Galileo (satellite navigation)

File:Praha Holešovice EUSPA vstup 1.jpg, which operates the Galileo system, in Prague]]

In 1999, the different concepts of the three main contributors of the European Space Agency (ESA) (Germany, France and Italy){{cite web|last=Modola|first=Pino|date=23 November 2007|title=Italy and Germany make step towards Galileo satellite navigation programme financing resolution|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/italy-and-germany-make-step-towards-galileo-satellit-219857/|website=flightglobal.com}} for Galileo were compared and reduced to one by a joint team of engineers from all three countries. The first stage of the Galileo programme was agreed upon officially on 26 May 2003 by the European Union and the ESA. The system is intended primarily for civilian use, unlike the more military-focused systems of the United States (GPS), Russia (GLONASS) and China (BeiDou) in that Galileo doesn't limit accuracy for non-military applications.{{Cite web |title=What is Galileo? |url=https://www.esa.int/Applications/Satellite_navigation/Galileo/What_is_Galileo |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240928085358/https://www.esa.int/Applications/Satellite_navigation/Galileo/What_is_Galileo |archive-date=2024-09-28 |access-date=2024-10-08 |website=www.esa.int |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=The Un-Dithering—Releasing Reliable GPS to the Public – Association for Diplomatic Studies & Training |url=https://adst.org/2020/02/the-un-dithering-releasing-reliable-gps-to-the-public/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240527023458/https://adst.org/2020/02/the-un-dithering-releasing-reliable-gps-to-the-public/ |archive-date=2024-05-27 |access-date=2024-10-08 |website=adst.org}} The European system could be subject to shutdown for military purposes in extreme circumstances (such as an armed conflict).{{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=Christine |date=June 2004 |title=U.S., EU to Sign Landmark GPS-Galileo Agreement |url=http://dublin.usembassy.gov/ireland/gps_galileo.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120121074828/http://dublin.usembassy.gov/ireland/gps_galileo.html |archive-date=21 January 2012 |website=Wayback Machine}} Italy and Germany led the development of the first generation of the Galileo programme,{{Cite web|date=1 April 2003|title=Italy and Germany reach agreement on Galileo contributions|url=https://cordis.europa.eu/article/id/20005-italy-and-germany-reach-agreement-on-galileo-contributions|website=cordis.europa.eu}} while France is playing a more prominent role in the development of the Galileo Second Generation (G2G).{{Cite web|url=https://www.challenges.fr/entreprise/aeronautique/satellites-galileo-thales-se-taille-la-part-du-lion_862321|title = Satellites Galileo : Thales se taille la part du lion|date = 20 July 2023}}{{cite web |url=https://www.satellitetoday.com/government-military/2021/01/20/thales-alenia-space-airbus-win-second-generation-galileo-satellite-contract/ |title=Thales Alenia Space, Airbus Win Second-Generation Galileo Satellite Contract |last=Hill|first=Jeffrey |date=20 January 2021 |publisher=Satellite Today |language=en |access-date=2021-01-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126003337/https://www.satellitetoday.com/government-military/2021/01/20/thales-alenia-space-airbus-win-second-generation-galileo-satellite-contract/ |archive-date=2021-01-26 }}{{cite web|url=https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/worldwide/space/press-release/thales-alenia-space-will-play-major-role-board-galileo-2nd-generation|title=Thales Alenia Space will play a major role on-board Galileo 2nd Generation and will boost performances and cybersecurity for the constellation|publisher=Thaes Alenia Space|date=3 March 2021|access-date=13 December 2021}}

The European Commission had some difficulty funding the project's next stage, after several allegedly "per annum" sales projection graphs for the project were exposed in November 2001 as "cumulative" projections, which for each year projected included all previous years of sales. The attention that was brought to this multi-billion euro growing error in sales forecasts resulted in a general awareness in the commission and elsewhere that it was unlikely that the programme would yield the return on investment that had previously been suggested to investors and decision-makers.Van Der Jagt, Culver "Galileo: The Declaration of European Independence" a presentation at the Royal Institute of Navigation 7 November 2001{{better source needed|date=June 2012}} On 17 January 2002, a spokesman for the project stated that, as a result of US pressure and economic difficulties, "Galileo is almost dead".{{Cite web |last=Sample |first=Ian |date=8 December 2003 |title=Europe and US clash on satellite system |url=http://www.theguardian.com/uk/2003/dec/08/world.internationaleducationnews |access-date=29 October 2011 |website=The Guardian}}

A few months later, however, the situation changed dramatically. European Union member states decided it was important to have a satellite-based positioning and timing infrastructure that the US could not easily turn off in times of political conflict.{{cite book|first=Chalmers|last=Johnson|title=Nemesis: The Last Days of the American Republic|date=2008|publisher=Holt|page=235|isbn=978-0-8050-8728-4}}

The European Union and the European Space Agency agreed in March 2002 to fund the project, pending a review in 2003 (which was completed on 26 May 2003). The starting cost for the period ending in 2005 is estimated at €1.1 billion. The required satellites (the planned number is 30) were to be launched between 2011 and 2014, with the system up and running and under civilian control from 2019. The final cost is estimated at €3 billion, including the infrastructure on Earth, constructed in 2006 and 2007. The plan was for private companies and investors to invest at least two-thirds of the cost of implementation, with the EU and ESA dividing the remaining cost. The base Open Service is to be available without charge to anyone with a Galileo-compatible receiver, with an encrypted higher-bandwidth improved-precision Commercial Service originally planned to be available at a cost, but in February 2018 the high accuracy service (HAS) (providing Precise Point Positioning data on the E6 frequency) was agreed to be made freely available, with the authentication service remaining commercial.{{Cite conference |last1=Fernandez-Hernandez |first1=I.|last2=Vecchione |first2=G. |last3=Díaz-Pulido |first3=F. |last4=Jeannot |first4=M. |last5=Valentaite |first5=G. |last6=Blasi |first6=R. |last7=Reyes |first7=J. |last8=Simón |first8=J. |date=October 2018 |title=Galileo High Accuracy: A Programme and Policy Perspective |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/328139107 |conference=69th International Astronautical Congress |location=Bremen, Germany |via=ResearchGate }} By early 2011 costs for the project had run 50% over initial estimates.

File:Galileo - Wolfowitz - Letter.png Paul Wolfowitz to the Ministers of the EU states, pointing out possible compatibility issues]]

Galileo is intended to be an EU civilian GNSS that allows all users access to it. Initially GPS reserved the highest quality signal for military use, and the signal available for civilian use was intentionally degraded (Selective Availability). This changed with President Bill Clinton signing a policy directive in 1996 to turn off Selective Availability. Since May 2000 the same precision signal has been provided to both civilians and the military.{{citation-attribution|1={{cite web|url=http://ngs.woc.noaa.gov/FGCS/info/sans_SA/docs/GPS_SA_Event_QAs.pdf|title=GPS and Selective Availability Q&A|publisher=NOAA |access-date=28 May 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050921115614/http://ngs.woc.noaa.gov/FGCS/info/sans_SA/docs/GPS_SA_Event_QAs.pdf|archive-date=21 September 2005}} }}

Since Galileo was designed to provide the highest possible precision (greater than GPS) to anyone, the US was concerned that an enemy could use Galileo signals in military strikes against the US and its allies (some weapons like missiles use GNSSs for guidance). The frequency initially chosen for Galileo would have made it impossible for the US to block the Galileo signals without also interfering with its own GPS signals.{{citation needed|date=September 2024}} The US did not want to lose their GNSS capability with GPS while denying enemies the use of GNSS. Some US officials became especially concerned when Chinese interest in Galileo was reported.{{cite news|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0BPW/is_12_13/ai_n27579865|archive-url=http://arquivo.pt/wayback/20090628141723/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0BPW/is_12_13/ai_n27579865|url-status=dead |archive-date=28 June 2009|title=EU, U.S. split over Galileo M-code overlay|date=December 2002|publisher=GPS World. FindArticles.com|access-date=9 December 2008}}

An anonymous EU official claimed that the US officials implied that they might consider shooting down Galileo satellites in the event of a major conflict in which Galileo was used in attacks against American forces.{{cite news|url=http://www.spacedaily.com/news/milspace-04zc.html|title=US Could Shoot Down EU Satellites if Used by Foes in Wartime|date=24 October 2004|publisher=AFP |access-date=9 September 2008}}{{not in source|date=September 2024}}The EU's stance is that Galileo is a neutral technology, available to all countries and everyone. At first, EU officials did not want to change their original plans for Galileo, but they have since reached the compromise that Galileo is to use different frequencies. This allows the blocking or jamming of either GNSS without affecting the other.{{Cite book|first=Bastian|last=Giegerich|contribution=Satellite States – Transatlantic Conflict and the Galileo System|contribution-url=http://www.allacademic.com//meta/p_mla_apa_research_citation/0/7/2/1/4/pages72145/p72145-1.php|title=Paper presented at the annual meeting of the International Studies Association, Hilton Hawaiian Village, Honolulu, Hawaii, Mar 05, 2005|date=2005|publisher=Unpublished Manuscript}}{{Dead link|date=February 2021 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

{{Comparison satellite navigation orbits}}

One of the reasons given for developing Galileo as an independent system was that position information from GPS can be made significantly inaccurate by the deliberate application of universal selective availability (SA) by the US military. GPS is widely used worldwide for civilian applications; Galileo's proponents argued that civil infrastructure, including aircraft navigation and landing, should not rely solely upon a system with this vulnerability.

