# Galileo Full Operational Capability

> model of Galileo navigation satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q130476469](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q130476469)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/galileo-full-operational-capability

## Summary
Galileo Full Operational Capability (FOC) is the operational phase of the European Union's Galileo satellite navigation system, launched in 2015. It consists of a constellation of navigation satellites providing global positioning, navigation, and timing services. FOC succeeded the In-Orbit Validation phase and is operated by the European Union Agency for the Space Programme.

## Key Facts
- Service entry: 2015
- Operator: European Union Agency for the Space Programme
- Part of: Galileo satellite navigation system
- Preceded by: Galileo In-Orbit Validation
- Followed by: Galileo Second Generation
- Instance of: spacecraft model
- Subclass of: navigation satellite
- Manufacturers: OHB System AG and Surrey Satellite Technology
- Contains 30 operational satellites plus several decommissioned or out-of-service units

## FAQs
### Q: What is Galileo Full Operational Capability?
A: Galileo FOC is the operational phase of the EU's global satellite navigation system, launched in 2015, providing positioning and timing services through a constellation of satellites.

### Q: How many satellites are in Galileo FOC?
A: The Galileo FOC constellation consists of 30 operational satellites, plus several decommissioned or out-of-service units including GSAT0201, GSAT0202, GSAT0204, GSAT0205, and GSAT0210.

### Q: Who operates Galileo FOC?
A: Galileo FOC is operated by the European Union Agency for the Space Programme, providing global navigation satellite services to users worldwide.

## Why It Matters
Galileo FOC represents Europe's independent global navigation satellite system, providing an alternative to GPS and GLONASS for positioning, navigation, and timing services. This independence is crucial for European strategic autonomy in critical infrastructure, transportation, and emergency services. The system offers improved accuracy for civilian users and is designed to be interoperable with other GNSS systems while maintaining European control over its infrastructure. Galileo FOC enhances Europe's technological sovereignty and supports various applications from smartphone navigation to scientific research, agriculture, and emergency response systems.

## Notable For
- First civilian-controlled global navigation satellite system operated by the European Union
- Provides positioning accuracy down to the meter level for public users
- Independent from military-controlled systems like GPS and GLONASS
- Supports Search and Rescue (SAR) services for locating distress signals
- Designed with open service, commercial service, and public regulated service options

## Body
### Development and Launch
Galileo FOC represents the culmination of Europe's long-term investment in satellite navigation technology. The phase began service in 2015 after successful deployment of the initial constellation satellites. The system was developed to provide Europe with autonomous global navigation capabilities independent of other GNSS systems.

### Satellite Constellation
The FOC constellation consists of multiple satellite models including GSAT0201 through GSAT0234, with various operational statuses. Some satellites were placed in incorrect orbits due to launch failures (GSAT0201, GSAT0202) while others have been decommissioned (GSAT0205) or are out of service (GSAT0204, GSAT0210).

### Technical Specifications
Galileo FOC satellites operate in medium Earth orbit at approximately 23,222 km altitude. The system provides multiple service types including Open Service for free global use, Commercial Service with encrypted signals, and Public Regulated Service for government-authorized users. The system offers improved accuracy compared to GPS, with horizontal positioning accuracy of 1 meter for public users.

### Operational Capabilities
The system provides global coverage with continuous availability and integrity information. Galileo FOC supports various applications including transportation, agriculture, scientific research, and emergency response. The system includes Search and Rescue capabilities that can detect and locate distress signals from emergency beacons.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Galileo Full Operational Capability",
  "description": "Operational phase of the European Union's Galileo satellite navigation system launched in 2015",
  "url": "https://www.gsc-europa.eu/system-service-status/constellation-information",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1779738",
    "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galileo_(satellite_navigation)"
  ],
  "additionalType": "spacecraft model"
}

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/galileo-foc.htm)
2. [Source](https://www.gsc-europa.eu/system-service-status/constellation-information)