Galileo Navigation Constellation
Europe's independent global navigation satellite system, the world's most precise GNSS. Currently 28 operational satellites in medium Earth orbit providing positioning, navigation, and timing services. Galileo offers free Open Service accurate to ~1 meter and a High Accuracy Service (HAS) reaching centimeter-level precision. Second generation satellites (G2) with enhanced signals, inter-satellite links, and digital payloads are being launched starting 2024–2025. Mandatory in all smartphones sold in the EU since 2018.
Budget
€10.6B (2021–2027 EU allocation for Galileo + EGNOS)
Timeline
2005–ongoing
Key Milestones
GIOVE-A — first Galileo test satellite launched, validating frequency filings
2005
Initial Services declared operational with 18 satellites
2016
Full Operational Capability constellation complete (24 operational + spares)
2019
High Accuracy Service (HAS) went live — free 20cm precision via satellite signal
2023
First two Galileo Second Generation (G2) satellites launched on Ariane 6
2025
Full G2 constellation deployment underway — 12 next-gen satellites planned
2027
Contractors
Sources
- gsc-europa.eu
- esa.int/galileo
- euspa.europa.eu