EU successfully launches two Galileo satellites

Galileo, the EU’s satellite navigation programme, placed two more satellites into orbit. The lift-off took place on 27 March at 22.46 CET from the European spaceport near Kourou in French Guiana. ESA received signals proving that they were positioned as expected.

Elżbieta Bieńkowska, European Commissioner for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs, commented: « The successful launch of two Galileo satellites takes us one step closer to a global European satellite navigation system. Today we demonstrated again that Europe has state-of-the-art know-how, cutting edge technology, and the vision and determination to accomplish great things. Whether you’re hoping to benefit from the next generation of in-car Satellite Navigation – or the reassurance of knowing the coastguard can deploy Search and Rescue – Galileo will soon provide you with great opportunities. »

Galileo is an EU programme carried out in cooperation with the European Space agency. The two satellites were launched by Arianespace.

The next launch of Galileo satellites is scheduled for September 2015. The Commission aims to ensure the provision of initial Galileo services by 2016 and full services by 2020.

For more information see the press release of the European Commission.