SpaceX is continuing its busy schedule with plans to launch two Galileo satellites into orbit for the European Space Agency (ESA) on Sunday evening. The launch window is set from 6:48 p.m. to 7:32 p.m. EDT from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40. The mission has not been confirmed by SpaceX as of Friday morning.
The Galileo satellites are part of a navigational satellite constellation that is considered the most precise in the world, according to ESA. This system, launched commercially in 2017, serves over four billion smartphone users globally, with most European smartphones utilizing the service. Galileo is compatible with GPS and Glonass, the Russian navigational system.
SpaceX previously launched satellites 29 and 30 for this constellation in late April, and those satellites are currently operational. The upcoming launch will deploy satellites 31 and 32.
For those interested in following the live updates of the launch, FLORIDA TODAY will be providing coverage starting 90 minutes before the scheduled launch time at FloridaToday.com/space.
Brooke Edwards, a Space Reporter for Florida Today, can be contacted at bedwards@floridatoday.com or on Twitter at @brookeofstars.
The deployment of these Galileo satellites is crucial for expanding the reach and precision of the navigational satellite system, benefiting billions of smartphone users worldwide. The collaboration between SpaceX and ESA highlights the importance of international partnerships in advancing space exploration and technology.
As SpaceX continues to play a significant role in commercial space launches, the successful deployment of these satellites will mark another milestone in the company’s achievements. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting mission and its impact on global navigation systems.