On 2 May 2000, the selective availability was disabled by the President of the United States, Bill Clinton; in late 2001 the entity managing the GPS confirmed that it did not intend to enable selective availability ever again.{{citation-attribution|1={{Cite web |date=13 November 2014 |title=Satellite Navigation - GPS - Policy - Selective Availability |url=https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ato/service_units/techops/navservices/gnss/gps/policy/availability/index.cfm |website=faa.gov}}}} Though Selective Availability capability still exists, on 19 September 2007 the US Department of Defense announced that newer GPS satellites would not be capable of implementing Selective Availability;{{cite web|url=http://www.defenselink.mil/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=11335|title=DoD Permanently Discontinues Procurement of Global Positioning System Selective Availability |publisher=DefenseLink|date=18 September 2007|access-date=17 December 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080218050849/http://www.defenselink.mil/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=11335 |archive-date=18 February 2008}} the wave of Block IIF satellites launched in 2009, and all subsequent GPS satellites, are stated not to support selective availability. As old satellites are replaced in the GPS Block III programme, selective availability will cease to be an option.{{citation-attribution|1={{cite web|url=https://www.gps.gov/systems/gps/modernization/sa/|title=GPS.gov: Selective Availability |website=www.gps.gov|access-date=4 February 2018}} }} The modernisation programme also contains standardised features that allow GPS III and Galileo systems to inter-operate, allowing receivers to be developed to utilise GPS and Galileo together to create an even more accurate GNSS.

In June 2004, in a signed agreement with the United States, the European Union agreed to switch to a binary offset carrier modulation 1.1, or BOC(1,1), allowing the coexistence of both GPS and Galileo, and the future combined use of both systems. The European Union also agreed to address the "mutual concerns related to the protection of allied and US national security capabilities".

The first experimental satellite, GIOVE-A, was launched in December 2005 and was followed by a second test satellite, GIOVE-B, launched in April 2008. After successful completion of the In-Orbit Validation (IOV) phase, additional satellites were launched. On 30 November 2007, the 27 EU transport ministers involved reached an agreement that Galileo should be operational by 2013,{{cite news |url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7120041.stm|title='Unanimous backing' for Galileo|publisher=BBC|date=30 November 2007|access-date=19 April 2010}} but later press releases suggest it was delayed to 2014.{{cite web|url=http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/10/7&language=en|title=Commission awards major contracts to make Galileo operational early 2014|date=7 January 2010 |access-date=19 April 2010}}

In mid-2006, the public-private partnership fell apart, and the European Commission decided to nationalise the Galileo programme.{{Cite web |last=Gibbons |first=Glen |date=26 March 2009 |title=European Court of Auditors Lambastes Galileo Satellite Navigation Program |url=http://www.insidegnss.com/node/1426 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140112230642/http://www.insidegnss.com/node/1426 |archive-date=12 January 2014 |website=Wayback Machine}}

In early 2007, the EU had yet to decide how to pay for the system and the project was said to be "in deep crisis" due to lack of more public funds.{{Cite web |date=8 May 2007 |title=EU: Galileo project in deep 'crisis' |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2007/TECH/05/08/galileo.troubles.ap/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070511011357/https://edition.cnn.com/2007/TECH/05/08/galileo.troubles.ap/index.html |archive-date=11 May 2007 |website=Wayback Machine}} German Transport Minister Wolfgang Tiefensee was particularly doubtful about the consortium's ability to end the infighting at a time when only one testbed satellite had been successfully launched.

Although a decision was yet to be reached, on 13 July 2007{{Cite web|url=https://www.msn.com/|title=MSN | Outlook, Office, Skype, Bing, Breaking News, and Latest Videos|website=www.msn.com}} EU countries discussed cutting €548 million (US$755 million, £370 million) from the union's competitiveness budget for the following year and shifting some of these funds to other parts of the financing pot, a move that could meet part of the cost of the union's Galileo satellite navigation system. European Union research and development projects could be scrapped to overcome a funding shortfall.

In November 2007, it was agreed to reallocate funds from the EU's agriculture and administration budgets{{Cite web |date=26 November 2007 |title=EU agrees 2008 budget to include Galileo financing |url=http://www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1195858921.15 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071225004015/http://www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1195858921.15 |archive-date=25 December 2007 |website=Wayback Machine}} and to soften the tendering process in order to invite more EU companies.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7109971.stm|work=BBC News|title=Galileo 'compromise' is emerging|date=23 November 2007|access-date=3 May 2010}}

In April 2008, the EU transport ministers approved the Galileo Implementation Regulation. This allowed the €3.4 billion to be released from the EU's agriculture and administration budgets{{cite news

|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/7335833.stm|work=BBC News|title=Galileo legal process ticks over|date=7 April 2008|access-date=3 May 2010}} to allow the issuing of contracts to start construction of the ground station and the satellites.

In June 2009, the European Court of Auditors published a report, pointing out governance issues, substantial delays and budget overruns that led to project stalling in 2007, leading to further delays and failures.{{cite web|url=http://eca.europa.eu/portal/pls/portal/docs/1/2760294.PDF|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091128132057/http://eca.europa.eu/portal/pls/portal/docs/1/2760294.PDF|url-status=dead|title=European Court of Auditors – Special Report on the management of the Galileo programme's development and validation phase|archive-date=28 November 2009}}

In October 2009, the European Commission cut the number of satellites definitively planned from 28 to 22, with plans to order the remaining six at a later time. It also announced that the first OS, PRS and SoL signal would be available in 2013, and the CS and SOL some time later. The €3.4 billion budget for the 2006–2013 period was considered insufficient.{{Cite web |date=26 October 2009 |title=EC Cuts Initial Galileo Order |url=https://aviationweek.com/ec-cuts-initial-galileo-order |access-date=14 July 2021 |website=Aviation Week Network}} In 2010, the think-tank Open Europe estimated the total cost of Galileo from start to 20 years after completion at €22.2 billion, borne entirely by taxpayers. Under the original estimates made in 2000, this cost would have been €7.7 billion, with €2.6 billion borne by taxpayers and the rest by private investors.{{cite press release|url=http://www.openeurope.org.uk/media-centre/pressrelease.aspx?pressreleaseid=142|title=The EU's Galileo satellite project could cost UK taxpayers £2.6 billion more than originally planned|date=17 October 2010|publisher=openeurope.org.uk |access-date=24 November 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719162515/http://www.openeurope.org.uk/media-centre/pressrelease.aspx?pressreleaseid=142|archive-date=19 July 2011}}

In November 2009, a ground station for Galileo was inaugurated near Kourou (French Guiana).{{cite web|last=|date=20 November 2009|title=Inauguration of site of Galileo station at Kourou|url=http://www.esa.int/esaNA/SEMYN6TP82G_galileo_0.html|website=European Space Agency (esa.int)}} The launch of the first four in-orbit validation (IOV) satellites was planned for the second half of 2011, and the launch of full operational capability (FOC) satellites was planned to start in late 2012.

In March 2010, it was verified that the budget for Galileo would only be available to provide the 4 IOV and 14 FOC satellites by 2014, with no funds then committed to bring the constellation above this 60% capacity.{{Cite web |date=10 March 2010 |title=Initial Galileo Validation Satellites Delayed |url=https://spacenews.com/initial-galileo-validation-satellites-delayed/ |access-date=29 October 2011 |website=SpaceNews}} Paul Verhoef, the satellite navigation program manager at the European Commission, indicated that this limited funding would have serious consequences commenting at one point "To give you an idea, that would mean that for three weeks in the year you will not have satellite navigation" in reference to the proposed 18-vehicle constellation.

In July 2010, the European Commission estimated further delays and additional costs of the project to grow up to €1.5–1.7 billion, and moved the estimated date of completion to 2018. After completion the system will need to be subsidised by governments at €750 million per year.{{cite news|url=http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,721761,00.html|title=EU Expects Galileo Project Costs to Explode|publisher=Spiegel|date=2011}} An additional €1.9 billion was planned to be spent bringing the system up to the full complement of 30 satellites (27 operational + 3 active spares).{{cite news|last=Taverna|first=Michael A.|url=http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=space&id=news/awst/2011/01/24/AW_01_24_2011_p39-284139.xml|newspaper=Aviation Weekly|title=Completing Galileo To Cost $2.5 Billion|date=1 February 2011}}{{Dead link|date=May 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{cite news|url=http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEM4JMSRJHG_index_1.html#subhead5|title=Galileo's navigation control hub opens in Fucino|publisher=ESA|date=20 December 2010|access-date=20 December 2010}}

In December 2010, EU ministers in Brussels voted Prague, in the Czech Republic, as the headquarters of the Galileo project.{{Cite web |last=Keating |first=Dave |date=13 December 2010 |title=Prague To Host EU Satellite Navigation Agency |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/prague_galileo_agency/2245066.html |access-date=14 July 2021 |website=RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty}}

In January 2011, infrastructure costs up to 2020 were estimated at €5.3 billion. In that same month, Wikileaks revealed that Berry Smutny, the CEO of the German satellite company OHB-System, said that Galileo "is a stupid idea that primarily serves French interests".{{Cite web |date=22 October 2009 |title=OHB-SYSTEM CEO CALLS GALILEO A WASTE OF GERMAN TAX PAYER MONEY |url=http://www.aftenposten.no/spesial/wikileaksdokumenter/article3985655.ece |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110114200247/http://www.aftenposten.no/spesial/wikileaksdokumenter/article3985655.ece |archive-date=14 January 2011 |website=Wayback Machine}} The BBC learned in 2011 that €500 million (£440 million) would become available to make the extra purchase, taking Galileo within a few years from 18 operational satellites to 24.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-13871198|work=BBC News|title=Europe's Galileo sat-nav in big cash boost|date=22 June 2011}}

File:Galileo launch on Soyuz, 21 Oct 2011 (6266227357).jpg rocket on 21 October 2011.]]

