The European Space Agency (EUSPA) has officially signed a new launch contract with Arianespace for the delivery of the second pair of Galileo Second Generation satellites known as Galileo L18. These satellites will be launched using the Ariane 6 rocket under the delegation of the European Commission as a tangible step in strengthening Europe's strategic autonomy in space.
This latest contract is a continuation of the first Second Generation Galileo launch agreement agreed in 2024. This step shows the expansion of EUSPA's responsibilities, which now include full oversight of Galileo launch activities, as well as confirming the agency's long-term commitment to ensuring the update, performance, and durability of the European global navigation satellite system.
The Galileo L18 mission will be the fifth Ariane 6 launch in support of the Galileo program. Previously, Ariane 6 successfully completed its first Galileo mission on December 17, 2025 by placing two Galileo L14 satellites into orbit, which are now fully managed by EUSPA through the Galileo Control Center.
Two additional Ariane 6 launches are planned to complete the first generation constellation, which will then be followed by the Galileo L17 mission as the precursor of the first pair of second generation satellites into orbit.
The second generation of Galileo satellites promises improved performance and more advanced durability to ensure that the EU navigation system remains a world-class service for civilians, businesses, and public authorities globally.
EUSPA Executive Director Rodrigo da Costa stated that this contract strengthens the agency's responsibility to provide precise and reliable services while strengthening the European Union's space sovereignty for users around the world.
In line with this, the Director General of DG DEFIS of the European Commission, Timo Pesonen, called the Galileo program a key pillar of European strategic autonomy that guarantees independent access to space for critical infrastructure.
Arianespace CEO, David Cavaillolès, also expressed his pride in this long-term partnership, stressing that the recent launch success has proven the precision and reliability of Ariane 6 in carrying out strategic missions for institutions and the global community.
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