestones achieved in recent months. Among the most significant are the successful compatibility tests with ground infrastructure, an essential step as the satellites move through the production cycle.
Across Europe, Galileo Second Generation (G2) teams are hard at work building twelve satellites that will integrate seamlessly with the current Galileo navigation fleet. With two families of six satellites, developed by Thales Alenia Space (TAS) and Airbus Defence and Space (ADS), the upgraded models will bring countless benefits to users in Europe and around the world. But before they are ready for launch, each satellite must undergo rigorous testing on the ground.
A crucial phase in the development of a new satellite is the System Compatibility Test Campaign (SCTC), a comprehensive round of tests to ensure their full compatibility with ground segment. For the G2 programme, the ground segment is being developed by Thales Alenia Space, GMV, Thales SIX GTS and their industrial partners. The SCTC is divided into multiple phases, with each test case gradually increasing in complexity.
"This first compatibility test round has confirmed that the satellites receive, interpret and execute commands correctly and that the ground segment is able to receive and decode telemetry data reflecting the satellites’ operational status,” explains Head of Galileo Space Segment at the European Space Agency (ESA), Andrea Cotellessa.
The compatibility testing campaign for Galileo Second Generation satellites started in September 2024 at Thales Alenia Space in Rome, Italy, with ground segment and satellite engineering modules generating, sending and receiving a first set of commands and telemetry. Airbus Defence and Space followed in February, in the company’s facilities in Friedrichshafen, Germany.
Compatibility testing will continue over the coming months culminating in the final phase next year, when the actual flight satellites, rather than representative models, will be tested.
Meanwhile, as the equipment and technology development activities for the satellites are nearing completion, flight hardware production is in full swing.
In March this year, Airbus Defence and Space completed the acceptance test of the first of six navigation antennas. Representatives of ESA, as Galileo design authority, and of the EU Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA), as operator of the system, were present at the company’s facilities in Getafe, Spain.
Both industries have started integrating hardware subsystems into the first flight models, including the first assembly of the technology that will enable intersatellite links, one of the innovative features of Galileo Second Generation. The subsystems will then be subjected to environmental tests (thermal vacuum, vibration and acoustic tests).
Afterwards, assembly, integration and testing campaigns will be conducted at satellite, ground segment and system level to meet the qualification required for launch.
ESA’s Head of Galileo Miguel Manteiga: “The execution of System Compatibility Test Campaigns on both satellite families is a pivotal step in any satellite programme, where teams shift their main focus from design and development to validation and qualification. We are extremely proud to be working with such excellent industrial partners focused on keeping Europe at the forefront of satellite navigation worldwide. We are really looking forward to the advanced capabilities of these satellites once they are launched.”
Galileo Second Generation satellites will integrate seamlessly with the current fleet to form the largest European satellite constellation and deliver essential services worldwide. With fully digital navigation payloads, electric propulsion, a better-performing navigation antenna, inter-satellite link capacity and an advanced atomic clock configuration, G2 satellites will provide more robust and reliable positioning, navigation and timing.
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About Galileo
Galileo is currently the world’s most precise satellite navigation system, serving over four billion smartphone users around the globe since entering Open Service in 2017. All smartphones sold in the European Single Market are now guaranteed Galileo-enabled. In addition, Galileo is making a difference across the fields of rail, maritime, agriculture, financial timing services and rescue operations.
A flagship programme of the EU, Galileo is managed and funded by the European Commission. Since its inception, ESA, as system development prime and design authority, leads the design, development and qualification of the space and ground systems, and procures launch services. ESA is also entrusted with research and development activities for the future of Galileo within the EU programme Horizon Europe. The EU Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) acts as the system prime for the operational system provider, ensuring exploitation and safe and secure delivery of services while overseeing market demands and application needs.
For more info about Galileo: https://www.usegalileo.eu/EN/