FM06

The latest Galileo satellite, Numbered Flight Model 6 (FM06), has reached the European Space Agency’s (ESA) technical centre (ESTEC) in the Netherlands for testing.

The navigation satellite has been transported from its manufacturer in Germany in an environmentally controlled container.

FM06 is preparing for testing at the ESTEC, and complements the FM03, FM04 and FM05 satellites.

FM03 and FM04 have completed acceptance testing and are in the final phase of the thermal-vacuum test.

During testing, the satellites are placed in vacuum and extreme temperature conditions to mimic the similar environment experienced in orbit.

"Satellites are placed in vacuum and extreme temperature conditions to mimic the similar environment experienced in orbit."

The satellites’ navigation payloads and antennas were subjected to radio-frequency testing inside an anechoic chamber isolated from the external universe.

Another satellite, FM05, recently completed the thermal-vacuum test and is being configured for radio-frequency testing. FM06 will undergo thermal-vacuum test in January 2015.

Galileo is Europe’s global satellite navigation system with 30 satellites in medium earth orbit at an altitude of 23,222km.

Germany-based OHB is producing 22 full-operational capability satellites, while navigation payloads are being provided by SSTL in Guildford, UK.

The first six satellites in the constellation have been launched in pairs in 2011, 2012 and August this year.

Image: The latest Galileo satellite, Numbered Flight Model 6 arrives at the ESA. Photo: courtesy of ESA-Anneke Le Floc’h.