First two Galileo FOC satellites to be launched Today (22/8/14) at 14:27 CEST the launch for the first two Galileo FOC (Full Operational Capability) satellites is planned. Galileo is the name for what is popularly called ‘The European GPS system’ and in it’s final configuration will be comprised of 30 satellites in a Medium Earth Orbit at 23.222 km above the Earth. Once fully operational, users world-wide will be able to use Galileo navigation signals for well-known existing (GPS) applications as well as a range of new applications including ones that for example combine GPS, Galileo and other navigation signals and signal sources. The so-called FOC satellites are the first of a series of 22 satellites to be launched over the coming year(s) and will join the four Galileo IOV satellites that are already in orbit and used to validate the system and gain operational experience. All FOC satellites are also tested after final integration at ESA ESTEC in Noordwijk, The Netherlands. The Galileo (FOC) programme is managed and funded by the European Commission with ESA having the role of design and procurement agent. Galileo is the largest satellite constellation ever developed in Europe and also involves a Europe-wide industrial chain. SSBV is extensively involved in providing equiment and systems used for Payload and Platform Simulation, Test, Validation and Communication, both for the IOV as well as FOC versions of the satellites. The launch will be performed by Arianespace using a Soyuz vehicle (Galileo FOC-1). Launch is planned for exactly 14:27 CEST on 22nd August 2014. More information about Galileo can be found here: - ec.europa.eu/enterprise/policies/satnav/galileo/index_en.htm - esa.int/Our_Activities/Navigation/The_future_-_Galileo/What_is_Galileo - esa.int/Our_Activities/Navigation/The_future_-_Galileo/Launching_Galileo
Posted on: Fri, 22 Aug 2014 09:42:04 +0000
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