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[SITUATION] · [ACTIVE] · [TECHNOLOGY]

2 clusters · 17 sources · 3 days · First seen · Last updated

ESA Galileo second-generation satellite expansion

Overview

The European Space Agency (ESA) has awarded contracts to Airbus and Thales Alenia Space for the construction of four additional second-generation (G2) Galileo satellites. This expansion increases the total number of G2 satellites ordered from each manufacturer to eight, following original contracts for six satellites each signed in 2021.

These new satellites are designed to enhance the European Global Navigation Satellite System by providing improved accuracy, increased resistance to jamming and spoofing, and enhanced cybersecurity protections. Technical upgrades include fully digital, reconfigurable payloads, advanced atomic clock configurations, and inter-satellite link capabilities. The G2 fleet is intended to eventually consist of 16 satellites, with delivery scheduled for 2031.

Thales Alenia Space will perform integration and testing at its Space Smart Factory in Rome, while Airbus will utilize production facilities across Germany, Spain, and France. The project aims to strengthen Europe’s strategic autonomy and ensure the continuity of satellite navigation services vital for security, defense, and societal applications.

Entities

European Space Agency · Galileo · European Union Agency for the Space Programme · Thales Alenia Space · Airbus

Timeline

  1. [TECHNOLOGY] 3 sources
    Airbus and Thales Alenia Space secure Galileo satellite contracts

    Airbus and Thales Alenia Space have won contracts to build additional second-generation Galileo satellites, enhancing Europe’s strategic autonomy and global navigation precision.

  2. [TECHNOLOGY] 14 sources
    ESA awards contracts for four additional Galileo second-generation satellites

    ESA has contracted Airbus and Thales Alenia Space to build four additional second-generation Galileo satellites, increasing the G2 fleet to 16 to enhance European navigation precision and strategic autonomy.

Sources

aresdifesa.it · atc-network.com · conowego.pl · defence-industry.eu · e00-expansion.uecdn.es · ebizlatam.com · ecodellapista.it · electronicsweekly.com · estoenlinea.oem.com.mx · it-boltwise.de · italiavola.com · newspaceeconomy.ca · presseagence.fr · spaceweekly.com · trasporti-italia.com · viasatellite.com · webtimemedias.com