Ariane 6 deploys Galileo satellites into orbit on its fifth flight
The European launch vehicle Ariane 6 has successfully completed its fifth launch. For the first time, it transported two Galileo satellites into orbit.
Ariane 6 Launch on December 17, 2025
(Image: Arianespace)
The European satellite navigation system Galileo has gained two new satellites. They were brought into space by the European launch vehicle Ariane 6.
The mission VA266 launched on December 17th at 6:01 AM our time from the Kourou launch site in the French overseas department of French Guiana. On board were the Galileo satellites SAT 33 and SAT 34, built by the Bremen-based space company OHB.
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For the mission, the rocket was equipped with two boosters – this configuration, called Ariane 62, was specifically developed for Galileo, said Toni Tolker-Nielsen, Head of Space Transportation at the European Space Agency (ESA). After almost four hours, Ariane deployed the two satellites at an altitude of approximately 23,000 kilometers, Arianespace announced.
Highest Flight of Ariane 6
The fifth flight of Ariane was a premiere in two respects: it was the first launch of Ariane 6 for the Galileo program; the rocket's maiden flight took place in July of last year. Additionally, it was the rocket's highest flight to date.
The two satellites are expected to be operational in about three months. The Galileo constellation will then consist of 29 active satellites. Two more Ariane 6 launches, each carrying two Galileo satellites, are "planned in the near future," according to ESA.
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These missions will bring the last four first-generation Galileo satellites into space. "Soon, the second-generation Galileo satellites will be ready, offering even more precise and reliable positioning, navigation, and timing services," said Francisco-Javier Benedicto Ruiz, Head of Navigation at ESA.
(wpl)
