# GSAT0218

> navigation satellite in the Galileo constellation

**Wikidata**: [Q111471066](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111471066)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/gsat0218

## Summary
GSAT0218 is a navigation satellite in the Galileo constellation, part of the European Union's Galileo satellite navigation system. It was launched on December 12, 2017, aboard an Ariane 5ES rocket and operates in medium Earth orbit (MEO) to provide positioning, navigation, and timing services.

## Key Facts
- **Type**: Navigation satellite in the Galileo constellation
- **Launch Date**: December 12, 2017, at 18:36 UTC
- **Launch Vehicle**: Ariane 5ES (Flight VA240)
- **Launch Site**: ELA-3, Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana
- **Orbit**: Medium Earth orbit (MEO) with a semi-major axis of 29,599.8 km and an inclination of 56.0°
- **Mass**: 733 kg (launch weight)
- **Design Life**: 12 years
- **Manufacturers**: OHB System AG and Surrey Satellite Technology
- **Spacecraft Bus**: SmartMEO
- **Power Source**: Spacecraft solar array (2 panels)
- **Operator**: European Union Agency for the Space Programme
- **Part of**: Galileo satellite navigation system
- **Aliases**: Irina, Galileo-FOC FM18, Galileo 22, GalileoSat-22, Galileo FM18

## FAQs
### Q: What is the purpose of GSAT0218?
A: GSAT0218 is a navigation satellite in the Galileo constellation, designed to provide positioning, navigation, and timing services as part of the European Union's Galileo satellite navigation system.

### Q: When and how was GSAT0218 launched?
A: GSAT0218 was launched on December 12, 2017, at 18:36 UTC, aboard an Ariane 5ES rocket (Flight VA240) from ELA-3, Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana.

### Q: What is the orbital configuration of GSAT0218?
A: GSAT0218 operates in a medium Earth orbit (MEO) with a semi-major axis of 29,599.8 km, an inclination of 56.0°, and an eccentricity of 0.0.

### Q: Who operates GSAT0218?
A: GSAT0218 is operated by the European Union Agency for the Space Programme.

### Q: What is the design life of GSAT0218?
A: GSAT0218 has a design life of 12 years.

## Why It Matters
GSAT0218 is a critical component of the Galileo satellite navigation system, which provides independent high-precision positioning services to users worldwide. The satellite contributes to the system's global coverage and reliability, supporting applications ranging from transportation and logistics to emergency services and scientific research. As part of the Galileo constellation, GSAT0218 ensures the European Union's autonomy in satellite navigation, complementing the U.S. GPS and Russian GLONASS systems. Its successful deployment and operation demonstrate Europe's advancements in space technology and its commitment to maintaining a robust and resilient satellite infrastructure.

## Notable For
- **Part of the Galileo Constellation**: GSAT0218 is one of the satellites in the Galileo system, which aims to provide global navigation services.
- **Medium Earth Orbit (MEO)**: The satellite's orbit is optimized for navigation purposes, offering a balance between coverage and signal strength.
- **Ariane 5ES Launch**: The satellite was launched using the Ariane 5ES rocket, a reliable European launch vehicle.
- **Long Design Life**: With a 12-year design life, GSAT0218 is expected to provide stable navigation services for an extended period.
- **European Collaboration**: The satellite was manufactured by OHB System AG and Surrey Satellite Technology, showcasing European industrial collaboration in space technology.

## Body
### Overview
GSAT0218 is a navigation satellite in the Galileo constellation, part of the European Union's Galileo satellite navigation system. It was launched on December 12, 2017, aboard an Ariane 5ES rocket (Flight VA240) from ELA-3, Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana. The satellite operates in a medium Earth orbit (MEO) with a semi-major axis of 29,599.8 km and an inclination of 56.0°.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: 733 kg (launch weight)
- **Power Source**: Spacecraft solar array (2 panels)
- **Spacecraft Bus**: SmartMEO
- **Design Life**: 12 years
- **Orbital Parameters**:
  - Semi-major axis: 29,599.8 km
  - Inclination: 56.0°
  - Eccentricity: 0.0

### Launch and Deployment
- **Launch Date**: December 12, 2017, at 18:36 UTC
- **Launch Vehicle**: Ariane 5ES (Flight VA240)
- **Launch Site**: ELA-3, Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana

### Manufacturer and Operator
- **Manufacturers**: OHB System AG and Surrey Satellite Technology
- **Operator**: European Union Agency for the Space Programme

### Significance
GSAT0218 is a critical component of the Galileo satellite navigation system, which provides independent high-precision positioning services to users worldwide. The satellite contributes to the system's global coverage and reliability, supporting applications ranging from transportation and logistics to emergency services and scientific research. As part of the Galileo constellation, GSAT0218 ensures the European Union's autonomy in satellite navigation, complementing the U.S. GPS and Russian GLONASS systems. Its successful deployment and operation demonstrate Europe's advancements in space technology and its commitment to maintaining a robust and resilient satellite infrastructure.

## 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](https://nextspaceflight.com/launches/details/164)
4. Jonathan's Space Report
5. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/galileo-foc.htm)