# GSAT0212

> navigation satellite in the Galileo constellation

**Wikidata**: [Q28058237](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q28058237)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/gsat0212

## Summary
GSAT0212, also known by the alias "Lisa," is a navigation satellite within the European Galileo constellation. It is a Full Operational Capability (FOC) model launched on November 17, 2016, aboard an Ariane 5ES rocket. The satellite operates in medium Earth orbit to provide global positioning data.

## Key Facts
- **Official Designators:** GSAT0212; COSPAR ID 2016-069B; NSSDCA ID 2016-069B; Satellite Catalog Number 41860.
- **Aliases:** Lisa, Galileo-FOC FM12, Galileo 16, GalileoSat-16, Galileo FM12.
- **Classification:** Instance of Galileo Full Operational Capability satellite.
- **Launch Date:** November 17, 2016, at 13:06:55.
- **Launch Vehicle:** Ariane 5ES (Flight VA233).
- **Launch Site:** ELA-3 (Ensemble de Lancement Ariane 3).
- **Mass:** 733 kilograms (launch weight).
- **Orbit:** Medium Earth Orbit with a semi-major axis of 29,599.8 km and an inclination of 26.0 degrees.
- **Design Life:** 12 years.
- **Manufacturers:** OHB System AG and Surrey Satellite Technology.
- **Operator:** European Union Agency for the Space Programme.

## FAQs
### Q: What is GSAT0212?
A: GSAT0212 is a navigation satellite that is part of the Galileo constellation, specifically a Full Operational Capability (FOC) model. It is also known by the nickname "Lisa."

### Q: When and how was GSAT0212 launched?
A: It was launched on November 17, 2016, at 13:06:55, using an Ariane 5ES rocket from the ELA-3 launch site.

### Q: Who built and operates GSAT0212?
A: The satellite was manufactured by OHB System AG and Surrey Satellite Technology. It is currently operated by the European Union Agency for the Space Programme.

## Why It Matters
GSAT0212 represents a critical component of the European Union's drive for strategic independence in global navigation satellite systems. As part of the Galileo Full Operational Capability (FOC) batch, this satellite—along with its constellation partners—provides highly accurate global positioning, velocity, and timing information. Unlike the earlier IOV (In-Orbit Validation) satellites, FOC models like GSAT0212 form the operational backbone of the system, designed for a service life of 12 years. Its deployment aboard the Ariane 5ES highlighted European aerospace capabilities, utilizing a specialized launch configuration to inject the satellite into a precise medium Earth orbit. By operating under the European Union Agency for the Space Programme, GSAT0212 serves civilian and commercial users worldwide, enhancing applications ranging from transportation logistics to emergency response communications.

## Notable For
- **Alias "Lisa":** Unlike typical alphanumeric designations, this satellite is colloquially named "Lisa."
- **Orbital Precision:** The satellite maintains a circular orbit with an eccentricity of 0.0 and a specific inclination of 26.0 degrees.
- **Launch Configuration:** It was launched using the Ariane 5ES, a variant of the Ariane 5 rocket often used for deploying Galileo satellites.
- **Power System:** Utilizes two spacecraft solar arrays to power its systems on the SmartMEO bus.

## Body

### Identity and Classification
GSAT0212 is a navigation satellite formally classified as an instance of the **Galileo Full Operational Capability** model. It operates as part of the broader **Galileo** constellation. In various databases and records, it is identified by multiple names and codes, including **Galileo-FOC FM12**, **Galileo 16**, and **Galileo FM12**. Its specific Satellite Catalog Number is **41860**, and it carries the international designator **2016-069B**.

### Technical Specifications
The satellite has a recorded **launch mass of 733 kilograms**. It is built on the **SmartMEO** spacecraft bus and is designed to function for a **service life of 12 years**. Power is supplied by two **spacecraft solar arrays**.

### Orbital Parameters
GSAT0212 is a **satellite of medium Earth orbit**. Its specific orbital characteristics include:
- **Semi-major axis:** 29,599.8 kilometres
- **Orbital inclination:** 26.0 degrees
- **Orbital eccentricity:** 0.0

### Launch and Deployment
The satellite's significant event was its **rocket launch** on **November 17, 2016**. The launch took place at **ELA-3** at 13:06:55. The delivery system was an **Ariane 5ES** launch vehicle (flight designation VA233). The deployment involved a specific space tug or upper stage identified as **EPS-V L10**.

### Manufacturers and Ownership
GSAT0212 was constructed through a collaboration between **OHB System AG** and **Surrey Satellite Technology**. The satellite is owned and managed by the **European Union Agency for the Space Programme**.

## 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=2016-069B)
4. Jonathan's Space Report
5. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/galileo-foc.htm)
6. [Source](http://www.arianespace.com/mission/ariane-flight-va233/)