Two new satellites join Europe’s constellation
Two new satellites have recently become part of Europe’s Galileo satnav system and started broadcasting timing and navigation signals worldwide. At the same time, the 15th and 16th satellites to join the network also pick up distress calls across the planet.
The satellites, two of the four Galileos that were launched together by Ariane 5 on 17 November, are the first additions to the working constellation since the start of Galileo Initial Services on 15 December. ESA says the growing number of Galileo users around the world will draw immediate benefit from the enhanced service availability and accuracy brought by these extra satellites.
The satellites are now broadcasting working navigation signals and are ready to relay any Cospas–Sarsat distress calls to regional emergency services.
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Now that these two satellites are part of the constellation, the remaining pair from the Ariane 5 launch is similarly being checked to prepare them for service.
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