The first two Galileo In-Orbit Validation satellites were launched by Soyuz ST-B flown from Centre Spatial Guyanais on 21 October 2011,{{Cite web |date=21 October 2011 |title=Arianespace scores a double success with its historic first Soyuz launch from the Spaceport |url=http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2011/vs01-success.asp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111022201104/http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2011/vs01-success.asp |archive-date=22 October 2011 |website=Wayback Machine}} and the remaining two on 12 October 2012.{{Cite web |date=12 October 2012 |title=Keeping up the Arianespace launcher family pace: Soyuz orbits two Galileo satellites |url=http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2012/964.asp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121016050810/http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2012/964.asp |archive-date=16 October 2012 |website=Wayback Machine}} As of 2017, the satellites are fully useful for precise positioning and geodesy with a limited usability in navigation.{{cite journal|last1=Sośnica|first1=Krzysztof|last2=Prange|first2=Lars|last3=Kaźmierski|first3=Kamil|last4=Bury |first4=Grzegorz|last5=Drożdżewski|first5=Mateusz|last6=Zajdel|first6=Radosław|last7=Hadas|first7=Tomasz|title=Validation of Galileo orbits using SLR with a focus on satellites launched into incorrect orbital planes|journal=Journal of Geodesy|date=24 July 2017|volume=92|issue=2|pages=131–148|doi=10.1007/s00190-017-1050-x|doi-access=free|bibcode=2018JGeod..92..131S }}

Twenty-two further satellites with Full Operational Capability (FOC) were on order {{As of|2018|1|1|lc=y}}. The first four pairs of satellites were launched on 22 August 2014, 27 March 2015, 11 September 2015 and 17 December 2015.{{cite web|last=|title=What is Galileo?|url=http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Navigation/Galileo/What_is_Galileo|website=European Space Agency (esa.int)}}

In January 2017, news agencies reported that six of the passive hydrogen masers (PHM) and three of the rubidium atomic clocks (RAFS) had failed; four of the full operational satellites had each lost at least one clock, but no satellite had lost more than two. The operation was not affected as each satellite is launched with four clocks (2 PHM and 2 RAFS). {{cite web|url=http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Navigation/Galileo_clock_anomalies_under_investigation|title=Galileo clock anomalies under investigation|publisher=European Space Agency (ESA)|date=19 January 2017|access-date=19 January 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://www.yahoo.com/tech/atomic-clocks-failed-onboard-galileo-navigation-satellites-103538395.html|title=Atomic clocks 'failed' onboard Galileo navigation satellites|date=18 January 2017|access-date=19 January 2017|publisher=Agence France-Presse AFP|archive-date=18 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118230831/https://www.yahoo.com/tech/atomic-clocks-failed-onboard-galileo-navigation-satellites-103538395.html|url-status=dead}} SpectraTime, the Swiss producer of both on-board clock types, declined to comment.{{cite web|url=http://spacenews.com/rash-of-galileo-clock-failures-cast-doubt-on-timing-of-upcoming-launches|title=Rash of Galileo clock failures cast doubt on timing of upcoming launches|publisher=spacenews.com|date=19 January 2017|access-date=29 January 2017}} According to ESA, they concluded with their industrial partners for the rubidium atomic clocks that some implemented testing and operational measures were required. Additionally some refurbishment is required for the rubidium atomic clocks that still have to be launched. For the passive hydrogen masers operational measures are being studied to reduce the risk of failure. China and India use the same SpectraTime-built atomic clocks in their satellite navigation systems. ESA contacted the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) who initially reported not having experienced similar failures. However, at the end of January 2017, Indian news outlets reported that all three clocks aboard the IRNSS-1A satellite (launched in July 2013 with a 10-year life expectancy) had failed and that a replacement satellite would be launched in the second half of 2017: these atomic clocks were said to be supplied under a four-million-euro deal.{{cite web|url=http://defencenews.in/article/ISRO-readies-replacement-satellite-after-clock-failure-283932|title=ISRO readies replacement satellite after clock failure|website=defencenews.in|access-date=22 September 2017|archive-date=22 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170922194216/http://defencenews.in/article/ISRO-readies-replacement-satellite-after-clock-failure-283932|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/technology/science/isro-irnss-1h-readies-replacement-satellite-irnss-1h-after-clock-failure-4818259/|title=ISRO readies replacement satellite after clock failure|date=29 August 2017|work=The Indian Express|access-date=22 September 2017}}{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Atomic-clocks-on-indigenous-navigation-satellite-develop-snag/article17114134.ece|title=Atomic clocks on indigenous navigation satellite develop snag|last=D.S. |first=Madhumathi|work=The Hindu|access-date=6 March 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://thewire.in/103934/atomic-clock-rubidium-irnss/|title=3 Atomic Clocks Fail Onboard India's 'Regional GPS' Constellation|last=Mukunth|first=Vasudevan|website=thewire.in|access-date=6 March 2017}}

In July 2017, the European Commission reported that the main causes of the malfunctions have been identified and measures have been put in place to reduce the possibility of further malfunctions of the satellites already in space.{{cite news|url=http://gadgets.ndtv.com/science/news/galileo-satnav-atomic-clock-failure-esa-investigation-1720170|title=Europe's Galileo Satnav Identifies Problems Behind Failing Clocks|work=NDTV Gadgets360.com|access-date=22 September 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://phys.org/news/2017-07-europe-galileo-satnav-problems-clocks.html|title=Europe's Galileo satnav identifies problems behind failing clocks|publisher=phys.org|date=21 July 2017|access-date=15 September 2017}} According to European sources, ESA took measures to correct both identified sets of problems by replacing a faulty component that can cause a short circuit in the rubidium clocks and improve the passive hydrogen maser clocks as well on satellites still to be launched.{{cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1449890/europes-galileo-satnav-identifies-problems-behind-failing-clocks/|title=Europe's Galileo satnav identifies problems behind failing clocks|publisher=AFP-The Express Tribune|date=4 July 2017|access-date=15 September 2017}}

From 11 July till 18 July 2019, the whole constellation experienced an "unexplained" signal outage{{cite web|url=https://www.gpsworld.com/galileo-down-over-weekend/|title=Galileo down over weekend|date=14 July 2019|website=GPS World|access-date=14 July 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-48985399|work=BBC News|title=Galileo sat-nav system experiences service outage |first=Jonathan|last=Amos|date=15 July 2019}} with all active satellites showing "NOT USABLE" status on the Galileo status page.{{cite web|url=https://www.gsc-europa.eu/system-status/Constellation-Information|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190714102648/https://www.gsc-europa.eu/system-status/Constellation-Information|url-status=dead|archive-date=14 July 2019|title=Constellation Information {{!}} European GNSS Service Centre|date=14 July 2019|access-date=14 July 2019}} The cause of the incident was an equipment malfunction in the Galileo ground infrastructure that affected the calculation of time and orbit predictions.{{cite web|url=https://www.gsc-europa.eu/news/galileo-initial-services-have-now-been-restored|title=Galileo Initial Services have now been restored | European GNSS Service Centre|website=www.gsc-europa.eu}}

On 14 December 2020, starting at 0:00 UTC, Galileo experienced a system-wide performance degradation lasting for 6 hours.{{cite web|url=https://www.gsc-europa.eu/news/galileo-nominal-service-restored|title=Galileo nominal service restored|date=14 December 2020|website=European GNSS Service Centre|access-date=13 Jan 2021|archive-date=27 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220927204349/https://www.gsc-europa.eu/news/galileo-nominal-service-restored|url-status=dead}} GNSS receivers ignoring a 'marginal' status flag in the Galileo data could have experienced a pseudorange error of up to almost 80 km. The problem was related to an abnormal behaviour of a ground segment atomic clock in the time determination function of the system. The system uses parallel functioning Precise Timing Facilities in the Fucino and Oberpfaffenhofen Galileo Control Centres, and an issue occurred in Fucino whilst maintenance was performed on the parallel system in Oberpfaffenhofen.{{cite web|url=https://www.gsc-europa.eu/news/further-information-on-the-event-of-14th-december|title=Further information on the event of 14th December|date=15 December 2020|website=European GNSS Service Centre|access-date=13 Jan 2021}}

In September 2003, China joined the Galileo project. China was to invest €230 million (US$302 million, £155 million, CNY 2.34 billion) in the project over the following years.{{Cite web |date=19 September 2003 |title=China joins EU's satellite network |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/3121682.stm |website=BBC News}}{{Update inline|date=March 2022|reason="Historically there was proposed Chinese involvement in Galileo, but they were subsequently excluded."

https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1119329/india-galileo-space-sector-brexit-news-theresa-may-eu}}

In July 2004, Israel signed an agreement with the EU to become a partner in the Galileo project.{{Cite web |date=18 May 2005 |title=Israel joins Galileo The Israel Entity MATIMOP, on the way to becoming a Member of the Galileo Joint Undertaking |url=http://www.eu-del.org.il/hebrew/6180%20press%20release%20Israel%2018052005.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070709225405/http://www.eu-del.org.il/hebrew/6180%20press%20release%20Israel%2018052005.pdf |archive-date=9 July 2007 |access-date=14 July 2021 |website=eu-del.org.il}}

On 3 June 2005, the European Union and Ukraine signed an agreement for Ukraine to join the project, as noted in a press release.{{Cite press release |title=EU and Ukraine seal GALILEO and aviation agreement |date=3 June 2005 |publisher=European Commission |url=https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/IP_05_666 |access-date=29 October 2011}} As of November 2005, Morocco also joined the programme.

