Galileo orbits viewed side-on

Present orbits of the fifth and sixth Galileo satellites launched together by Soyuz on 22 August 2014 , in red, compared to their intended position, in dashed green, and the position of the four satellites launched in 2011 and 2012, in solid green. This view looks side on to the two satellites’ orbital plane, which is off-centre relative to Earth. The targeted orbit was circular, inclined at 55º to the equator at an altitude of 23 222 km. The satellites are instead in an elliptical orbit, with a maximum altitude of around 25 900 km, a minimum altitude of around 13 700 km and a lower inclination. The satellites are in a safe state, correctly pointing towards the Sun, properly powered and fully under control.