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registry / constellations / Galileo

Galileo / navigation constellation

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European Unioninitial services

Galileo is a global satellite navigation system operated by the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) and the European Space Agency (ESA). The constellation flies in medium Earth orbit at approximately 23,222 km altitude across three orbital planes inclined 56 degrees. Galileo began offering Early Operational Capability on 15 December 2016 and provides an Open Service free to all users, alongside a High Accuracy Service, a Public Regulated Service for government-authorized users, and a Search and Rescue Service.

(source, as of 2026-07-13)

generations

GIOVEGIOVE testbed satellites flew from 2005 to 2008 as part of Galileo's development. (source, as of 2026-07-13)
IOVIOV (In-Orbit Validation) satellites flew from 2011 to 2012. (source, as of 2026-07-13)
FOCFOC (Full Operational Capability) satellites, Galileo's operational generation, span 2014 to 2027. (source, as of 2026-07-13)
Galileo Second Generation12 second-generation Galileo (G2G) satellites are in development, with deployment expected to begin in 2027. (source, as of 2026-07-13)

faq

Who operates Galileo?

Galileo is operated by European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) and European Space Agency (ESA). (source, as of 2026-07-13)

When did Galileo first launch?

Galileo first launched on 2005-12-28. (source, as of 2026-07-13)