In September 2005, India signed an agreement with the EU to join the project.{{Cite web |title=Press corner |url=https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/home/en |access-date=2022-03-19 |website=European Commission - European Commission |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Joint Statement issued by the President of the Republic of France and the Prime Minister of India |url=https://mea.gov.in/bilateral-documents.htm?dtl/6893/Joint+Statement+issued+by+the+President+of+the+Republic+of+France+and+the+Prime+Minister+of+India |access-date=2022-03-19 |website=mea.gov.in}}

In mid-2006, the public–private partnership fell apart and the European Commission decided to nationalise Galileo as an EU programme. In November 2006, China opted instead to upgrade BeiDou navigation system, its then-regional satellite navigation system.{{cite news|first=Paul|last=Marks|title=China's satellite navigation plans threaten Galileo|publisher=NewScientist.com|url=https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn10472-chinas-satellite-navigation-plans-threaten-galileo.html|access-date=19 November 2006}} The decision was due to security concerns and issues with Galileo financing.{{cite news|title=Chinese Square Off With Europe in Space|last=Levin|first=Dan|newspaper=New York Times|date=23 March 2009|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9503E1DF153BF930A15750C0A96F9C8B63}}

On 30 November 2007, the 27 member states of the European Union unanimously agreed to move forward with the project, with plans for bases in Germany and Italy. Spain did not approve during the initial vote, but approved it later that day. This greatly improved the viability of the Galileo project: "The EU's executive had previously said that if agreement was not reached by January 2008, the long-troubled project would essentially be dead".{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7120041.stm|work=BBC News|title='Unanimous backing' for Galileo|date=30 November 2007|access-date=3 May 2010}}

On 3 April 2009, Norway too joined the programme pledging €68.9 million toward development costs and allowing its companies to bid for the construction contracts. Norway, while not a member of the EU, is a member of ESA.{{Cite web |date=3 April 2009 |title=Norway joins EU's Galileo satnav project |url=http://www.gpsdaily.com/reports/Norway_joins_EUs_Galileo_satnav_project_999.html |access-date=29 October 2011 |website=GPS News - 24/7 Coverage Of GPS Applications and Technology}}

On 18 December 2013, Switzerland signed a cooperation agreement to fully participate in the program, and retroactively contributed €80 million for the period 2008–2013. As a member of ESA, it already collaborated in the development of the Galileo satellites, contributing the hydrogen-maser clocks. Switzerland's financial commitment for the period 2014–2020 will be calculated in accordance with the standard formula applied for the Swiss participation in the EU research Framework Programme.{{Cite press release |title=Switzerland joins the EU's Galileo satellite navigation programme |date=18 December 2013 |publisher=European Commission |url=https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/IP_13_1292}}

In March 2018, the European Commission announced that the United Kingdom may be excluded from parts of the project (especially relating to the secured service (PRS) following its exit from the European Union (EU). As a result, Airbus was to relocate work on the Ground Control Segment (GCS) from its Portsmouth premises to an EU state. British officials have been reported to be seeking legal advice on whether they can reclaim the €1.4 billion invested by the United Kingdom, of the €10 billion spent to date.{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/brexit-galileo-uk-government-europe-eu-gps-satellite-navigation-a8322026.html|work=Independent|title=UK might have to build a new satellite system after Brexit, government says|date=30 November 2007

|access-date=25 April 2018}} In a speech at the EU Institute for Security Studies conference, the EU Chief Negotiator in charge of the Brexit negotiations, Michel Barnier, stressed the EU position that the UK had decided to leave the EU and thus all EU programmes, including Galileo.{{cite web|url=https://www.europa-nu.nl/id/vkocpptp51zi/nieuws/speech_by_michel_barnier_at_the_eu?ctx=viw6jn2yr3qr|title=Speech by Michel Barnier at the EU Institute for Security Studies conference|website=www.europa-nu.nl|language=nl|access-date=19 May 2018}} In August 2018, the UK stated that it would look into creating a competing satellite navigation system to Galileo post-Brexit.{{cite web|title=Galileo: Funding pledge for UK rival to EU sat-nav system|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-45314954|work=BBC News|date=26 August 2018|access-date=26 August 2018}} In December 2018, British Prime Minister Theresa May announced that the UK would no longer seek to reclaim the investment, and Science Minister Sam Gyimah resigned over the matter.{{cite news|title=Brexit: Sam Gyimah resigns over Theresa May's 'naive' deal|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-46407249|access-date=1 December 2018|publisher=BBC|date=1 December 2018}}

{{main|List of Galileo satellites}}

File:Galileo sat constallation.gif

As of 2012,{{cite web|url=http://download.esa.int/docs/Galileo_IOV_Launch/Galileo_factsheet_2012.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018063051/http://download.esa.int/docs/Galileo_IOV_Launch/Galileo_factsheet_2012.pdf |archive-date=2012-10-18 |url-status=live|publisher=ESA|title=Galileo fact sheet|date=15 February 2013|access-date=8 December 2015}} the system was scheduled to have 15 satellites operational in 2015 and reach full operation in 2020{{update after|2020|3|21}} with the following specifications:

• 30 in-orbit spacecraft (24 in full service and 6 spares)
• Orbital altitude: {{cvt|23,222|km}} (MEO)
• Orbital period: 14 hours and 5 minutes (every 17 revolutions, done in 10 sidereal days, a satellite passes over the same location){{Cite web |title=Galileo Space Segment - Navipedia |url=https://gssc.esa.int/navipedia/index.php/Galileo_Space_Segment |access-date=2023-10-30 |website=gssc.esa.int}}
• 3 orbital planes, 56.0° inclination, ascending nodes separated by 120.0° longitude (8 operational satellites and 2 active spares per orbital plane)
• Satellite lifetime: >12 years
• Satellite mass: {{cvt|675|kg}}
• Satellite body dimensions: {{cvt|2.7|×|1.2|×|1.1|m}}
• Span of solar arrays: {{cvt|18.7|m}}
• Power of solar arrays: 1.5 kW (end of life)
• Power of navigation antennas: 155–265 W{{cite journal |last1=Bury |first1=Grzegorz |last2=Sośnica |first2=Krzysztof |last3=Zajdel |first3=Radosław |last4=Strugarek |first4=Dariusz |title=Toward the 1-cm Galileo orbits: challenges in modeling of perturbing forces |journal=Journal of Geodesy |date=2020 |volume=94 |issue=16 |page=16 |doi=10.1007/s00190-020-01342-2 |bibcode=2020JGeod..94...16B |doi-access=free}}

File:Galileo Control Centre at the DLR Oberpfaffenhofen site.jpg

File:Galileo IOT L-band antenna at Redu ESA219283.jpg (1,000 – 2,000 MHz) antenna at ESTRACK Redu Station]]

The system's orbit and signal accuracy is controlled by a ground segment consisting of:

• Two ground control centres, located in Oberpfaffenhofen and Fucino for Satellite and Mission Control
• Seven telemetry, tracking & control (TT&C) stations, located in Kiruna, 2x Kourou, Nouméa, Réunion, Redu and Papeete
• Ten mission data uplink stations (ULS), two per site, located in Svalbard, Kourou, Papeete, Sainte-Marie, Réunion and Nouméa
• Several worldwide distributed reference sensor stations (GSS), including one in the Kerguelen Islands and Saint Pierre and Miquelon
• A data dissemination network between all geographically distributed locations
• One service centre, located in Madrid, to help Galileo users.

The system transmits three signals: E1 (1575.42 MHz), E5 (1191.795 MHz) consisting of E5a (1176.45 MHz) and E5b (1207.14 MHz), and E6 (1278.75 MHz):{{cite web |url=http://ec.europa.eu/DocsRoom/documents/33024|title=DocsRoom – European Commission|website=ec.europa.eu}}

The Galileo system will have four main services:

;Open Service (OS):This will be available without charge for use by anyone with appropriate mass-market equipment; simple timing, and positioning down to 1 m {{snd}}for a double frequency receiver, best case.{{Cite web|url=https://gssc.esa.int/navipedia/index.php/Galileo_Open_Service_(OS)|title=Galileo Open Service (OS) – Navipedia|website=gssc.esa.int}}

;High Accuracy Service (HAS; resulting from the re-scope of the former Galileo Commercial Service): Accuracy to 20 cm free of charge.{{Cite web|url=https://gssc.esa.int/navipedia/index.php/Galileo_High_Accuracy_Service_(HAS)|title=Galileo High Accuracy Service (HAS) – Navipedia|website=gssc.esa.int}}

;Public Regulated Service (PRS; encrypted): Designed to be more robust, with anti-jamming mechanisms and reliable problem detection. Limited to authorized governmental bodies.{{Cite web|url=https://gssc.esa.int/navipedia/index.php/Galileo_Public_Regulated_Service_(PRS)|title=Galileo Public Regulated Service (PRS) – Navipedia|website=gssc.esa.int}}

;Search and Rescue Service (SAR): The Galileo SAR Service is a Medium Earth Orbiting Search and Rescue (MEOSAR) service and part of the International Cospas-Sarsat Programme.{{cite web|url=https://www.gsc-europa.eu/sites/default/files/sites/all/files/Galileo-SAR-SDD.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200229094524/https://www.gsc-europa.eu/sites/default/files/sites/all/files/Galileo-SAR-SDD.pdf |archive-date=2020-02-29|title=SAR/GALILEO SERVICE DEFINITION DOCUMENT|publisher=European GNSS Service Centre|date=2 December 2021|access-date=2 December 2021|url-status=live}}

The European GNSS Service Centre provides public quarterly performance reports regarding the Open Service and Search and Rescue Service since 2017. Generally, the reported performance parameters measurements surpass the target values.{{cite web|url=https://www.gsc-europa.eu/electronic-library/galileo-service-performance-reports|title=Performance Reports|publisher=European GNSS Service Centre|date=30 November 2021|access-date=30 November 2021|url-status=dead|archive-date=30 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130154542/https://www.gsc-europa.eu/electronic-library/galileo-service-performance-reports}}

