# GSAT0221

> navigation satellite in the Galileo constellation

**Wikidata**: [Q130483119](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q130483119)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/gsat0221

## Summary
GSAT0221 is a Galileo Full Operational Capability navigation satellite launched by the European Union Agency for the Space Programme on July 25, 2018. As part of Europe's global navigation satellite system, this satellite provides accurate positioning and timing services to users worldwide.

## Key Facts
- GSAT0221 is a Galileo Full Operational Capability satellite launched on July 25, 2018 at 11:25:08 UTC
- The satellite has a mass of 733 kg (launch weight) and a designed service life of 12 years
- It was manufactured by OHB System AG with the payload provided by Surrey Satellite Technology
- GSAT0221 orbits in medium Earth orbit with a semi-major axis of 29,599.8 km and an orbital inclination of 56.0 degrees
- The satellite was launched using an Ariane 5ES rocket (flight VA244) from ELA-3 in French Guiana
- GSAT0221 is operated by the European Union Agency for the Space Programme
- It has the COSPAR/NSSDCA identifier 2018-060A and SCN 43564

## FAQs
### Q: What is the purpose of GSAT0221?
A: GSAT0221 is a navigation satellite that provides positioning, navigation, and timing services as part of the Galileo constellation, Europe's global satellite navigation system.

### Q: When and where was GSAT0221 launched?
A: GSAT0221 was launched on July 25, 2018 at 11:25:08 UTC from ELA-3 launch site in French Guiana, aboard an Ariane 5ES rocket designated as flight VA244.

### Q: What is the operational lifetime of GSAT0221?
A: GSAT0221 has a designed service life of 12 years, though actual operational duration may extend beyond this timeframe depending on the satellite's condition and operational needs.

## Why It Matters
GSAT0221 represents an important component of the European Union's Galileo global navigation satellite system, which provides an independent alternative to the US GPS and Russian GLONASS systems. As part of the Full Operational Capability phase, this satellite enhances the reliability, accuracy, and coverage of positioning services for European citizens, supporting critical applications ranging from everyday navigation to emergency services and financial transactions. The Galileo system also has strategic importance for European autonomy in space infrastructure, reducing dependence on foreign navigation systems. GSAT0221's deployment contributes to the constellation's growing capacity, improving service availability and resilience for users worldwide.

## Notable For
- One of the Galileo Full Operational Capability satellites providing enhanced navigation accuracy compared to earlier Galileo generations
- Part of the first full deployment of the Galileo satellite constellation in its operational configuration
- Features a SmartMEO spacecraft bus designed specifically for medium Earth orbit navigation satellites
- Powered by solar arrays with 2 panels for continuous energy generation
- Includes an EPS-V L10 propulsion system for orbital maintenance and station-keeping

## Body

### Overview
GSAT0221, also known as Anna, Galileo-FOC FM21, Galileo 25, GalileoSat-25, or Galileo FM21, is a navigation satellite in the Galileo constellation. It is a Galileo Full Operational Capability model, representing the third generation of Galileo satellites with enhanced capabilities compared to earlier versions.

### Technical Specifications
- Satellite Model: Galileo Full Operational Capability
- Spacecraft Bus: SmartMEO
- Mass: 733 kg (launch weight)
- Service Life: 12 years (design life)
- Power System: Spacecraft solar array with 2 panels
- Propulsion: EPS-V L10 with 596 specific impulse

### Launch Details
- Launch Date: July 25, 2018 at 11:25:08 UTC
- Launch Vehicle: Ariane 5ES (flight VA244)
- Launch Site: ELA-3, Centre Spatial Guyanais, French Guiana
- Manufacturer: OHB System AG (primary) and Surrey Satellite Technology (payload)
- Operator: European Union Agency for the Space Programme

### Orbital Characteristics
- Orbit Type: Medium Earth Orbit
- Semi-Major Axis: 29,599.8 km
- Orbital Inclination: 56.0 degrees
- Orbital Eccentricity: 0.0

### Identifiers
- SCN: 43564
- COSPAR ID: 2018-060A
- NSSDCA ID: 2018-060A
- Wolfram Language Entity Code: Entity["Satellite", "43564"]

### Role in Galileo System
GSAT0221 is part of the Galileo constellation, Europe's global satellite navigation system. The Galileo system provides highly accurate positioning and timing services to users worldwide, supporting various applications including transportation, emergency services, agriculture, and telecommunications. As a Full Operational Capability satellite, GSAT0221 contributes to the system's increased accuracy, reliability, and resilience compared to earlier generations of Galileo satellites.

## 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/169)
4. Jonathan's Space Report
5. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/galileo-foc.htm)