SpaceX has successfully launched two Galileo navigation satellites for the European Union from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off at 6:50 p.m. EDT (2250 UTC), marking a significant advancement in expanding the Galileo satellite constellation, which serves as Europe’s counterpart to the US Global Positioning System (GPS).
This launch, known as the Galileo L13 mission, is the second time Galileo satellites have been deployed from US soil, following the L12 mission in April 2024. Both missions utilized SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket.
The satellites, designated FOC FM26 and FM32, are part of the Full Operational Capability (FOC) series, aimed at enhancing the accuracy and availability of the Galileo system. They will be positioned in medium Earth orbit at approximately 23,200 kilometers (14,416 miles) and each weighs 2.3 tons (4,600 pounds), with a projected operational lifespan of 15 years.
Managed by the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) in collaboration with Airbus, the Galileo system provides highly accurate positioning data to over 4 billion users worldwide. With the addition of these satellites, the Galileo constellation will expand to 32, further improving its accuracy and availability.
“This latest addition to the Galileo system reaffirms its status as the world’s most accurate positioning system,” stated EUSPA Executive Director Rodrigo da Costa. He highlighted the collaboration between the European Commission, EUSPA, and the European Space Agency (ESA) as vital for driving innovation and economic growth in Europe.
The Falcon 9’s first stage booster, designated B1067, has a remarkable history, having supported 22 previous missions, including cargo and crew flights to the International Space Station (ISS) and several Starlink missions. Approximately 8.5 minutes post-launch, the booster successfully landed on the droneship Just Read the Instructions stationed in the Atlantic Ocean.
Unlike the previous Galileo launch in April, where the booster was expended, this mission benefited from data that allowed SpaceX to make design adjustments for booster recovery.
Despite uncertain weather conditions prior to launch, with only a 40% chance of favorable weather and moderate risks for booster recovery, the landing was executed successfully, further advancing SpaceX’s reusability goals.
The expansion of the Galileo system through the L13 mission underscores Europe’s commitment to its space infrastructure, particularly in light of the loss of other launch options, such as the Russian Soyuz rockets and the retirement of the Ariane 5 heavy-lift vehicle. With the Ariane 6 still in development, Europe is relying on partnerships with SpaceX for critical satellite launches.
This successful launch and recovery not only reinforce SpaceX’s role in global satellite navigation systems but also showcase its continuous refinement of rocket reusability technology. The deployment of the Galileo satellites is expected to occur approximately 3.5 hours after liftoff.