The Galileo April, May, June 2021 Quarterly Open Service Performance Report by the European GNSS Service Centre reported the UTC Time Dissemination Service Accuracy was ≤ 4.3 nanoseconds, computed by accumulating samples over the previous 12 months and exceeding the ≤ 30 ns target value. The Signal In Space Error (SISE) was also well within the ≤ {{cvt|2|m}} target value for Single and (more accurate) Dual Frequency receivers.{{cite web|url=https://www.gsc-europa.eu/sites/default/files/sites/all/files/Galileo-OS-Quarterly-Performance_Report-Q2-2021.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020204407/https://www.gsc-europa.eu/sites/default/files/sites/all/files/Galileo-OS-Quarterly-Performance_Report-Q2-2021.pdf |archive-date=2021-10-20|title=EUROPEAN GNSS (GALILEO) SERVICES OPEN SERVICE QUARTERLY PERFORMANCE REPORT APRIL - JUNE 2021|publisher=European GNSS Service Centre|date=1 July 2021|access-date=30 November 2021|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.gsa.europa.eu/galileo/services/initial-services|title=Galileo Goes Live|publisher=European GNSS Agency|date=15 December 2016|access-date=1 February 2017|archive-date=15 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210115130957/http://www.gsa.europa.eu/galileo/services/initial-services|url-status=live}} The Galileo navigation message includes the differences between Galileo System Time (GST), UTC and GPS Time (GPST) (to promote interoperability).{{Cite web |url=http://www.unoosa.org/pdf/icg/2012/Timescale-GALILEO.pdf |title=GNSS Timescale Description |access-date=5 October 2015 |archive-date=28 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028210310/http://www.unoosa.org/pdf/icg/2012/Timescale-GALILEO.pdf |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=http://www.insidegnss.com/node/3560|title=ESA Adds System Time Offset to Galileo Navigation Message|website=insidegnss.com|access-date=5 October 2015|archive-date=28 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180328231238/http://www.insidegnss.com/node/3560|url-status=dead}}

The Galileo April, May, June 2021 Quarterly Search and Rescue Service Performance Report by the European GNSS Service Centre reported the various performance parameters measurements surpassed their target values.

{{cite web|url=https://www.gsc-europa.eu/sites/default/files/sites/all/files/Galileo-EnS-SAR-Quarterly-Performance_Report-Q2-2021.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924134048/https://www.gsc-europa.eu/sites/default/files/sites/all/files/Galileo-EnS-SAR-Quarterly-Performance_Report-Q2-2021.pdf |archive-date=2021-09-24|title=EUROPEAN GNSS (GALILEO) SAR SERVICE QUARTERLY PERFORMANCE REPORT APRIL – JUNE 2021|publisher=European GNSS Service Centre|date=1 July 2021|access-date=30 November 2021|url-status=live}}

File:ESA Galileo Passive Hydrogen Maser.jpg

File:Rb atomic clock Galileo satellite.jpg

Each Galileo satellite has two master passive hydrogen maser atomic clocks and two secondary rubidium atomic clocks which are independent of one other.{{cite web |url=https://safran-navigation-timing.com/product/imaser-3000/|title=Passive Hydrogen Maser (PHM)|work=safran-navigation-timing.com|date=11 December 2018}}{{cite web |url=https://safran-navigation-timing.com/solution/atomic-clocks-and-oscillators/|title=Rb Atomic Frequency Standard (RAFS)|work=safran-navigation-timing.com|date=11 December 2018}} As precise and stable space-qualified atomic clocks are critical components to any satellite-navigation system, the employed quadruple redundancy keeps Galileo functioning when onboard atomic clocks fail in space. The onboard passive hydrogen maser clocks are four times more precise than the onboard rubidium atomic clocks, with an estimated drift of just 1 second every 3 million years. A timing error of just 1 nanosecond would correspond to a positional error of 30 cm on Earth's surface. These clocks provide the accurate timing signals necessary for calculating signal travel time to the receiver.{{cite web|url=http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Navigation/Galileo/Galileo_s_clocks|title=Galileo's clocks|publisher=European Space Agency |access-date=16 January 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Navigation/What_about_errors|title=What about errors|publisher=European Space Agency|access-date=16 January 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-38664225|title=Galileo satellites experiencing multiple clock failures|publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)|date=17 January 2017|access-date=18 January 2017}} The Galileo satellites are configured to run one hydrogen maser clock in primary mode and a rubidium clock as hot backup. Under normal conditions, the operating hydrogen maser clock produces the reference frequency from which the navigation signal is generated. Should the hydrogen maser encounter any problem, an instantaneous switchover to the rubidium clock would be performed. In case of a failure of the primary hydrogen maser the secondary hydrogen maser could be activated by the ground segment to take over within a period of days as part of the redundant system. A clock monitoring and control unit provides the interface between the four clocks and the navigation signal generator unit (NSU). It passes the signal from the active hydrogen master clock to the NSU and also ensures that the frequencies produced by the master clock and the active spare are in phase, so that the spare can take over instantly should the master clock fail. The NSU information is used to calculate the position of the receiver by trilaterating the difference in received signals from multiple satellites.

The onboard passive hydrogen maser and rubidium clocks are very stable over a few hours. If they were left to run indefinitely, though, their timekeeping would drift, so they need to be synchronized regularly with a network of even more stable ground-based reference clocks. These include active hydrogen maser clocks and clocks based on the caesium frequency standard, which show a far better medium and long-term stability than rubidium or passive hydrogen maser clocks. These clocks on the ground are gathered together within the parallel functioning Precise Timing Facilities in the Fucino and Oberpfaffenhofen Galileo Control Centres. The ground based clocks also generate a worldwide time reference called Galileo System Time (GST), the standard for the Galileo system and are routinely compared to the local realisations of UTC, the UTC(k) of the European frequency and time laboratories.{{cite web|url=http://www.spectratime.com/uploads/pdfs/gstpg_ptti06.pdf|title=38th Annual Precise Time and Time Interval (PTTI) Meeting GALILEO SYSTEM TIME PHYSICAL GENERATION|access-date=28 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729010652/http://www.spectratime.com/uploads/pdfs/gstpg_ptti06.pdf|archive-date=29 July 2017|url-status=dead}}

For more information of the concept of global satellite navigation systems, see GNSS and GNSS positioning calculation.

File:Galileo on your pocket.jpg

The European GNSS Service Centre (GSC),{{cite web|url=https://www.gsc-europa.eu/|title=European GNSS Service Centre {{!}} European GNSS Service Centre|website=www.gsc-europa.eu |access-date=30 July 2019}} located in Madrid, is an integral part of Galileo and provides the single interface between the Galileo system and Galileo users. GSC publishes Galileo official documentation, promotes Galileo current and future services worldwide, supports standardisation and distributes Galileo almanacs, ephemeris and metadata.

The GSC User Helpdesk{{cite web|url=https://www.gsc-europa.eu/contact-us/helpdesk|title=Contact Form {{!}} European GNSS Service Centre|website=www.gsc-europa.eu|access-date=30 July 2019|archive-date=14 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190714102708/https://www.gsc-europa.eu/contact-us/helpdesk|url-status=dead}} is the point of contact for Galileo user's assistance. GSC answers queries and gathers incident notifications from users on Galileo. The helpdesk is continuously available for all worldwide Galileo users through the GSC web portal.

GSC provides updated Galileo constellation status and informs on planned and unplanned events through Notice Advisory to Galileo Users (NAGU).{{cite web|url=https://www.gsc-europa.eu/system-status/user-notifications|title=Active user notifications {{!}} European GNSS Service Centre|website=www.gsc-europa.eu|access-date=30 July 2019}} GSC publishes Galileo reference documentation and general information on Galileo services and signals description and Galileo performance reports.

Galileo provides a global search and rescue (SAR) function as part of the MEOSAR system. Like Russia's Glonass, the United States' Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites, and some Chinese BeiDou satellites, Galileo satellites are equipped with a transponder which relays 406 MHz distress frequency signals from emergency beacons by a Forward Link Service (FLS) to the Rescue coordination centre, which will then initiate a rescue operation.{{cite web|url=https://www.gsc-europa.eu/system-service-status/sar-information/sargalileo-satellites-information|title=SAR/Galileo Satellites Information|publisher=European GNSS Service Centre|date=4 December 2021|access-date=4 December 2021|url-status=dead|archive-date=4 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211204191701/https://www.gsc-europa.eu/system-service-status/sar-information/sargalileo-satellites-information}}{{cite web|url=https://www.euspa.europa.eu/european-space/galileo/services/search-and-rescue-sar-galileo-service|title=Search and Rescue (SAR) / Galileo Service|publisher=European Union Space Programme Agency|date=5 April 2017|access-date=19 December 2021|archive-date=19 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211219120715/https://www.euspa.europa.eu/european-space/galileo/services/search-and-rescue-sar-galileo-service|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.gsc-europa.eu/system-service-status/sar-information/sar-payload-characteristics|title=SAR Payload Characteristics|publisher=European GNSS Service Centre|date=|access-date=19 December 2021|url-status=dead|archive-date=19 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211219120717/https://www.gsc-europa.eu/system-service-status/sar-information/sar-payload-characteristics}}{{cite web|url=https://www.gsc-europa.eu/system-service-status/sar-information/sargalileo-satellites-information|title=SAR/Galileo Satellites Information|publisher=European GNSS Service Centre|date=|access-date=19 December 2021|url-status=dead|archive-date=14 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211214224044/https://www.gsc-europa.eu/system-service-status/sar-information/sargalileo-satellites-information}}

