New services and capabilities for Galileo

G2G: Incremental Steps for Enhanced Capabilities Over the Next Decade

G2G is being developed in three increments to ensure the timely provision of new capabilities without having to wait for the full replenishment of the constellation.

■ G2G In Orbit Validation: Specification, design and validation activities for the sake of ensuring the full development of the first batch of G2G satellites and all the associated infrastructure for the LEOP, in-orbit testing, in-orbit validation, initial enhancement of Galileo services and addition of new Galileo service components.

■ G2G Initial Operational Capability: Design and specifications required for the complementary procurements that will ensure new Galileo services, as enabled by G2G infrastructure, including both the second batch of G2G satellites and the G2G Ground Segment.

■ G2G Full Operational Capability: Identification of key technological enablers and additional capabilities required for final G2G implementation, including the bridge to future synergies with other EU and ESA programs.

G2G In-Orbit Validation Infrastructure – Satellite Hardware Under Validation

The two parallel contracts with Thales Alenia Space and Airbus Defence and Space to develop and manufacture each  of six G2G batch one satellites (G2SB1A and B) achieved key milestones in 2024. 

These satellites will provide the following key innovations:

■ Reconfigurable fully digital navigation payload.

■ Point-to-point connection between satellites by inter-satellite-link for command and control, and ranging functionalities.

■ Electric propulsion for orbit-raising capabilities.

■ On-board authentication capabilities.

■ Increased ground-to-space data rate.

■ Improved time reference (number of clocks and advanced clock monitoring functions).

In 2024, both satellite families and related Ground Segment equipment have now passed the critical design reviews and are deep into the development and validation processes.

On the G2SB1 Satellite A, the first system compatibility test campaign between G2G satellites and Ground Segment took place in September 2024, leading to the first establishment of communication between both sets of operational equipment.

On the G2SB1 satellite B side, both the first and second flight models are under integration and ready to start system test campaigns by the end of this year.

The next steps for these Space and Ground Segment G2G contracts placed by ESA is the completion of the satellite assembly, integration and test (AIT), Ground Segment qualification and system test campaigns, which will encompass a process spreading throughout two years in order to be ready for launch and deployment of the new capabilities.