Arianespace to launch EU's Galileo L14 on December 17, 2025, with Ariane 6
- On December 17, 2025, with Ariane 6, Arianespace will place into orbit a pair of Galileo satellites for the European Space Agency (ESA), on behalf of the European Commission and the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA).
- The satellites, designated SAT 33 and SAT 34, are part of the 14th operation launch for the Galileo programme (Galileo L14). Both will join the constellation of first-generation Galileo satellites, improving the precision, availability and robustness of Europe's global navigation satellite system.
- The VA266 mission will be the fifth flight for Ariane 6, Europe's heavy-lift launcher. It will be performed with an Ariane 6 with two boosters, the Ariane 62.
- With this launch, Arianespace supports a critical European navigation satellite system and guarantees Europe's autonomous access to space.
On December 17, 2025 at 2:01 a.m. local time (5:01 a.m. UTC, 6:01 a.m. CET), Arianespace will launch Galileo L14, a pair of satellites, with Ariane 6 from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana.
The mission, called VA266, will be the fifth flight for Ariane 6, Europe's heavy-lift launcher. It will be performed with an Ariane 6 with two boosters, the Ariane 62, which has successfully flown in this version since its inaugural flight in 2024.
The 14th operational launch in the Galileo programme, the satellites designated SAT 33 and SAT 34 will be placed into a medium Earth orbit at an altitude of approximately 22 922 km. Spacecraft separation will occur 3 hours and 55 minutes after lift-off. Both satellites will then progressively reach their operational orbit at an altitude of 23 222 km.
Galileo is delivering best-in-class performance for real-time positioning accuracy worldwide, down to the meter range. It also offers innovative capabilities for professional users, such as authentication of signals and high-accuracy services, along with additional dedicated governmental services.
Galileo is a flagship component of the EU Space Programme. Owned by the European Union, it is under the management of the European Commission. Since its inception, ESA has been leading the design, development and qualification of the space and ground systems, as well as procuring launches. The EU Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) acts as the service provider, overseeing the market and application needs and closing the loop with users.
The VA266 launch at a glance:
- 358th launch by Arianespace
- 5th Ariane 6 launch and 4th commercial flight
- 7th launch operated by Arianespace in 2025 (4 launches with Ariane 6 and 3 launches with Vega C)
- 12th Galileo mission by Arianespace
- 41st and 42nd spacecraft built by OHB launched by Arianespace
