Video: Testing Galileo for space

Galileo has grown to grow to be Europe’s single largest satellite constellation, and the world’s most correct satellite navigation system, delivering meter-level positioning to greater than 3.5 billion customers across the globe.

All of it started at ESTEC’s Check Middle, Europe’s largest satellite testing facility. That is the place the very first positioning repair befell in March 2013, after the launch into orbit of the preliminary 4 IOV satellites. Following that, all 34 Galileo Full Operational Functionality satellites additionally handed by ESTEC for his or her pre-flight testing.

This 3000 sq. m environmentally-controlled advanced, operated and managed by European Check Providers for ESA, hosts an array of take a look at gear capable of simulate all elements of spaceflight, from the noise and vibration of launch to the vacuum and temperature extremes of Earth orbit.

The production line at producer OHB in Germany accomplished one new satellite each six weeks. After integration every satellite was then shipped to the ESTEC Check Middle for a three-month take a look at marketing campaign, after which it might be accepted by the Company and declared prepared for flight. Some services have needed to be tailored particularly for Galileo, and the ESTEC Check Middle needed to institute new safety protocols as a result of this was the primary time that satellites with safety restrictions had been being examined on the web site.

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Right now there are 28 of those Galileo First Era satellites in service, with 10 extra as a consequence of be launched within the subsequent years. Upgraded Galileo Second Era satellites are below improvement and can observe them into orbit later this decade.

Members of ESA’s Galileo workforce and ETS look again on this huge testing effort that established Galileo was prepared for space.