A rendering of Galileo second generation satellites. Photo: ESA

The European Space Agency (ESA) awarded GMV a contract worth more than 200 million euros ($218 million) to develop the ground segment for in-orbit control and validation of the Galileo Second Generation (G2G). Galileo is Europe’s global navigation satellite system.

GMV will contract out core G2G activities, for a value of around 155 million euros ($169 million). These activities will be carried out over a period of 42 months, from mid-2023 until the end of 2026, with options for extension until 2028. The contract comes on top of a previous GMV contract for Galileo First Generation (G1G), bringing the total contract value to more than 500 million euros ($545 million). 

The contract covers the ground segment control of the two new second-generation satellite platforms, which are currently in the design and production phase. A total of 12 satellites are expected to be launched over the next three years, six built by Thales Alenia Space and six by Airbus Defence and Space. The new ground control system is scheduled to come into operation in 2025 with the launch of the first satellite of this second generation.

The second generation is designed to introduce new technologies such as post-quantum cryptography, deployed microservices, and improved automation. 

GMV held a kickoff meeting on June 22 representatives from GMV, ESA, the European Union Space Programme Agency (EUSPA), and subcontracting firms.

“Systems like Galileo are essential. Satellite navigation is certainly a must for every city and every person, so it is our duty to work to ensure that Galileo continues to progress and improve its services for end users,” Miguel Romay, GMV’s general manager of Satellite Navigation Systems said at the kickoff meeting.