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Airbus Secures ESA Contract for Two Additional Galileo Satellites
Airbus has won a contract from the European Space Agency (ESA) to build two additional Galileo Second Generation (G2) satellites. The award expands an existing order of six spacecraft, bringing the total number of G2 satellites being built by the company to eight.
The contract was awarded by the ESA on behalf of the EU Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA), under a delegation from the European Commission. Alain Fauré, Head of Space Systems at Airbus, stated the award "underscores Airbus’ satellite manufacturing expertise" and highlighted the company's commitment to delivering satellites vital for European security and defense.
Next-Generation Capabilities
The second-generation satellites are designed with significant technological upgrades to improve the accuracy and resilience of the Galileo global navigation system. The new spacecraft, each weighing over two tonnes with a designed operational life of 15 years, will incorporate several key enhancements:
- Enhanced navigation antennas for improved accuracy.
- Fully digital payloads that can be reconfigured in orbit to meet changing user needs.
- An upgraded atomic clock configuration for superior timing precision.
- Inter-satellite links for direct communication between spacecraft.
- Advanced anti-jamming and anti-spoofing capabilities to ensure service integrity.
AdStrategic Importance for Europe
The expansion of the G2 constellation is part of a broader European strategy to maintain and advance its independent satellite navigation capabilities. The new satellites will be manufactured using existing production lines across Airbus facilities in Germany, Spain, and France.
"With these contracts, ESA and European industry are safeguarding the continuity of Europe’s satellite navigation services, responding to the evolving needs of users, and strengthening Europe’s strategic autonomy," said Laurent Jaffart, ESA Director of Resilience, Navigation and Connectivity. The Galileo program is funded by the European Union, with the ESA leading the design, development, and procurement of the space and ground systems.
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