27/01/2026
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EUSPA signs a new Ariane 6 launch contract for Galileo Second Generation satellites
EUSPA has signed a new launch contract with ARIANESPACE for the deployment of the second pair of Galileo Second Generation satellites (Galileo L18), to be launched aboard Ariane 6 under the delegation of the European Commission, strengthening Europe’s strategic autonomy.
This contract confirms EUSPA’s expanding responsibilities and long-term commitment to ensuring the sustained renewal, performance and resilience of Europe’s global navigation satellite system.
The Galileo L18 mission will be Ariane 6’s fifth launch in support of the Galileo programme. Following the successful Galileo L14 mission in December 2025, further launches will complete the first-generation constellation and deploy the first second-generation satellites.
Galileo Second Generation will bring enhanced performance, resilience and future-proof capabilities, keeping Galileo a world-class navigation system for citizens, businesses and public authorities in Europe and beyond.
ArianeGroup
ESA - European Space Agency
