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Galileo satellites launch with help from RUAG Space

Another four Galileo satellites launched into space on Wednesday. They feature Swiss-made components, with RUAG Space, a supplier to the European space industry, providing their “brain” and “coat”.

Bild: ESA/Pierre Carril
Image Credit: ESA/Pierre Carril

Four Galileo satellites launched into space on Wednesday from the European space station in Kourou in French Guiana, announced a statement. Galileo is a European navigation system destined for completion by 2020, when 24 satellites will be in operation and another six orbiting as spares.

With at least four satellites constantly visible to the user, the navigation system operated by the European Union and the European Space Agency (ESA) will facilitate accurate positioning down to a metre.

RUAG Space was also involved in developing the four new satellites. It supplied the onboard computer or “brain”, which controls aspects including the payload of the satellites, their status and their temperature to ensure that they are fully functional.   

The supplier to the European space industry also provided the technology for the Galileo Search and Rescue Service. Used for locating distressed people, the service in full operation will be able to detect a person who has disappeared at sea or in the mountains within ten minutes rather than the usual three hours.

Last but not least, RUAG Space supplied the thermal insulation that acts like a coat to the Galileo satellites. It protects all on-board electronics from extreme temperature fluctuations in space.

RUAG Space is the space division of the technology group RUAG and is headquartered in Zurich Seebach. 

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