EUSPA is overseeing the crucial Launch and Early Orbit Phase (LEOP) following the latest launch of two new Galileo satellites on 28th of April.
Galileo LEOP operations will constitute one of the most cooperative activities between numerous European entities in the space sector | Image credit: ESA
The night of the 28th of April (at 2:34 am CEST) saw the latest launch of two Galileo satellites into orbit, marking another successful mission in the collaboration between the European Commission, EUSPA and ESA. The inclusion of these two new satellites rounds up a total of thirty Galileo satellites in orbit, providing continuous improvements to the Galileo services.
EUSPA’s role
The EUSPA teams at the Galileo Control Centre in Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany, are currently leading the Early Orbit Phase, together with the Galileo Service Operator, SpaceOpal and its consortium actively devoted to the operations of the new satellites.
What is LEOP?
The Launch and Early Orbit Phase (LEOP) is one of the most exciting and important phases of a space mission, as it handles the launch of the spacecraft, its travel into the injection orbit and the initial commissioning of the satellites platform to verify the core-satellite elements in orbit, after the harsh conditions imposed by a launcher lift-off. Over the following days, the EUSPA and SpaceOpal teams will be commissioning subsystems and manoeuvring the satellites until the start of the drift phase, which should last around 4 weeks and will be finalized with the Drift Stop and Fine Positioning (DSFP) manoeuvres for their final allocation in orbit.
Once the Galileo satellite platforms are activated and checked out in the Early Operations Phase, the In-Orbit Test (IOT) campaign will assess the performance of the satellites’ navigation payloads.
“Galileo underscores the power of collaboration. With the European Commission, EUSPA and ESA working hand in hand. Galileo isn’t just about satellites; it’s a testament to our shared commitment to innovation, security, and progress. Together, we’re empowering billions worldwide, enabling precise navigation and enhancing transportation.” declared R. da Costa, EUSPA Executive Director.
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