EUSPA signs a new Ariane 6 Launch Contract for Galileo Second Generation satellites

The European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) has signed a new launch contract with Arianespace for the deployment of the second pair of Galileo Second Generation satellites, known as Galileo L18, to be launched aboard an Ariane 6 launcher under the delegation of the European Commission, strengthening Europe’s strategic autonomy.

This contract builds on the first Galileo Second Generation launch agreement concluded in 2024 and demonstrates the continuity of EUSPA’s expanding responsibilities, including oversight of Galileo launch activities. It confirms the Agency’s 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. Ariane 6 successfully completed its first Galileo mission on 17 December 2025, placing two Galileo satellites (Galileo L14) into orbit. Satellites are now managed by EUSPA thanks to its Galileo Control Centre. Two further Ariane 6 launches are planned to complete the first generation of the constellation, followed by Galileo L17, which will deploy the first pair of second-generation satellites.

Galileo Second Generation satellites will introduce enhanced performance, resilience and future-proof capabilities, ensuring that the EU satellite navigation system remains a world-class navigation system serving citizens, businesses and public authorities across Europe and globally.

This new launch contract builds on last year’s first agreement for Galileo’s second generation, demonstrating continuity and EUSPA’s long-term commitment to its expanded role, including launch activities. It reinforces our responsibility for delivering precise and reliable services while strengthening the Union’s space autonomy for users worldwide. 

Rodrigo da Costa, EUSPA Executive Director

The Galileo programme is a cornerstone of Europe’s strategic autonomy. This new launch contract, implemented by EUSPA with Arianespace under delegation of the European Commission, confirms our commitment to a robust, secure, and fully European navigation system, while Ariane 6 demonstrates Europe’s capacity to guarantee reliable and independent access to space for critical infrastructures.

Timo Pesonen, Director General, DG Defis, European Commission

This signature with the European Commission and EUSPA underscores Arianespace’s commitment to guaranteeing Europe’s sovereign access to space. The recent successful Galileo launch demonstrated Ariane 6’s precision and reliability for critical missions. We are extremely proud of our long-standing partnership with our European partners, which enables the flagship Galileo global navigation satellite system to provide high-precision positioning and services to governments, institutions, and citizens worldwide. 

David Cavaillolès, CEO of Arianespace