Media representatives are invited to express their interest in attending the media programme for the next launch of Galileo satellites at Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana.
In December 2025, two Galileo satellites will be launched on board an Ariane 6 rocket from Europe's spaceport in French Guiana. This will bring the total number of satellites launched to 34, further improving the precision, availability and robustness of the Galileo system and services. Using Europe's flagship launcher to secure the future of the EU's independent satellite navigation system is a testament to the continent's space capability and autonomy. This launch will benefit the billions of people that use Galileo signals daily via their smartphone, as well as key sectors such as rail, maritime, agriculture and rescue operations.
ESA and its partners Arianespace and the European Commission are planning a wide range of media activities for this launch. This includes online pre-launch media briefings which will be open to all journalists.
This call for interest only relates to activities taking place on site at Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana. This will ensure that media accreditation is completed in time and to establish a reserve list in the event of cancellations. More details on the media programme in French Guiana will be shared in due course.
Registration
Journalists wishing to participate in the media programme at Europe's spaceport are asked to submit their application via ESA's media accreditation page as soon as possible and no later than 10:00 CET on Tuesday 18 November 2025.
Please note:
- ESA will recommend flight dates and accommodation options to confirmed participants to facilitate the trip;
- because the number of places is limited, ESA cannot guarantee all interested media will be able to join this visit. For this reason, the Agency will also establish a reserve list for the event in case of cancellations.
- accreditation formalities to access Europe's Spaceport will have to be completed immediately after confirmation of participation;
- yellow fever vaccination is compulsory to enter French Guiana (this will be checked at the airport).
About Galileo
Galileo is the world's most precise satellite navigation system and is becoming more reliable and robust with 32 satellites currently in orbit. Billions of people use Galileo every day, and it's crucial for key sectors such as rail, maritime, agriculture and rescue operations. It serves over five billion smartphone users around the globe, and all smartphones sold in the European Single Market are now guaranteed Galileo-enabled.
A flagship programme funded by the European Union (EU), Galileo is managed by the European Commission. Since its inception, ESA leads the design, development and qualification of the space and ground systems, as well as procuring launches. ESA is also entrusted with research and development activities for the future of Galileo within the EU programme Horizon Europe. The EU Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) acts as the service provider, overseeing market uptake and closing the loop with users.
About Ariane 6
Ariane 6 is Europe's heavy launcher and a key element of ESA's efforts to ensure autonomous access to space for Europe's citizens. Its modular and versatile design allows it to launch all types of missions, from low-Earth orbit into deep space. Standing over 60 metres tall, Ariane 6 can weigh almost 900 tonnes when launched with a full payload.
Ariane 6 has three stages: two or four boosters, and a main and upper stage. For this launch, the rocket will be in its two-booster configuration.
The main stage and the solid rocket boosters are responsible for the first phase of flight. The stage is powered by the Vulcain 2.1 engine (fuelled by liquid oxygen and hydrogen), with the main thrust at liftoff provided by the P120C boosters.
The upper stage is powered by the reignitable Vinci engine fuelled by cryogenic liquid oxygen and hydrogen. The upper stage will fire two times to reach the required orbit for this mission.
After separation of the Galileo satellites, the Ariane 6 upper stage will move to a stable graveyard orbit far away from operational satellites.
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