Following the launch of Galileo satellites GSAT0233 and GSAT0234 in December 2025, the Galileo Satellite Metadata has been updated to include these new spacecrafts. The update provides essential information for high-precision GNSS applications, supporting accurate orbit determination and Precise Point Positioning.
Following the successful launch of Galileo satellites GSAT0233 (SVID 28) and GSAT0234 (SVID 32) on 17 December, 2025, the Galileo Satellite Metadata has been updated to include these new comers to the constellation.
The Galileo Satellite Metadata section provides detailed technical information about each satellite’s properties. This data is necessary for implementing advanced processing algorithms used in precise orbit determination or Precise Point Positioning (PPP). They include physical characteristics, the satellite’s attitude law (orientation model) and antenna parameters; all of which are essential for improving orbit accuracy and minimizing positioning errors.
Satellite metadata plays a crucial role in high-precision GNSS applications by accounting for factors such as mass, center of mass, antenna reference points, and phase center offsets (PCO). These parameters help correct biases introduced by the satellite’s attitude (orientation in space) and antenna phase center variations, ensuring accuracy in signal transmission and reception. Without this information, GNSS receivers would struggle to achieve centimeter-level precision, which is critical for applications like geodesy, autonomous navigation and scientific research.
The following Galileo satellite metadata information has been added for GSAT0233 and GSAT0234:
Mass and Centre of Mass (COM);
| GSAT | Mass [Kg] | Centre of Mass | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0233 | 708.216 | 257.70 | -10.77 | 565.25 |
| 0234 | 705.601 | 260.98 | -10.72 | 565.31 |
Antenna Reference Point (ARP);
| GSAT | ARP in Mechanical RF [mm] | ARP in ANTEX RF [mm] | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| X | Y | Z | X | Y | Z | |
| 0233 | 140.00 | 0.00 | 1215.00 | 117.70 | -10.77 | 649.75 |
| 0234 | 140.00 | 0.00 | 1215.00 | 120.98 | -10.72 | 649.69 |
Phase Centre Offsets (PCO) for E1, E5a, E6, E5b and E5 signals;
| GSAT | Signal | PCO in Mechanical RF [mm] | PCO in ANTEX RF [mm] | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| X | Y | Z | X | Y | Z | ||
0233 | E1 | 1.56 | -0.02 | 37.35 | -1.56 | 0.02 | 37.35 |
| E5a | 0.01 | -1.33 | -13.90 | -0.01 | 1.33 | -13.90 | |
| E6 | -1.18 | -1.34 | 21.66 | 1.18 | 1.34 | 21.66 | |
| E5b | 0.28 | -1.09 | 25.40 | -0.28 | 1.09 | 25.40 | |
| E5 | 0.15 | -1.22 | 5.86 | -0.15 | 1.22 | 5.86 | |
0234 | E1 | -0.78 | -1.78 | 84.00 | 0.78 | 1.78 | 84.00 |
| E5a | -1.03 | -1.88 | -44.19 | 1.03 | 1.88 | -44.19 | |
| E6 | -1.50 | -1.11 | 42.88 | 1.50 | 1.11 | 42.88 | |
| E5b | -1.71 | -1.60 | 2.88 | 1.71 | 1.60 | 2.88 | |
| E5 | -1.38 | -1.76 | -20.81 | 1.38 | 1.76 | -20.81 | |
Laser Retro Reflector Location.
| GSAT | LRR in Mechanical RF [mm] | LRR in ANTEX RF [mm] | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| X | Y | Z | X | Y | Z | |
| 0233 | -703.00 | -27.50 | 1120.45 | 960.70 | 16.73 | 555.20 |
| 0234 | -703.00 | -27.50 | 1120.45 | 963.98 | 16.78 | 555.14 |
In addition, the ANTEX file has been updated to include Phase Centre Variation (PCV) figures for the GSAT0233 and GSAT0234 satellites. The process to generate the new ANTEX file takes several months since it requires performing complex measurements, as well as thorough post-processing and validation of the obtained data. The updated ANTEX file can be found here.
About Galileo
Galileo, the EU´s Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), provides improved navigation, positioning and timing information. More than 4 billion users are already benefitting from Galileo.
The Galileo Programme is owned by the EU. The European Commission, as the Programme Manager, oversees the implementation of all activities. EUSPA is responsible for the operational management of the services, ensuring that they are delivered with the defined performance and without interruption. Galileo's system design and system evolution are entrusted by EUSPA to ESA.
Media note: This feature can be republished without charge provided the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) is acknowledged as the source at the top or the bottom of the story. You must request permission before you use any of the photographs on the site. If you republish, we would be grateful if you could link back to the EUSPA website (https://www.euspa.europa.eu).