Galileo

Airbus has played a central role in the Galileo satellite navigation program since its inception. Actively involved in defining, developing, and verifying the Galileo system, Airbus provides essential expertise to the European Space Agency (ESA), the European Union Agency for the Space Programme EUSPA (former GSA), and the European Commission.

Airbus’s role extends to supporting ESA and EUSPA during the Galileo Exploitation Phase, ensuring ongoing monitoring and development of the first-generation system. Looking ahead, Airbus lead efforts in supporting ESA's work on the definition and development of the next generation, aiming for an improved global Galileo system.

 In the Space Segment, Airbus developed the first two experimental spacecraft and the first four fully representative satellites for the Galileo 1st generation constellation. All currently operational Galileo 1st Generation satellite navigation payloads were built by Airbus Defence and Space and its subsidiary Surrey Satellites Technology (SSTL). Airbus's commitment persists as it is currently designing and manufacturing six 2nd Generation spacecraft, maintaining its active role in advancing Galileo's satellite technology for future generations.