4 Galileos launched at once, speeding constellation completion

Galileo satellites 15-18 being deployed from their dispenser, two at a time. (Artist’s rendering: ESA)

An Ariane 5 rocket has launched four additional Galileo satellites, accelerating deployment of the new satellite navigation system.

The Ariane 5, operated by Arianespace, lifted off from Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, at 13:06 GMT (14:06 CET, 10:06 local time) carrying Galileo satellites 15-18. The first pair was released 3 hours, 25 minutes after liftoff, while the second separated 20 minutes later.

The Galileos are at their target altitude, after a flawless release from the new dispenser designed to handle four satellites.

Over the next few days, engineers will nudge the satellites into their final working orbits and begin tests to ensure they are ready to join the constellation. This is expected to take six months or so.

Europe’s next four Galileo satellites lifted off at 13:06 GMT on Nov. 17 from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana atop an Ariane 5 launcher. (Photo: ESA)

This mission brings the Galileo system to 18 satellites.

The satellites already in orbit will allow the European Commission to declare the start of initial services, expected towards year’s end.

The previous 14 satellites were launched two at a time using the Soyuz–Fregat rocket.

“Now that we can rely on the powerful Ariane 5, we can anticipate the quicker completion of Galileo deployment, permitting the system to enter full operation,” said Paul Verhoef, ESA’s director for the Galileo Programme and Navigation-related Activities.

Two additional Ariane 5 launches are scheduled in 2017 and 2018. The full system of 24 satellites plus spares is expected to be in place by 2020.

“With this 75th successful launch in a row, Ariane 5 sets a new record within European developed launchers and proves once more its reliability,” said Daniel Neuenschwander, ESA’s director for Launchers.

Watch a replay of the launch below.

Liftoff of Ariane flight VA233, carrying four Galileo satellites. (Photo: ESA)