Rocket Lab to launch ESA’s first LEO-PNT navigation satellites

The European Space Agency (ESA) has selected Rocket Lab Corporation to launch a dedicated Electron mission, marking the first time the company will deploy satellites for ESA’s next-generation navigation constellation, low-Earth orbit positioning, navigation and timing (LEO-PNT). Thales Alenia Space and GMV, two European satellite prime contractors, are providing the “Pathfinder A” spacecraft for the mission. Rocket Lab plans to launch the satellites from Launch Complex 1 no earlier than December 2025.

The mission will place the two satellites in a 510 km LEO to test a new method of delivering location, direction and timing services from satellites in low orbit, known as LEO-PNT. ESA will use this demonstration to evaluate how a low Earth orbit satellite fleet can work with the Galileo and EGNOS constellations, which provide Europe’s global navigation system from higher orbits.

This contract highlights Rocket Lab’s growing role as a launch provider for European constellation operators and demonstrates the Electron rocket’s strong reputation. Earlier this year, Rocket Lab deployed a full constellation of IoT satellites for French operator Kinéis and launched a global wildfire detection mission for Germany-based OroraTech. Since 2021, Rocket Lab has supported European satellite operators with Electron missions