The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe’s gateway to space. Its mission is to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world.
Find out more about space activities in our 23 Member States, and understand how ESA works together with their national agencies, institutions and organisations.
Exploring our Solar System and unlocking the secrets of the Universe
Go to topicProtecting life and infrastructure on Earth and in orbit
Go to topicUsing space to benefit citizens and meet future challenges on Earth
Go to topicMaking space accessible and developing the technologies for the future
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Galileo’s worldwide ground segment is one of the most complex developments ever undertaken by ESA, extending from twin European Galileo Control Centres and uplink stations on remote sites across the world. They are all interconnected via a robust satcoms network. It includes Galileo Sensor Stations (GSSs) to provide coverage for clock synchronisation and orbit measurements; Uplink Stations (ULSs) to uplink navigation and integrity data to the Galileo satellite navigation payloads for rebroadcast to users; Telemetry, Tracking and Command Stations (TT&Cs) to manage the satellite platforms; an In-Orbit Test (IOT) site at Redu for satellite payload testing and a trio of Medium-Earth Orbit Local User Terminals (MEOLUTs) for search and rescue activities.