The Galileo Project is Europe’s initiative for a state-of-the-art global satellite navigation system, providing a highly accurate, guaranteed global positioning service under civilian control. The fully deployed system will consist of 30 satellites and the associated ground infrastructure.
Galileo will be inter-operable with GPS and GLONASS, the two other global satellite navigation systems consisting of:
- A constellation of 30 satellites in Medium-Earth Orbit (MEO)
- 30-40 sensor stations
- 3 control centers
- 9 Mission Uplink stations
- 5 telemetry, tracking and command (TT&C) stations
The ground control segment is responsible for the basic functionality of the Galileo satellites and their correct orbits. For this purpose 5 globally positioned ground control stations will be available.
Key technical challenges:
- Compact Design by integration of (mechanically) large components in (electrically) small antennas
- Precision measurements as the base for calibration measurements to satellite
- Complex project management
Key functionalities:
- RHCP and LHCP polarized Rx signals in the 2.200 to 2.300 GHz band
- RHCP or LHCP Tx signal in the 2.025 to 2.120 GHz band
- Compact monopulse tracking coupler design for broadband application
Project partner:
Vertex Antennentechnik GmbH, SES S.A., HITEC Luxembourg S.A.