After receipt of an emergency beacon signal, the Galileo SAR system provides a signal, the Return Link Message (RLM), to the emergency beacon, informing the person(s) in distress that the activated beacon has been detected and help is on the way. This return message feature is new in a satellite constellation and is considered a major upgrade compared to the existing Cospas-Sarsat system, which up to then did not provide feedback to the user.{{cite news|url= http://www.esa.int/esaNA/GGGMX650NDC_galileo_0.html|title= What is Galileo?|publisher=ESA|date=11 April 2010|access-date=21 December 2010}} Tests in February 2014 found that for Galileo's search and rescue function, operating as part of the existing International Cospas-Sarsat Programme, 77% of simulated distress locations can be pinpointed within {{convert|2|km}}, and 95% within {{convert|5|km}}.{{Cite web|url=http://www.gpsdaily.com/reports/Galileo_works_and_works_well_999.html|title=Galileo works, and works well|website=gpsdaily.com}}

The Galileo Return Link Service (RLS) went live in January 2020 for all RLS capable emergency beacons.{{cite web |url=https://www.electronicsweekly.com/news/galileo-return-link-service-replies-sos-messages-worldwide-2020-01/|title=Galileo Return Link Service replies to SOS messages worldwide|last=Williams|first=Alun |date=2020-01-31|website=Electronics Weekly|access-date=2020-02-04}}{{Cite web|url=https://gssc.esa.int/navipedia/index.php/Galileo_Search_and_Rescue_Service|title=Galileo Search and Rescue Service – Navipedia|website=gssc.esa.int}}{{cite web|url=https://www.esa.int/Applications/Navigation/Galileo_now_replying_to_SOS_messages_worldwide|title=Galileo now replying to SOS messages worldwide|date=23 January 2020|access-date=30 November 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://www.gpsworld.com/first-galileo-personal-emergency-beacon-coming-to-19-european-countries/|title=First Galileo personal emergency beacon coming to 19 European countries|publisher=GPS World|date=26 October 2020|access-date=2 December 2021}}

{{main|List of Galileo satellites}}

{{#section-h:: List of Galileo satellites | Summary table}}

{{Main|GIOVE}}

File:Giovea.jpg was successfully launched 28 December 2005.]]

In 2004, the Galileo System Test Bed Version 1 (GSTB-V1) project validated the on-ground algorithms for Orbit Determination and Time Synchronisation (OD&TS). This project, led by ESA and European Satellite Navigation Industries, has provided industry with fundamental knowledge to develop the mission segment of the Galileo positioning system.{{Cite web |date=22 December 2004 |title=Galileo System Test Bed Version 1 experimentation is now complete |url=http://www.esa.int/esaNA/SEM6KYP3K3E_index_0.html |access-date=7 January 2005 |website=ESA News release}}

• GIOVE-A is the first GIOVE (Galileo In-Orbit Validation Element) test satellite. It was built by Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL), and successfully launched on 28 December 2005 by the European Space Agency and the Galileo Joint Undertaking (GJU). Operation of GIOVE-A ensured that Galileo meets the frequency-filing allocation and reservation requirements for the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a process that was required to be complete by June 2006.
• GIOVE-B, built by Astrium and Thales Alenia Space, has a more advanced payload than GIOVE-A. It was successfully launched on 27 April 2008 at 22:16 UTC aboard a Soyuz-FG/Fregat rocket provided by Starsem.

A third satellite, GIOVE-A2, was originally planned to be built by SSTL for launch in the second half of 2008.{{Cite web |title=GIOVE-A2 to secure the Galileo programme |url=http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEM8LNN0LYE_index_0.html |access-date=5 March 2007 |website=ESA News release}} Construction of GIOVE-A2 was terminated due to the successful launch and in-orbit operation of GIOVE-B.

The GIOVE Mission{{Cite web |date=12 January 2006 |title=GIOVE mission core infrastructure |url=http://www.esa.int/esaNA/SEMWL4N0LYE_index_0.html |access-date=26 February 2007 |website=ESA press release}}{{Cite web |title=One year of Galileo signals; new website opens |url=http://www.esa.int/esaNA/SEMUGJRMTWE_galileo_0.html |access-date=12 January 2007 |website=ESA press release}} segment operated by European Satellite Navigation Industries used the GIOVE-A/B satellites to provide experimental results based on real data to be used for risk mitigation for the IOV satellites that followed on from the testbeds. ESA organised the global network of ground stations to collect the measurements of GIOVE-A/B with the use of the GETR receivers for further systematic study. GETR receivers are supplied by Septentrio as well as the first Galileo navigation receivers to be used to test the functioning of the system at further stages of its deployment. Signal analysis of GIOVE-A/B data confirmed successful operation of all the Galileo signals with the tracking performance as expected.

These testbed satellites were followed by four IOV Galileo satellites that are much closer to the final Galileo satellite design. The search and rescue (SAR) feature is also installed.{{Cite web |date=3 November 2014 |title=Galileo IOV Satellites |url=http://navipedia.net/index.php?title=Galileo_IOV_Satellites&oldid=13446 |access-date=1 May 2015 |website=Navipedia}} The first two satellites were launched on 21 October 2011 from Centre Spatial Guyanais using a Soyuz launcher,{{Cite news |date=23 August 2014 |title=Europe launches two navigation satellites |url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/world/428216/europe-launches-two-navigation-satellites |access-date=14 July 2021 |newspaper=Bangkok Post}} 29 October 2011. the other two on 12 October 2012.{{cite news|url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-19933989|title=Galileo: Europe's version of GPS reaches key phase|publisher=BBC|date=12 October 2012|access-date=12 October 2012}} This enables key validation tests, since earth-based receivers such as those in cars and phones need to "see" a minimum of four satellites in order to calculate their position in three dimensions. Those 4 IOV Galileo satellites were constructed by Astrium GmbH and Thales Alenia Space. On 12 March 2013, a first fix was performed using those four IOV satellites.{{cite web|last=|date=12 March 2013|title=Galileo fixes Europe's position in history|url=http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Navigation/Galileo_fixes_Europe_s_position_in_history|website=European Space Agency (esa.int)}} Once this In-Orbit Validation (IOV) phase has been completed, the remaining satellites will be installed to reach the Full Operational Capability.

{{Main|List of Galileo satellites}}

File:Galileo satellite model.jpg

On 7 January 2010, it was announced that the contract to build the first 14 FOC satellites was awarded to OHB System and for the navigation payload to Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL). The first batch of Galileo First Generation satellites known as "Batch-1" consists of the Galileo-FOC FM1 to Galileo-FOC FM14 satellites.

Fourteen satellites were built at a cost of €566 million (£510 million; US$811 million).{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8442090.stm|title=EU awards Galileo satellite-navigation contracts|newspaper=BBC News|first=Jonathan|last=Amos|date=7 January 2010}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.sstl.co.uk/media-hub/latest-news/2010/british-company-sstl-wins-key-role-in-europe%E2%80%99s-gal|title=Press Release: SSTL wins key role in Galileo Programme | SSTL|access-date=12 December 2021|archive-date=9 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211109101949/https://www.sstl.co.uk/media-hub/latest-news/2010/british-company-sstl-wins-key-role-in-europe%E2%80%99s-gal|url-status=dead}} Arianespace will launch the satellites for a cost of €397 million (£358 million; US$569 million).{{needs update |date=December 2021}} The European Commission also announced that the €85 million contract for system support covering industrial services required by ESA for integration and validation of the Galileo system had been awarded to Thales Alenia Space. Thales Alenia Space subcontract performances to Astrium GmbH and security to Thales Communications.

In February 2012, an additional order of 8 FOC satellites was awarded to OHB Systems for €250 million (US$327 million), after outbidding EADS Astrium tender offer. The second batch of Galileo First Generation satellites known as "Batch-2" consists of the Galileo-FOC FM15 to Galileo-FOC FM22 satellites. Thus bringing the total to 22 FOC satellites.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/eu-satellite-contract-idUSL5E8D14XW20120201|title=OHB beats EADS to Galileo satellite contract|newspaper=Reuters|first=Charlie|last=Dunmore|date=1 February 2012|access-date=1 July 2017|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924162028/http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/02/01/eu-satellite-contract-idUSL5E8D14XW20120201|url-status=live}} The satellites were built by OHB, with the contribution of Surrey Satellite Technology (SSTL).{{Cite web|url=https://www.sstl.co.uk/media-hub/latest-news/2012/sstl-signs-%E2%82%AC80m-contract-with-ohb-for-second-batch|title=SSTL Signs €80, Contract With OHB For Second Batch | SSTL}}

In June and October 2017, two additional orders for 8 and 4 FOC satellites were awarded to OHB Systems for €324 million and €157.75 million. This third and final batch of Galileo First Generation satellites known as "Batch-3" consists of the Galileo-FOC FM23 to Galileo-FOC FM34 satellites. The satellites are being built by OHB in Bremen, Germany, with the contribution of Surrey Satellite Technology (SSTL) in Guildford, United Kingdom.{{cite web|url=https://directory.eoportal.org/web/eoportal/satellite-missions/g/galileo-foc|title=Galileo FOC Series|publisher=eoPortal Directory|access-date=1 December 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ohb-system.de/press-releases-details/serial-success-ohb-wins-third-tender-for-galileo-satellites.html|title=Serial success: OHB wins third tender for Galileo satellites|publisher=OHB Systems|date=22 June 2017|access-date=11 December 2021|archive-date=11 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211211115018/https://www.ohb-system.de/press-releases-details/serial-success-ohb-wins-third-tender-for-galileo-satellites.html|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ohb-system.de/press-releases-details/new-contract-award-for-ohb-european-commission-orders-a-further-four-galileo-satellites.html|title=New contract award for OHB: European Commission orders a further four Galileo satellites|publisher=OHB Systems|date=5 October 2017|access-date=10 December 2021|archive-date=10 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211210200333/https://www.ohb-system.de/press-releases-details/new-contract-award-for-ohb-european-commission-orders-a-further-four-galileo-satellites.html|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.sstl.co.uk/media-hub/latest-news/2017/sstl-celebrates-galileo-navigation-payload-order|title=Lift off for 4 Galileo satellites as SSTL celebrates navigation payload order | SSTL}}{{cite web|url=https://www.esa.int/Applications/Navigation/12_things_you_never_knew_about_Galileo_satellites|title=12 things you never knew about Galileo satellites|publisher=ESA|date=5 December 2021|access-date=5 December 2021}} When completed Batch-3 brings the total to 34 FOC satellites.

