A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket successfully launched the European Commission’s Galileo L12 mission to medium Earth orbit from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) from Kennedy Space Center in Florida on April 27, 2024, at 8:34 p.m. ET. This launch of two Galileo satellites into orbit marked another successful mission in the collaboration between the European Commission, EUSPA, and ESA. The inclusion of these two new satellites rounds up a total of thirty Galileo satellites in orbit, providing continuous improvements to the Galileo services.

EUSPA’s role  

The EUSPA teams at the Galileo Control Centre in Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany, are currently leading the Early Orbit Phase, together with the Galileo Service Operator, SpaceOpal, and its consortium actively devoted to the operations of the new satellites.

What is LEOP?

The Launch and Early Orbit Phase (LEOP) is one of the most exciting and important phases of a space mission, as it handles the launch of the spacecraft, its travel into the injection orbit, and the initial commissioning of the satellite platform to verify the core-satellite elements in orbit, after the harsh conditions imposed by a launcher lift-off. Over the following days, the EUSPA and SpaceOpal teams will be commissioning subsystems and maneuvering the satellites until the start of the drift phase, which should last around 4 weeks and will be finalized with the Drift Stop and Fine Positioning (DSFP) maneuvers for their final allocation in orbit.

Once the Galileo satellite platforms are activated and checked out in the Early Operations Phase, the In-Orbit Test (IOT) campaign will assess the performance of the satellites’ navigation payloads.

“Galileo underscores the power of collaboration. With the European Commission, EUSPA and ESA working hand in hand. Galileo isn’t just about satellites; it’s a testament to our shared commitment to innovation, security, and progress. Together, we’re empowering billions worldwide, enabling precise navigation and enhancing transportation.” declared R. da Costa, EUSPA Executive Director.

This was SpaceX's 20th flight of the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched GPS III-3, Turksat 5A, Transporter-2, Intelsat G-33/G-34, Transporter-6, Intuitive Machines IM-1, and 13 Starlink missions.

Click here to learn about European Commission's Galileo Satellite Navigation System.

Click here to watch the SpaceX Falcon 9 launch of the Galileo L12 mission.