ESA Orders Four New Galileo Second Generation Satellites

The European Space Agency (ESA) has extended contracts with Airbus Defence and Space and Thales Alenia Space to procure four additional Galileo Second Generation (G2) satellites, bringing the total number under contract to 16. This procurement is part of Europe's effort to upgrade its global satellite navigation system. The development and qualification of the first twelve G2 satellites are nearing completion, with integration and testing planned for 2027 and the first G2 launch scheduled for 2028.