The European Space Agency awarded the contract on behalf of the EU Agency for the Space Programme, under a delegation from the European Commission. Airbus said the additional pair would use manufacturing capabilities established for the six satellites already on order.
“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’s director of resilience, navigation and connectivity. “These contracts represent an investment in Europe’s ability to navigate its own future, independently and with confidence.”
The new antennas are intended to improve navigation accuracy, while the digital payloads can be reconfigured in orbit. This will allow new signals and services to be introduced as user requirements change.
Each satellite will have an enhanced atomic clock configuration and links to other satellites for communication and data cross-checking. The spacecraft will weigh more than two tonnes each and are designed to operate for 15 years.
“We are committed to delivering these next-generation satellites which are vital to augment navigation capabilities for European security and defence and wider societal benefits,” said Alain Fauré, head of Space Systems at Airbus. Manufacturing, integration and testing will draw on facilities in Backnang, Friedrichshafen, Getafe, Ottobrunn and Toulouse.
Galileo is funded by the European Union and managed by the European Commission. ESA leads the design, development and qualification of its space and ground systems, while EUSPA provides services and oversees operations and deployment.
