Galileo In Orbit Validation satellites (2011)

Two Galileo In-Orbit Validation (IOV) satellites before fairing closure. Galileo’s IOV phase, spanning from 2011 to 2014, marked the operational debut of Europe’s independent satellite navigation system. With the successful launch and testing of the first four operational satellites, this phase demonstrated the performance of both space and ground infrastructure, validating the system’s design, allowing Galileo’s first position fix and paving the way for the Initial Services declaration in December 2016. This milestone laid the foundation for Galileo’s global services and strategic autonomy in satellite navigation.