(NET) Ariane 62 • Galileo 33–34

(NET) Ariane 62 • Galileo 33–34

Arianespace will launch an Ariane 6 rocket on a mission designated VA266, to carry two Galileo-FOC satellites, designated FM29 & FM30, for Europe’s Galileo navigation constellation into Medium Earth Orbit (MEO). They might be the first 2nd gen sats for Galileo, which feature a number of upgrades, including electric propulsion, fully digital navigation payloads, inter-satellite links, more powerful navigation antennas, and an advanced atomic clock configuration. Each satellite weighs up to 2.4 tonnes, significantly more than the 700kg 1st gen satellites. Ariane 6 will fly in the Ariane 62 configuration, using 2 solid rocket boosters. - A consortium consisting of OHB-System GmbH and SSTL builds the Galileo-FOC (Galileo-Full Operational Capability) satellites. OHB-System acts as prime contractor and builds the busses while SSTL provides the payloads. The satellites have a launch mass of 733kg each and carry a navigation payload consisting of two rubidium and two hydrogen maser atomic clocks. The navigation signals are broadcast on L-band. An additional payload is the MEO SAR search and rescue transponder payload. The planned service life of each satellite is 12 years or more. The Galileo satellite navigation system will consist of a total of 30 spacecraft in three planes in medium Earth orbit, which will each be occupied by nine satellites, and with three spares satellites distributed on the three orbital planes. At an altitude of 23,616km and an inclination of 56 degrees, the system will provide accurate positioning data to users as far north as 75 degrees longitude. In contrast to the American GPS system and the Russian GLONASS navigation network, Galileo-FOC will be under the control of civilian organisations. Galileo is the first joint program to be shared between the European Space Agency and the European Union. Webcast: https://www.arianespace.com/road-to-space/

📍 ELA4 (l'Ensemble de Lancement Ariane 6) - Centre Spatial Guyanais, 7675+V4M, Sinnamary 97310, Französisch-Guyana

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