Learn about six fascinating facts about Galileo that will blow your mind!

Galileo: Europe’s Exceptional Satellite Navigation System

Did you know that Galileo, Europe’s own global navigation satellite system, was developed nearly three decades ago in the Netherlands? Since its inception, Galileo has become one of the most complex and critical infrastructures ever built in Europe. It has grown to become the largest European satellite constellation and ground segment, supporting a wide range of applications in various fields. In this article, we will explore what makes Galileo exceptional and delve into some of its remarkable features.

1. Number one in precision

Galileo prides itself on being the most accurate satellite navigation system in the world. While the Open Service guarantees a minimum accuracy of two meters, Galileo’s real performance surpasses expectations. In fact, it consistently achieves an accuracy of under one meter. For applications requiring even more precision, Galileo offers its High Accuracy Service, which guarantees decimetre-scale positioning. With this level of accuracy, individuals can pinpoint their location using Galileo satellites within the width of an A4 paper sheet.

2. Saving lives: Galileo to the rescue

Aside from navigation services, Galileo also plays an important role in assisting rescue operations and saving lives. In most EU countries, Galileo is automatically activated when the emergency number 112 is dialed from a mobile phone. Additionally, Galileo helps locate people involved in car accidents across the continent through the eCall system. The satellites can also pick up signals from emergency beacons on ships, planes, or carried by individuals, relaying precise location information to national rescue centers. In 2022 alone, Galileo assisted in rescuing approximately 1400 people within EU territories. Notably, Galileo’s innovative return link feature lets individuals in distress know that their signal has been received, boosting their morale while awaiting assistance.

3. Supporting aviation, from take-off to landing

Galileo has undergone an upgrade that has revolutionized global aviation. The system has become so reliable that it can be used in safety-of-life civil aviation operations. It can now be utilized alongside GPS during non-critical phases of flight, including ascent, descent, and enroute. Furthermore, Galileo’s enhanced capabilities enable it to support the new version of Europe’s satellite-based augmentation system, EGNOS, which guides critical stages such as final approach and landing.

4. Ready, set… location fixed

Have you ever noticed a delay when your smartphone’s map application tries to calculate your position? Galileo addressed this issue by upgrading its navigation message. The new message cuts in half the time it takes for the receiver to acquire enough satellite signals to generate the first position fix, improving the so-called ‘time-to-first-fix.’ This upgrade is particularly crucial for emergency response situations.

5. Tick-tock, ultra-precise atomic clock

Galileo operates on its own time, known as the Galileo System Time (GST). It relies on a set of ultra-precise atomic clocks accurate to the scale of nanoseconds. Each Galileo satellite is equipped with four atomic clocks, which undergo synchronization with GST every 100 minutes. This level of timekeeping accuracy especially important in satellite navigation, where time equals distance and position calculation relies on signal travel time. Without such precision, your smartphone might erroneously place you on the Moon!

6. Galileo Second Generation: the best system, even better

Building upon the success of Galileo’s initial launch, Europe is gearing up for a brand-new generation of the satellite navigation system. This new generation will incorporate innovations such as fully digital navigation payloads, electric propulsion, a more powerful antenna, and even better atomic clocks. Galileo Second Generation aims to provide unprecedented precision, robustness, and flexibility, while remaining fully compatible with Galileo First Generation and other satellite navigation systems.

About Galileo

Galileo is currently the world’s most precise satellite navigation system, serving over four billion smartphone users worldwide since its launch in 2017. All smartphones sold in the European Single Market now come equipped with Galileo capabilities. Beyond smartphones, Galileo has made a significant impact in fields such as rail, maritime, agriculture, financial timing services, and rescue operations. As a flagship program of the European Union, Galileo is managed and funded by the European Commission, with the European Space Agency leading its design and development. The EU Agency for the Space Programme plays an important role in overseeing market and application needs, ensuring Galileo meets user requirements.

In conclusion, Galileo has become an integral part of our daily lives, supporting countless applications across various sectors. Its exceptional accuracy, life-saving capabilities, aviation support, improved time-to-first-fix, and readiness for future advancements make it a truly remarkable achievement for Europe. Galileo’s growth and innovation continue to shape the future of satellite navigation.