# GSAT0223

> navigation satellite in the Galileo constellation

**Wikidata**: [Q130483184](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q130483184)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/gsat0223

## Summary
GSAT0223 is a navigation satellite in the Galileo constellation, part of the European Union’s Galileo satellite navigation system. Launched on December 5, 2021, it operates in medium Earth orbit and is designed to provide positioning, navigation, and timing services.

## Key Facts
- **Type**: Navigation satellite in the Galileo constellation
- **Launch Date**: December 5, 2021, at 00:19:20 UTC
- **Launch Vehicle**: Soyuz-2.1b (serial number U 15000-015)
- **Launch Site**: Ensemble de Lancement Soyouz (Guiana Space Centre)
- **Mass**: 733 kg (launch weight)
- **Orbit**: Medium Earth orbit (MEO) with a semi-major axis of 29,599.8 km
- **Orbital Inclination**: 56.0 degrees
- **Orbital Eccentricity**: 0.0 (circular orbit)
- **Power Source**: Spacecraft solar array (2 panels)
- **Spacecraft Bus**: SmartMEO
- **Operator**: European Union Agency for the Space Programme
- **Manufacturers**: OHB System AG (primary), Surrey Satellite Technology (payload)
- **Design Life**: 12 years
- **Aliases**: Patrick, Galileo-FOC FM23, Galileo 27, GalileoSat-27, Galileo FM23

## FAQs
### Q: What is the Galileo constellation, and what role does GSAT0223 play in it?
A: The Galileo constellation is Europe’s global satellite navigation system, providing positioning, navigation, and timing services. GSAT0223 is one of its operational satellites, contributing to the system’s global coverage.

### Q: How was GSAT0223 launched, and what rocket was used?
A: GSAT0223 was launched on December 5, 2021, aboard a Soyuz-2.1b rocket (serial U 15000-015) from the Ensemble de Lancement Soyouz at the Guiana Space Centre.

### Q: What is the orbital configuration of GSAT0223?
A: GSAT0223 operates in a circular 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.

### Q: Who operates GSAT0223, and what is its design life?
A: GSAT0223 is operated by the European Union Agency for the Space Programme and has a design life of 12 years.

### Q: What are the key technical specifications of GSAT0223?
A: The satellite has a launch mass of 733 kg, is powered by a spacecraft solar array with two panels, and uses the SmartMEO spacecraft bus.

## Why It Matters
GSAT0223 is a critical component of the Galileo constellation, Europe’s global navigation satellite system (GNSS). The Galileo system provides high-accuracy positioning, navigation, and timing services for civilian and military applications, including transportation, agriculture, emergency services, and scientific research. By contributing to the constellation’s operational capability, GSAT0223 ensures the system’s reliability and global coverage, supporting a wide range of applications that rely on precise location data. The satellite’s inclusion in the Galileo constellation enhances the system’s resilience and accuracy, further solidifying Europe’s role in the global GNSS landscape.

## Notable For
- **Part of Galileo’s Full Operational Capability (FOC)**: GSAT0223 is one of the satellites deployed to achieve Galileo’s full operational status, ensuring global coverage.
- **Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) Navigation**: Its orbit at 29,599.8 km semi-major axis and 56.0-degree inclination is optimized for navigation services.
- **Soyuz-2.1b Launch**: The satellite was launched using the Soyuz-2.1b rocket, a reliable and versatile launcher for MEO missions.
- **SmartMEO Spacecraft Bus**: The satellite employs the SmartMEO bus, known for its efficiency and reliability in MEO missions.
- **European Union Agency for the Space Programme**: Operated by the European Union’s space agency, ensuring alignment with EU space policies and standards.

## Body
### Overview
GSAT0223 is a navigation satellite in the Galileo constellation, part of the European Union’s Galileo satellite navigation system. It was launched on December 5, 2021, aboard a Soyuz-2.1b rocket from the Ensemble de Lancement Soyouz at the Guiana Space Centre. The satellite operates in 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, ensuring optimal coverage for navigation services.

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

### Launch and Deployment
- **Launch Date**: December 5, 2021, at 00:19:20 UTC
- **Launch Vehicle**: Soyuz-2.1b (serial U 15000-015)
- **Launch Site**: Ensemble de Lancement Soyouz, Guiana Space Centre
- **Upper Stage**: Fregat-MT (serial 133-13)

### Operational Details
- **Operator**: European Union Agency for the Space Programme
- **Manufacturers**:
  - Primary: OHB System AG
  - Payload: Surrey Satellite Technology
- **Aliases**: Patrick, Galileo-FOC FM23, Galileo 27, GalileoSat-27, Galileo FM23

### Significance
GSAT0223 is a critical component of the Galileo constellation, contributing to the system’s global coverage and operational capability. Its inclusion ensures the Galileo system’s reliability and accuracy, supporting a wide range of applications that rely on precise positioning, navigation, and timing services. The satellite’s deployment aligns with the European Union’s commitment to advancing space-based infrastructure and enhancing Europe’s role in the global GNSS landscape.

## 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/4090)
4. Jonathan's Space Report
5. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/galileo-foc.htm)