The next two in-orbit validation (IOV) satellites, forming part of the European Galileo navigation system, were launched into space on October 12th by a Soyuz-Fregat rocket from the European Space Centre in French Guiana. The new additions are functioning very well after having executed the initial maneuvers for final orbit deployment.

Galileo is the European Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), a system under civil control that will offer high-precision positioning services. Galileo’s signal will be compatible with those of GPS and GLONASS; they are both currently up and running.

GMV engineers were part of the team that designed the system from the initial concept studies and test beds. They have manufactured several critical ground facilities that include the Orbit and Synchronization Processing Facility (OSPF), the Integrity Processing Facility (IPF), the Service Product Facility (SPF) and the Flight Dynamic Facility (FDF). The OSPF will produce the navigation message transmitted by the Galileo satellites that is necessary to calculate the user position.

This constellation of four IOV satellites representing the core of the Galileo system, marks a significant milestone. The two most recent IOV satellites, FM3 (David) and FM4 (Sif), will soon come into service together with the other two satellites currently in orbit, PFM (Thijs) and FM2 (Natalia), launched back in October 2011.

This launch will make it possible for the first time ever to calculate a ground position using only the Galileo satellite signal. This will allow the new navigation system to be tested before the definitive launch of the 26 remaining satellites.

After the completion of this in orbit validation phase the necessary satellites will then be launched to bring the system up to Initial Operational Capability (IOC) by the middle of this decade.

Galileo offers quality and integrity; features that are missing from existing military origin navigation systems. It also ensures better coverage at high latitudes.

The range of Galileo services will progressively increase as the constellation builds towards Full Operational Capability (FOC) by the end of this decade; after which the constellation will be able to start offering services to its users.

The complete Galileo system will comprise a constellation of 30 satellites (27 operational and 3 in reserve) distributed in three orbital planes at an altitude of 23,222 km above the earth, inclined at an angle of 56 degrees to the equator.

GMV catalogue of GNSS equipment and tools are ready to support Galileo in these crucial initial steps. Most notably, support of Galileo’s experimental receivers and augmentation systems to increase the position accuracy down to the centimeter level.