Two more Galileo satellites in operation

ESA has spent over six months putting the four satellites launched by an Ariane 5 rocket on 17 November through a rigorous test procedure.  The first two, which are the 15th and 16th in the working constellation, have now completed their in-orbit testing, and are supplying navigation signals that provide an increased level of accuracy for users. 

The remaining two satellites from the November launch are undergoing final in-orbit testing before they also go into service.

Declaration of Initial Services

It was announced on 16 December 2016, that Galileo was able to provide accurate positioning to Galileo enabled devices, on its Open, Public Regulated, and Search and Rescue services. During the Initial Phase, Galileo will not be able to provide an independent 24 hour coverage globally.  However, the signals are interoperable with other GNSS, including GPS, so they will provide an enhanced service for users of multi-constellation receivers.

Full Operational Capability

It is expected that the constellation will have a full complement of 30 orbiting satellites in 2020. This will be made up of 24 operational satellites and 6 reserve satellites.