The mission is finally ready for a planned, October 20 launch

Oct 14, 2011 12:59 GMT  ·  By
This image shows the Fregat-MT upper stage (left) releasing a dispenser holding the first two Galileo satellites
   This image shows the Fregat-MT upper stage (left) releasing a dispenser holding the first two Galileo satellites

According to officials at the European Space Agency (ESA), the two Galileo satellites that will set the foundation for Europe's new global satellite navigation system are now ready for launch. They were integrated with their delivery system yesterday, October 13.

Both Galileo In-Orbit Validation satellites – designated PFM and FM2 – are now integrated with their Fregat-MT upper stage, which was yesterday connected to the Soyuz ST-B rocket that will carry them to space. This launch will mark the first time a Soyuz lifts off from the Kourou Spaceport.

ESA says that the launch will take place at around 12:34 CEST (10:34 GMT, 07:34 local time) on Thursday, October 20. During this flight, the first of nearly 3 dozens of Galileo satellites will be deployed to space, ready to start constructing an European alternative to the American GPS.

“This Soyuz-2 version is the latest in the renowned family of Russian rockets that began the space race more than 50 years ago by carrying both the first satellite, Sputnik, and the first man, Yuri Gagarin, into space,” a press release from the agency says.