# GSAT0211

> navigation satellite in the Galileo constellation

**Wikidata**: [Q26263021](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q26263021)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/gsat0211

## Summary
GSAT0211, also known as Alizée or Galileo-FOC FM11, is a navigation satellite that operates as part of the European Galileo constellation. Manufactured by OHB System AG and Surrey Satellite Technology, it is a Full Operational Capability (FOC) model launched on May 24, 2016. The satellite provides global positioning data from medium Earth orbit under the operation of the European Union Agency for the Space Programme.

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** GSAT0211 is an instance of the Galileo Full Operational Capability (FOC) satellite model.
- **Launch Date:** Launched on May 24, 2016, at 08:48:43 UTC.
- **Launch Vehicle:** Deployed using a Soyuz-2.1b rocket equipped with a Fregat-MT space tug.
- **Launch Site:** Ensemble de Lancement Soyouz (Soyuz Launch Complex).
- **Orbital Parameters:** Occupies a Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) with a semi-major axis of 29,599.8 km, an inclination of 56.0 degrees, and an eccentricity of 0.0.
- **Physical Specifications:** The satellite has a launch mass of 733 kilograms and is powered by two spacecraft solar arrays.
- **Operational Status:** Entered service on December 1, 2016, with a design life of 12 years.
- **Identifiers:** COSPAR ID 2016-030A; NSSDCA ID 2016-030A; Satellite Catalog Number (SCN) 41549.
- **Manufacturers:** Built by OHB System AG and Surrey Satellite Technology.
- **Aliases:** Galileo-FOC FM11, Galileo 14, GalileoSat-14, Galileo FM11, Alizée.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary function of GSAT0211?
A: GSAT0211 functions as a navigation satellite within the Galileo constellation, providing positioning, navigation, and timing services. It is operated by the European Union Agency for the Space Programme.

### Q: When was GSAT0211 launched and when did it become operational?
A: The satellite was launched on May 24, 2016, and officially entered service on December 1, 2016.

### Q: What specific technology and bus does GSAT0211 utilize?
A: The satellite utilizes the SmartMEO spacecraft bus and is powered by two solar arrays. It falls under the Galileo Full Operational Capability (FOC) class of satellites.

## Why It Matters
GSAT0211 represents a critical component of the European Union's strategic effort to establish an independent global navigation satellite system (GNSS) through the Galileo programme. As a Full Operational Capability (FOC) satellite, it provides more advanced and reliable navigation services compared to earlier testbed satellites, contributing to the constellation's goal of offering high-precision positioning data for commercial and public safety applications worldwide.

The satellite's deployment aids in reducing Europe's reliance on the US GPS or Russian GLONASS systems. With a design life of 12 years and a mass of 733 kg, GSAT0211 demonstrates the capabilities of European aerospace manufacturers like OHB System AG and Surrey Satellite Technology in producing complex space infrastructure. Its operation in a precisely defined Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) ensures the stability and accuracy required for the timing and geolocation services that modern infrastructure relies upon.

## Notable For
- **Operational Capability:** Being a Galileo Full Operational Capability (FOC) satellite, distinguishing it from earlier In-Orbit Validation (IOV) models.
- **Circular Orbit:** Maintaining an orbital eccentricity of 0.0, indicating a perfectly circular path in its medium Earth orbit.
- **Naming Convention:** Being alternately named "Alizée" (a name proposed by France) alongside its technical designation Galileo-FOC FM11.
- **Launch Configuration:** Being one of the satellites deployed via the Soyuz-2.1b launch vehicle utilizing the Fregat-MT upper stage.
- **Spacecraft Bus:** Utilizing the "SmartMEO" bus, a platform specifically designed for navigation satellites in medium Earth orbit.

## Body

### Technical Specifications
GSAT0211 is categorized as a Galileo Full Operational Capability satellite. It has a recorded launch mass of 733 kilograms. The satellite's power system relies on two spacecraft solar arrays. It is built on the SmartMEO spacecraft bus, a platform optimized for the medium Earth orbit environment.

### Orbit and Trajectory
The satellite orbits in a Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) with a semi-major axis of 29,599.8 kilometers. Its orbital path is characterized by an inclination of 56.0 degrees relative to the equator. Notably, the satellite maintains an orbital eccentricity of 0.0, indicating a circular orbit.

### Mission Timeline
GSAT0211 underwent a significant rocket launch event on May 24, 2016, originating from the Ensemble de Lancement Soyouz. It was carried into orbit aboard a Soyuz-2.1b launch vehicle, assisted by a Fregat-MT space tug (serial number 133-05). Following the launch and necessary calibration phases, the satellite officially began its service entry on December 1, 2016. It is designed to remain operational for a service life of 12 years.

### Ownership and Identification
The satellite is operated by the European Union Agency for the Space Programme. It is tracked internationally under the COSPAR ID 2016-030A and the Satellite Catalog Number 41549. It is also recognized by several aliases, including Galileo 14, Galileo FM11, GalileoSat-14, Galileo-FOC FM11, and Alizée.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.gsc-europa.eu/system-status/orbital-and-technical-parameters)
2. [Source](https://www.gsc-europa.eu/news/countdown-a-month-to-go-to-galileos-next-launch)
3. [Source](http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraftDisplay.do?id=2016-030A)
4. [Source](http://www.arianespace.com/mission/soyuz-flight-vs15/)
5. Jonathan's Space Report
6. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/galileo-foc.htm)
7. [Source](https://www.gsc-europa.eu/galileo-gsc-overview/system)
8. [Source](https://www.gsc-europa.eu/notice-advisory-to-galileo-users-nagu-2016056)
9. [Source](http://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/galileo-foc.htm)