Arianespace launches Galileo constellation satellites

Satellites 15, 16, 17 and 18 in the Galileo satellite navigation system for the European Commission have been successfully launched by Arianespace.

The Ariane 5 launch was the eighth from the Guiana Space Center for Galileo, as well as being the first using an Ariane 5 launcher. The launcher carried a total payload of 3276 kg.

The launch marks 75 successful launches in a row for Ariane 5 in French Guiana.

“Four more Galileo satellites are now in orbit with our eighth launch for the constellation, also the third of the year for the European Commission and ESA,” said Stéphene Israël, chairman and CEO of Arianespace.

“Providing a highly complementary fit with Soyuz launcher from CSG, the Ariane 5 ES launcher is taking over responsibility for the deployment of Galileo, making another step towards European independence in satellite navigation.”

Arianespace has now orbited 18 Galileo satellites — more than two-thirds of the number that will eventually be deployed by the constellation. This will enable Europe’s satellite navigation system to start services as early as the end of 2016.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Kim Warden