On 7 May 2014, the first two FOC satellites landed in Guyana for their joint launch planned in summer.{{cite web|last=|date=7 May 2014|title=Next Galileo satellites arrive at Europe's Spaceport|url=http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Navigation/Next_Galileo_satellites_arrive_at_Europe_s_Spaceport|website=European Space Agency (esa.int)}} Originally planned for launch during 2013, problems tooling and establishing the production line for assembly led to a delay of a year in serial production of Galileo satellites. These two satellites (Galileo satellites GSAT-201 and GSAT-202) were launched on 22 August 2014.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-28860851|title=Europe expands Galileo network|first=Jonathan|last=Amos|date=22 August 2014 |work=BBC News}} The names of these satellites are Doresa and Milena named after European children who had previously won a drawing contest.{{Cite news |last=Rhian |first=Jason |date=22 August 2014 |title=Doresa and Milena Galileo spacecraft rise into morning sky via Soyuz ST-B |work=Spaceflight Insider |url=http://www.spaceflightinsider.com/space-flight-news/doresa-milena-rise-night-via-soyuz-st-b-launch-vehicle/ |access-date=17 January 2016 |archive-date=27 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161227232630/http://www.spaceflightinsider.com/space-flight-news/doresa-milena-rise-night-via-soyuz-st-b-launch-vehicle/ |url-status=dead }} On 23 August 2014, launch service provider Arianespace announced that the flight VS09 experienced an anomaly and the satellites were injected into an incorrect orbit.{{cite press release|url=http://www.arianespace.com/news-press-release/2014/8-23-2014.asp|title=Galileo satellites experience orbital injection anomaly on Soyuz launch: Initial report|date=23 August 2014|access-date=27 August 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140827023854/http://www.arianespace.com/news-press-release/2014/8-23-2014.asp|archive-date=27 August 2014}} They ended up in elliptical orbits and thus could not be used for navigation. However, it was later possible to use them to perform a physics experiment, so they were not a complete loss.{{cite web|last1=Gannon|first1=Megan|title=Wayward Satellites Test Einstein's Theory of General Relativity |url=https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/wayward-satellites-test-einsteins-theory-of-general-relativity/|website=Scientific American|publisher=Springer Nature America, Inc.|access-date=9 February 2019}}

On 15 December 2016, Galileo started offering Initial Operational Capability (IOC). The services currently offered are Open Service, Public Regulated Service and Search and Rescue Service.

During 2014, ESA and its industry partners began studies on Galileo Second Generation (G2G) satellites, which were to be presented to the EC for the late 2020s launch period.{{cite web|last=|date=4 April 2014|title=Electric thrusters may steer Galileo in future|url=http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Navigation/Electric_thrusters_may_steer_Galileo_in_future|website=European Space Agency (esa.int)}} One idea was to employ electric propulsion, which would eliminate the need for an upper stage during launch and allow satellites from a single batch to be inserted into more than one orbital plane.{{cite video|url=https://galileognss.eu/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Galileo-Launch-10-satellites-23242526-Completing-the-constellation.mp4?_=1 |title=Galileo Launch: Completing the Constellation|access-date=22 January 2019|author=ESA|via=galileognss.eu}}

On 20 January 2021, the European Commission announced that it had awarded a €1.47 billion contract to Thales Alenia Space (TAS) and Airbus Defence and Space for 6 spacecraft by each manufacturer.{{cite web |url=https://www.satellitetoday.com/government-military/2021/01/20/thales-alenia-space-airbus-win-second-generation-galileo-satellite-contract/ |title=Thales Alenia Space, Airbus Win Second-Generation Galileo Satellite Contract |last=Hill|first=Jeffrey |date=20 January 2021 |publisher=Satellite Today |language=en |access-date=2021-01-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126003337/https://www.satellitetoday.com/government-military/2021/01/20/thales-alenia-space-airbus-win-second-generation-galileo-satellite-contract/ |archive-date=2021-01-26 }} The signing of the contracts to Thales Alenia Space and Airbus Defence and Space, scheduled on 29 January 2021, was suspended by the European Court of Justice following a protest filed by OHB SE, the losing bidder. The OHB protest at the ECJ's General Court is based on “allegations of theft of trade secrets”, and seeks both a suspension of the contract signatures and the cancellation of the contract award. In May 2021 ESA reported it signed the contracts to design and build the first batch of Galileo Second Generation (G2G) satellites with Thales Alenia Space and Airbus Defence and Space.{{cite web|url=https://www.esa.int/Applications/Navigation/ESA_signs_contract_for_new_generation_of_Galileo|title=ESA signs contract for new generation of Galileo|publisher=ESA|date=28 May 2021|access-date=5 December 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/news/2021-06-new-airbus-satellites-will-navigate-galileo-into-the-future|title=ESA signs contract for new generation of Galileo|publisher=Airbus|date=16 June 2021|access-date=12 December 2021}}

The 12 G2G satellites will feature a fully digital navigational payload, electric propulsion, enhanced navigation signals and capabilities, inter-satellite links and reconfigurability in space. The number of atomic clocks will increase from four to six. The satellites' increase in payloads will result in a mass of approximately 2300 kg. The design life is extended from 12 years to 15 years.{{cite web|url=https://www.airbus.com/en/products-services/space/navigation/galileo|title=Galileo|publisher=Airbus|date=16 June 2021|access-date=12 December 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/worldwide/space/press-release/thales-alenia-space-will-play-major-role-board-galileo-2nd-generation|title=Thales Alenia Space will play a major role on-board Galileo 2nd Generation and will boost performances and cybersecurity for the constellation|publisher=Thaes Alenia Space|date=3 March 2021|access-date=13 December 2021}}

In July 2006, an international consortium of universities and research institutions embarked on a study of potential scientific applications of the Galileo constellation. This project, named GEO6,{{cite web|url=http://www.gnss-geo6.org/|title=gnss-geo6.org|access-date=5 October 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080213175442/http://www.gnss-geo6.org/|archive-date=13 February 2008|url-status=dead}} is a broad study oriented to the general scientific community, aiming to define and implement new applications of Galileo.

Among the various GNSS users identified by the Galileo Joint Undertaking,{{cite web|url=http://www.galileoju.com|title=Galileoju.com|website=Galileoju.com}}{{Verify source|date=July 2021}} the GEO6, project addresses the Scientific User Community (UC). The GEO6 project aims at fostering possible novel applications within the scientific UC of GNSS signals, and particularly of Galileo.

The AGILE{{cite web|url=http://www.galileo-in-lbs.com/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080606235159/http://www.galileo-in-lbs.com/|url-status=dead|title=Galileo in LBS|archive-date=6 June 2008}} project is an EU-funded project devoted to the study of the technical and commercial aspects of location-based services (LBS). It includes technical analysis of the benefits brought by Galileo (and EGNOS) and studies the hybridisation of Galileo with other positioning technologies (network-based, WLAN, etc.). Within these projects, some pilot prototypes were implemented and demonstrated.

On the basis of the potential number of users, potential revenues for Galileo Operating Company or Concessionaire (GOC), international relevance, and level of innovation, a set of Priority Applications (PA) will be selected by the consortium and developed within the time-frame of the same project.

These applications will help to increase and optimise the use of the EGNOS services and the opportunities offered by the Galileo Signal Test-Bed (GSTB-V2) and the Galileo (IOV) phase.

All Galileo satellites are equipped with laser retroreflector arrays which allow them to be tracked by the stations of the International Laser Ranging Service.{{cite journal |last1=Bury |first1=Grzegorz |last2=Sośnica |first2=Krzysztof |last3=Zajdel |first3=Radosław |title=Multi-GNSS orbit determination using satellite laser ranging |journal=Journal of Geodesy |date=2019 |volume=93 |issue=12 |pages=2447–2463 |doi=10.1007/s00190-018-1143-1 |bibcode=2019JGeod..93.2447B |doi-access=free}} Satellite laser ranging to Galileo satellites are used for the validation of satellite orbits,{{cite journal |last1=Sośnica |first1=Krzysztof |last2=Prange |first2=Lars |last3=Kaźmierski |first3=Kamil |last4=Bury |first4=Grzegorz |last5=Hadaś |first5=Tomasz |title=Validation of Galileo orbits using SLR with a focus on satellites launched into incorrect orbital planes |journal=Journal of Geodesy |date=2018 |volume=92 |issue=2 |pages=131–148 |doi=10.1007/s00190-017-1050-x|bibcode=2018JGeod..92..131S |doi-access=free}} determination of Earth rotation parameters{{cite journal |last1=Sośnica |first1=Krzysztof |last2=Bury |first2=Grzegorz |last3=Zajdel |first3=Radosław |title=Contribution of Multi-GNSS Constellation to SLR-Derived Terrestrial Reference Frame |journal=Geophysical Research Letters |date=2018 |volume=45 |issue=5 |pages=2339–2348 |doi=10.1002/2017GL076850 |bibcode=2018GeoRL..45.2339S |s2cid=134160047 |doi-access=}} and for the combined solutions incorporating laser and microwave observations.

