VA266 mission in a nutshell

The VA266 mission is the 4th Ariane 6 launch of the year. 

Galileo is the world’s most precise global navigation satellite system, currently serving 4 5 billion users around the world. With Ariane 6 flight VA 266 representing the 14 th operational launch for the Galileo programme (Galileo L 14 two more satellites (designated SAT 33 and 34 will join the first generation of Galileo satellites.

This will bring the total number of satellites launched to 34 further improving the precision, availability and robustness of the Galileo system and services. Billions of people around the globe use Galileo every day, and it is crucial for key sectors such as rail, maritime, agriculture and search and rescue operations All smartphones sold in the European Single Market must be compatible with Galileo.

A flagship programme funded by the European Union ( Galileo is owned and managed by the European Commission. Since its inception, ESA leads the design, development and qualification of the space and ground systems, as well as procuring launches. ESA is also entrusted with research and development activities for the future of Galileo within the EU programme Horizon Europe. EUSPA manages the operations ( maintaining, and upgrading the Galileo system) while acting as the service provider, overseeing market uptake and closing the loop with users.

The nominal duration of the mission (from lift-off to separation of the satellite) is: 3 hours and 55
minutes.

Seperation of SAT-33 and SAT-34 :3 hours and 55 minutes.