Galileo Second Generation compatibility tests at Thales Alenia Space

In July 2026, an invisible signal travelled from Germany to Italy, connecting the Galileo Ground Control Centre to a Galileo Second Generation (G2) satellite for the first time. This marked a major step forward in the programme's marathon of compatibility tests.

During this step in the System Compatibility Test Campaign, the Galileo Control Centre in Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany activated the navigation payload in the Thales Alenia Space (TAS) satellite model in the TAS integration facilities in Rome, Italy and delivered commands that the satellite was able to acquire, interpret and execute. The satellite model also sent back telemetry data on its operational status.

In the coming years, the G2 satellites will join the current Galileo constellation, providing more robust and reliable positioning, navigation and timing.

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