The European Space Agency (ESA) says Galileo G2 is planned to total 16 satellites, up from an initial batch of 12. Gizmodo reported that four additional satellite contracts were announced on Oct. 27, 2026; ESA says the additions are intended to support the long-term continuity and resilience of European satellite-navigation services.
What the 16-satellite plan changes
ESA’s initial contracts totaled €1.47 billion for the design and construction of the first 12 G2 satellites. The European Commission owns Galileo, ESA contracted the initial spacecraft on its behalf, and the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) operates the system.
Gizmodo reported that the four additions are divided evenly between Airbus Defence and Space and Thales Alenia Space, with two satellites assigned to each company.
What ESA plans for Galileo’s second generation
ESA’s design calls for digital payloads that can be reconfigured in orbit, allowing signals and services to be adapted without physically replacing the equipment. Planned links between satellites would let them cross-check performance and reduce reliance on available ground installations.
ESA plans electric propulsion to move the spacecraft from launch orbit to operational orbit. The agency says it would also allow two satellites to launch together despite their increased mass. Other planned technologies include a more powerful navigation antenna and protection against jamming, or deliberate interference, and spoofing, or fake signals intended to mislead receivers. ESA’s May 2025 overview also describes an advanced atomic-clock configuration for G2.
What the 2024 integration campaign tested
Sevilla TechPark reported that a one-week compatibility campaign took place in September 2024 at Thales Alenia Space’s Rome facilities. A Thales Alenia Space G2 satellite communicated with the G2 ground-control segment so teams could check their interfaces. GMV supplied a portable version of the ground-control system for the campaign.
Reported milestones for Galileo G2
| Date | Galileo G2 milestone |
| September 2024 | Sevilla TechPark reported a one-week campaign testing communications and interfaces between a G2 satellite and the ground-control segment. |
| Oct. 27, 2026 | Gizmodo reported the announcement of four additional satellite contracts; ESA states that the planned fleet totals 16. |
| 2027 | Gizmodo reported that tests of the first flight units are planned. |
| 2028 | Gizmodo reported that the first Galileo G2 launch is planned. |
| 2031 | Gizmodo reported that delivery of the four additional satellites is planned. |
