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
Go to topic
Not available
Galileo taking shape
Galileo components / Astrium UK
Council of Transports, Brussels
10 december 2004 These components are parts of one of the first Galileo satellites, which will be launched by the end of the year.
Galileo, the joint satellite navigation programme of the European Space Agency and the European Union, is now clearly taking shape, supported by advances at both industrial and political levels.
For example, the last European Council of Transport gave the green light for the full deployment of this first civil global navigation system .
Press conference Jacques Barrot
Vice President - European Commission
Graphics Galileo constellation
Galileo will consist of a constellation of 30 satellites orbiting about 24,000 kilometres above the earth and providing a true network of coverage.
But before this full deployment a test bed phase is necessary, involving the launch of an experimental satellite whose purpose is to test critical technologies and also to secure the frequencies agreed