File:Galileo in smartphones ESA385423.jpg smartphones receiving Galileo and other GNSS signals]]

All major GNSS receiver chips support Galileo and hundreds of end-user devices are compatible with Galileo. The first, dual-frequency-GNSS-capable Android devices, which track more than one radio signal from each satellite, E1 and E5a frequencies for Galileo, were the Huawei Mate 20 line, Xiaomi Mi 8, Xiaomi Mi 9 and Xiaomi Mi MIX 3.{{cite web |url=https://medium.com/@sjbarbeau/dual-frequency-gnss-on-android-devices-152b8826e1c|title=Dual-frequency GNSS on Android devices|last=Barbeau|first=Sean|date=4 April 2018|website=Medium.com|access-date=23 January 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.gsa.europa.eu/newsroom/news/test-your-android-device-s-satellite-navigation-performance|title=Test your Android device's satellite navigation performance |website=www.gsa.europa.eu|access-date=6 July 2019|date=21 August 2018}}{{cite web|last=Price|first=Jack|date=10 March 2019|title=Dual-Frequency GNSS – An important location feature your phone is probably missing|url=https://www.xda-developers.com/dual-frequency-gnss-important-location-feature-your-phone-probably-missing/|access-date=1 May 2019|website=xda-developers.com}} {{As of|July 2019}}, there were more than 140 Galileo-enabled smartphones on the market of which 9 were dual-frequency enabled.{{cite news|title=Galileo-enabled devices|url=https://www.gsc-europa.eu/galileo-gsc-overview/services/galileo-initial-services/galileo-enabled-devices|access-date=2 January 2019|work=European GNSS Service Centre|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190711134453/https://www.gsc-europa.eu/galileo-gsc-overview/services/galileo-initial-services/galileo-enabled-devices|archive-date=11 July 2019|url-status=dead}}{{secondary source needed|date=July 2019}} An extensive list of enabled devices, for various uses, on land, sea and in air is frequently updated at the EU website.{{cite web | title=Accuracy matters{{!}}GALILEO ENABLED DEVICES

| website=usegalileo.eu | url=https://www.usegalileo.eu/EN/ | access-date=15 July 2021}} On 24 December 2018, the European Commission passed a mandate for all new smartphones to implement Galileo for E112 support.{{cite web|url=https://www.geospatialworld.net/news/eu-makes-galileo-satellite-location-compulsory-for-all-smartphones/|title=EU makes Galileo satellite location compulsory for all smartphones |date=24 December 2018|website=Geospatial World|access-date=15 July 2019}}

Effective from 1st April 2018, all new vehicles sold in Europe must support eCall, an automatic emergency response system that dials 112 and transmits Galileo location data in the event of an accident.{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2015/4/29/8512845/ecall-europe-emergency-call-2018|title=European cars will automatically call emergency services after a crash|last=Vincent|first=James|date=29 April 2015 |website=The Verge|access-date=15 July 2019}}

Until late 2018, Galileo was not authorized for use in the United States and, as a consequence, only variably worked on devices that could receive Galileo signals within United States territory.{{cite web |url=https://medium.com/@sjbarbeau/where-is-the-world-is-galileo-6bb7bfa29e|title=Where is the world is Galileo?|last=Barbeau|first=Sean|date=25 October 2018|website=Sean Barbeau|access-date=28 October 2018}} The Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) position on the matter was that non-GPS radio navigation satellite systems (RNSS) receivers must be granted a licence to receive said signals.{{cite news|url=http://insidegnss.com/official-foreign-gnss-signals-need-fcc-authorization-for-use-in-united-states/|title=Official: Foreign GNSS Signals Need FCC Authorization for Use in United States – Inside GNSS|date=16 December 2014|work=Inside GNSS|access-date=11 July 2018}} A waiver of this requirement for Galileo was requested by the EU and submitted in 2015, and on 6 January 2017, public comment on the matter was requested.{{citation-attribution|1={{cite web|url=https://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2017/db0106/DA-17-18A1.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170119085050/http://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2017/db0106/DA-17-18A1.pdf |archive-date=2017-01-19 |url-status=live|title=FCC Public Notice, docket 17-16}} }} On 15 November 2018, the FCC granted the requested waiver, explicitly allowing non-federal consumer devices to access Galileo E1 and E5 frequencies.{{cite news |url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/11/15/18097154/fcc-ajit-pai-gps-location-accuracy-galileo|title=FCC paves the way for improved GPS accuracy|work=The Verge|access-date=16 November 2018}}{{citation-attribution|1={{cite web |url=https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-355098A1.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181115170611/https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-355098A1.pdf |archive-date=2018-11-15 |url-status=live|title=FCC APPROVES USE OF GALILEO GLOBAL NAVIGATION SATELLITE SYSTEM IN THE UNITED STATES|last=Grace|first=Neil|date=15 November 2018 |website=fcc.gov}} }} However, most devices, including smartphones, still require operating system updates or similar updates to allow the use of Galileo signals within the United States (most smartphones since the Apple iPhone 6S and Samsung Galaxy S7 have the hardware capability, and simply require a software modification).{{cite web|title=FCC approval of Europe's Galileo satellite signals may give your phone's GPS a boost|first=Devin |last=Coldewey|date=November 15, 2018|url=https://techcrunch.com/2018/11/15/fcc-approval-of-europes-galileo-satellite-signals-may-give-your-phones-gps-a-boost/|website=techcrunch.com

|access-date=February 8, 2023}}

File:2006 Austria 25 Euro European Satellite Navigation back.jpg, back]]

The European Satellite Navigation project was selected as the main motif of a very high-value collectors' coin: the Austrian European Satellite Navigation commemorative coin, minted on 1 March 2006. The coin has a silver ring and gold-brown niobium "pill". In the reverse, the niobium portion depicts navigation satellites orbiting the Earth. The ring shows different modes of transport, for which satellite navigation was developed: an aircraft, a car, a lorry, a train and a container ship.

{{Main|Satellite navigation}}

• BeiDou (BDS) – global system deployed and operated by China.
• GLONASS – global system deployed and operated by Russia.
• GPS – global system deployed and operated by the United States.
• Michibiki (QZSS) – regional navigation system deployed and operated by Japan, receivable in the Asia-Oceania regions, with a focus on Japan.
• NavIC – regional system deployed and operated by India, receivable in the South Asia and Western Asia regions.

• List of Galileo satellites
• Commercialization of space
• European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service
• Multiplexed binary offset carrier modulation – the modulation type chosen for Galileo Open Service signals and modernized GPS signals
• International Terrestrial Reference System and Frame – the coordinate system used by Galileo

{{reflist|group=lower-alpha}}

{{Reflist}}

{{Refbegin}}

• The Galileo Project – Galileo Design consolidation, European Commission, 2003
• Guenter W. Hein, Jeremie Godet, et al.: [https://web.archive.org/web/20060624004706/http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/energy_transport/galileo/doc/galileo_stf_ion2002.pdf Status of Galileo Frequency and Signal Design], Proc. [http://www.ion.org/ ION] GPS 2002.
• Dee Ann Divis: Military role for Galileo emerges. GPS World, May 2002, Vol. 13, No. 5, p. 10.
• Dr Richard North: Galileo – The Military and Political Dimensions. 2004.
• {{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=t1lBTH42mOcC|title=GPS and Galileo|author1=Jaizki Mendizabal|author2=Roc Berenguer|author3=Juan Melendez|publisher=McGraw Hill|isbn=978-0-07-159869-9|date=2009

|author1-link=Jaizki Mendizabal}}

{{refend}}

• Psiaki, M. L., "Block Acquisition of weak GPS signals in a software receiver", Proceedings of ION GPS 2001, the 14th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of the Institute of Navigation, Salt Lake City, Utah, 11–14 September 2001, pp. 2838–2850.
• Bandemer, B., Denks, H., Hornbostel, A., Konovaltsev, A., "Performance of acquisition methods for Galileo SW receivers", European Journal of Navigation, Vol.4, No. 3, pp. 17–19, July 2006
• Van Der Jagt, Culver W. Galileo : The Declaration of European Independence : a dissertation (2002). CALL #JZ1254 .V36 2002, Description xxv, 850 p. : ill. ; 30 cm + 1 CD-ROM

{{Commons category|Galileo (satellite navigation)}}

• [https://www.gsc-europa.eu/ European GNSS Service Centre (GSC)]
• [https://ec.europa.eu/defence-industry-space/eu-space-policy/galileo_en European Commission]
• [https://www.gsc-europa.eu/electronic-library/programme-reference-documents#Galileo%20pub Galileo Reference Documents]
• [https://www.esa.int/Applications/Navigation/Galileo/What_is_Galileo ESA website]
• [https://www.gsa.europa.eu/ European GNSS Supervisory Authority (GSA)] – Europa
• [https://www.usegalileo.eu/ Galileo-enabled devices]
• [https://gssc.esa.int/navipedia/index.php/Category:GALILEO Navipedia information on Galileo]—Wiki initiated by the European Space Agency

{{Portal bar|Spaceflight|Geography|European Union}}

{{Satellite navigation systems}}

{{Satellite constellations}}

{{Time signal stations}}

{{ESA projects}}

{{European Union topics}}

{{Trans-European Transport Networks}}

{{Politics of outer space}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:European Space Agency programmes

Category:Navigation satellite constellations

Category:Transport and the European Union

Category:Space policy of the European Union

Category:Military equipment of the European Union