ESA Announces New Signal Generation Module for Galileo Satellites
ESA will add a new brain to Galileo satellites, enabling real‑time signal reconfiguration.
Key facts
- ESA announced a new signal generation module for the 12 upcoming Galileo Second Generation satellites.
- The module reads timing from onboard atomic clocks and can generate multiple navigation signals in real time.
- It can be reprogrammed in orbit to create new signals, improving robustness and accuracy.
- Airbus Defence and Space tested the first module in Toulouse and is now preparing it for integration.
- Two navigation antennas were evaluated in Madrid and will soon be declared fit for flight.
ESA announced a new signal generation module for the upcoming Galileo Second Generation satellites.
The module acts as the satellite’s brain, reading timing from atomic clocks and generating navigation signals.
It can be reprogrammed in orbit to create new signals, giving Galileo greater flexibility and robustness.
Airbus Defence and Space tested the first module in Toulouse and has now returned it to Friedrichshafen for the next steps.
The module will pair with a radio‑frequency output module, forming the satellite’s payload, which will be tested next year.
Other components, such as navigation antennas, were evaluated in Madrid and will soon be declared fit for flight.
The first flying satellite model will be fully integrated next year, bringing the new generation closer to launch.
Galileo is the world’s most precise satellite navigation system, serving billions of users worldwide since 2016.
All smartphones sold in the European Single Market are guaranteed Galileo-enabled.
The programme is managed by the European Commission under the EU Space programme, with ESA leading design, development and qualification.
Context
Galileo is Europe's satellite navigation system that provides precise positioning, timing and navigation services. The new signal generation module is part of the second‑generation satellites that will improve flexibility and robustness of the system.
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