Mission Overview: Ariane Space will attempt to launch the 4 Galileo satellites atop an Araine 5 rocket on 25th July 2017. The satellites will be launched into Medium Earth Orbit(MEO) from the Ariane Launch Complex No. 3 (ELA 3) in Kourou, French Guiana. This will be the third and final dedicated Ariane 5 ES mission in support of the navigation system. The mission has been designated the name VA244.
Payload: Galileo FOC-M8 SAT 23-24-25-26 are four more additions to the Galileo constellation. The sattelites have a mass at launch of 738 kg. each, for a total of 2,952 kg. They are designed to have a life of 12 years and onboard power of 1,900 W. Galileo is Europe’s own global navigation satellite system, providing a highly accurate, guaranteed global positioning service under civilian control. Currently providing Initial Services, Galileo is interoperable with GPS and Glonass, the U.S. and Russian global satellite navigation systems. By offering dual frequencies as standard, Galileo is set to deliver real-time positioning accuracy down to the meter range.
The Galileo satellites are built by prime contractor OHB System in Bremen, Germany, with the payloads supplied by UK-based Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL), which is an Airbus Defense and Space affiliate.
Launch Vehicle: Galileo FOC-M8 Sattelites 23, 24, 25 and 26 will be launched on an Araine 5 rocket
Launch Facility: VA244 will be launched from Ariane Launch Complex No. 3 (ELA 3) in Kourou, French Guiana
Sources: ArianeSpace.com
Space News Blog 