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Galileo constellation now 12 after Thursday’s launch

December 17, 2015  - By

News from the European Space Agency

The pace of deploying Europe’s own satellite navigation system continued to increase with today’s launch of the latest pair of Galileo satellites, doubling the number of satellites in space within nine months.

Galileo 11 and 12 lifted off together at 11:51 GMT (12:51 CET, 08:51 local time) atop a Soyuz rocket from French Guiana.

This sixth Galileo launch was a textbook operation: all Soyuz stages performed as planned, culminating in the Fregat upper stage deploying the twin satellites into orbit close to 23,500 km altitude, around 3 hours and 48 minutes after liftoff.

Liftoff of Galileo satellites 11 and 12 aboard Soyuz VS13 took place at 11:51 GMT on Dec. 17, 2015.

Liftoff of Galileo satellites 11 and 12 aboard Soyuz VS13 took place at 11:51 GMT on Dec. 17, 2015. (Photo: ESA)

“With today’s launch, Europe has doubled the number of its Galileo satellites in orbit in just nine months,” commented Jan Woerner, director general of ESA.

“Along with the ground stations put in place around the globe, this brings Galileo’s completion within reach. Initial Galileo services are scheduled to begin within next year, which proves the importance of this wise investment.”

“The excellent performance of these satellites, as measured on the ground, allows Europe to join the club of the worldwide providers of satellite navigation services,” noted Didier Faivre, ESA’s Director of Galileo and Navigation-related Activities.

“Production, testing and launch of the remaining satellites are now proceeding on a steady basis according to plan.

The Fregat upper stage flew the latest two Galileo satellites most of the way up to medium-Earth orbit before they finally separated. (Artist's concept, courtesy of ESA).

The Fregat upper stage flew the latest two Galileo satellites most of the way up to medium-Earth orbit before they finally separated. (Artist’s concept, courtesy of ESA).

“Then, after the summer break in 2016, the tempo of deployment will increase further with the first of three customised Ariane 5 launchers that will carry four rather than two satellites into orbit each time.”

This month will see the 10th anniversary of the launch of Europe’s very first navigation satellite: GIOVE-A, on Dece. 28, 2005. It secured the frequencies set aside for Galileo, gathered data on the medium-altitude orbit environment and flight-tested hardware for the working system.

Watch the launch here:

ESA declares success.

Arianespace declares success.