Ariane 6 to deliver inaugural Galileo 2nd Gen satellites as European industry backs Arianespace

Ariane 6 to deliver inaugural Galileo 2nd Gen satellites as European industry backs Arianespace
by Erica Marchand
Paris, France (SPX) Feb 04, 2025

Arianespace has confirmed at the 17th European Space Conference the signing of a launch services agreement with the European Commission and the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA). Under this contract, Ariane 6 will deploy the first pair of second-generation Galileo navigation satellites (L17). Each satellite, weighing between 2,200 kg and 2,400 kg and outfitted with electrical propulsion, is slated to reach a 23,222 km orbital altitude a few months after liftoff. This signing formalizes a commitment initially granted to Arianespace in April 2024.

Before this mission, three launches (L14, L15, L16) are already set for Ariane 6 to reinforce Europe's high-performance Galileo satellite navigation network. Each of those flights will ferry two satellites, completing the constellation's first-generation segment.

David Cavailloles, CEO of Arianespace, commented: "This signature with the European Commission and EUSPA reaffirms Arianespace's commitment to guaranteeing sovereign access to space for Europe. We are extremely proud to contribute to the flagship Galileo global navigation satellite system, providing high-precision positionings and services to European governments, institutions, and citizens." David Cavailloles added: "This is the fourth launch booked on Ariane 6 for Galileo and the first for the second-generation Galileo satellites.

I thank our partners for their continued trust in Arianespace: a long-standing commitment we have together towards the Galileo programme, reinforcing both Ariane 6 and Europe's space autonomy."

Rodrigo da Costa, EUSPA Executive Director, said: "This launch contract is a key milestone for Galileo's second generation, enhancing precision and reliability for users worldwide. EUSPA is proud to support the European Union's space autonomy and deliver innovative services to citizens globally."

At present, the first twelve second-generation Galileo spacecraft are in full production under ESA's leadership, with Thales Alenia Space and Airbus Defence and Space each responsible for building a portion of the satellites in parallel.

Because it is a European Union-owned infrastructure, the European Commission handles overarching authority for the Galileo program. ESA will serve as the Launch Technical Authority, working directly with Arianespace on technical matters. The Galileo system represents Europe's advanced technologies for global benefit. ESA oversees Galileo's design, development, qualification, and system evolution, while also managing the technical development of the overall infrastructure. The European Commission has delegated day-to-day operations of the Galileo system to EUSPA, including deployment, maintenance, and further development. EUSPA ensures that Galileo services meet prescribed performance levels without disruption.

European Partners Expand Ariane 6 Commitment with Arianespace
Paris, France (SPX) Feb 04, 2025 - Arianespace has concluded two important deals on Ariane 6 with leading European authorities at the 17th European Space Conference. The European Commission, the European Space Agency (ESA), and EUMETSAT have affirmed ongoing support for Ariane 6, Europe's next-generation heavy-lift vehicle.

Under one agreement, the European Commission and ESA have selected Arianespace to launch Sentinel-1D during the latter half of 2025 aboard the two-booster version of Ariane 6 (Ariane 62). Sentinel-1D is part of Copernicus, the European Union's Earth observation program, which provides continuous and freely available data to governments, businesses, and citizens worldwide. This satellite will carry advanced radar systems for round-the-clock imaging of Earth's surface under any weather conditions, supporting tasks like ice and iceberg tracking, subsidence monitoring, and detection of oil spills.

Meanwhile, EUMETSAT has advanced the launch date for its Metop-SG-A1 satellite to August 2025 on Ariane 6's second commercial mission (VA264). Metop-SG-A1 is part of the EUMETSAT Polar System - Second Generation (EPS-SG), designed to elevate global weather and climate data collection. It will gather high-resolution measurements of temperature, precipitation, cloud cover, wind patterns, sea ice, aerosols, pollution, and numerous other environmental factors from polar orbit.

Along with its primary Earth observation instruments, Metop-SG-A1 will also carry the Sentinel-5 payload from the Copernicus program. The Sentinel-5 mission employs an advanced spectrometer spanning ultraviolet to shortwave infrared wavelengths to monitor gases such as nitrogen dioxide, ozone, sulfur dioxide, methane, and carbon monoxide. These measurements enable wide-ranging studies on air quality, pollution, and climate.

David Cavaillolles, CEO of Arianespace, declared; "By reaffirming their trust towards Europe's new heavy-lift Ariane 6 launcher, our European partners strengthen Europe's space industry and its sovereignty. We are extremely proud to deliver what we are committed to providing: Europe's autonomous access to space. I thank once again the European Commission, ESA and EUMETSAT for entrusting Arianespace and Ariane 6."

"This year, the Ariane 6 launcher will play a key role to secure and sustain the operations of Copernicus with the launch of Sentinel-1D and the launch of Sentinel-5A on board of Metop-SG-A1. The choice of Ariane 6 is a clear sign of the European Commission's engagement to support the European launcher industry," said Director for Satellite Navigation and Earth Observation at the European Commission, Christoph Kautz.

"Developed by ESA, these satellite missions are equipped with state-of-the-art technology to deliver crucial data that brings significant benefits to both society and the economy. With our European partners, the European Commission and EUMETSAT we are very happy that the Ariane 6 launcher will carry these precious missions into space, enabling them to begin their operational life in Earth's orbit," said Simonetta Cheli, ESA's Director of Earth Observation Programmes.

"This agreement builds on our long-standing collaboration with Arianespace and highlights the vital role of European space infrastructure industry in the successful delivery of our programmes. Metop-SGA1, developed in partnerships with ESA and industry, will deliver enhanced weather and environmental data to protect lives and improve livelihoods: with Arianespace's expertise and outstanding facilities, we look forward to this satellite becoming operational and soon providing these critical data for EUMETSAT's member states and beyond," added Phil Evans, Director-General of EUMETSAT.