Airbus Wins Contract for Two Additional Galileo Satellites
The European Space Agency (ESA), acting on behalf of the EU Agency for the Space Programme under a delegation from the European Commission, has awarded Airbus a contract to manufacture two additional second‑generation Galileo satellites. This award expands the existing order of six spacecraft to a total of eight.
Each of the new satellites will weigh more than two tonnes and is designed for a 15‑year operational life. They will incorporate enhanced navigation antennas to improve the accuracy of the European Global Navigation Satellite System, fully digital payloads that can be reconfigured in orbit, an upgraded atomic clock configuration, inter‑satellite links for data communication and verification, as well as anti‑jamming and anti‑spoofing capabilities.
Airbus will produce the satellites using its existing production facilities across Europe, specifically at sites in Backnang near Stuttgart, Friedrichshafen, Getafe near Madrid, Ottobrunn, and Toulouse, thereby leveraging the current manufacturing line of the Galileo programme.
Laurent Jaffart, ESA Director of Resilience, Navigation and Connectivity, stated that the contracts “safeguard the continuity of Europe’s satellite navigation services, responding to the evolving needs of users, and strengthening Europe’s strategic autonomy.” Alain Fauré, Head of Space Systems at Airbus, highlighted that the award “underscores Airbus’ satellite manufacturing expertise” and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to delivering the next‑generation satellites that are vital for European security, defence, and broader societal benefits.
Funding for the Galileo system is provided by the European Union and managed by the European Commission, while ESA leads the design, development, qualification of space and ground systems and oversees launch procurement.