# GSAT0224

> navigation satellite in the Galileo constellation

**Wikidata**: [Q130483185](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q130483185)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/gsat0224

## Summary
GSAT0224, also known by the aliases Shriya and Galileo-FOC FM24, is a navigation satellite operating as part of the Galileo constellation. Manufactured by OHB System AG and Surrey Satellite Technology, it is a Full Operational Capability (FOC) model launched on December 5, 2021. The satellite occupies a medium Earth orbit to provide navigation services.

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** It is an instance of the Galileo Full Operational Capability (FOC) satellite model.
- **Launch Date:** Launched on December 5, 2021, at 00:19:20 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).
- **Orbit:** Positioned in Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) with a semi-major axis of 29,599.8 km and an orbital inclination of 56.0 degrees.
- **Mass:** Has a launch weight of 733 kilograms.
- **Design Life:** Built with a design life of 12 years.
- **Identifiers:** COSPAR ID 2021-116B; NSSDCA ID 2021-116B; Satellite Catalog Number (SCN) 49810.
- **Operator:** Operated by the European Union Agency for the Space Programme.
- **Power:** Powered by two spacecraft solar arrays utilizing the SmartMEO bus.

## FAQs
### Q: What are the alternative names for GSAT0224?
A: The satellite is alternatively known as Shriya, Galileo-FOC FM24, Galileo 28, GalileoSat-28, and Galileo FM24.

### Q: Who manufactured and operates GSAT0224?
A: The satellite's bus was manufactured by OHB System AG, while the payload was supplied by Surrey Satellite Technology. It is operated by the European Union Agency for the Space Programme.

### Q: What are the specific orbital characteristics of GSAT0224?
A: The satellite orbits in a circular path (eccentricity 0.0) with a semi-major axis of 29,599.8 kilometers and an inclination of 56.0 degrees relative to the equator.

## Why It Matters
GSAT0224 serves as a critical component of the Galileo constellation, which is the global navigation satellite system (GNSS) created by the European Union. As a Full Operational Capability (FOC) satellite, it represents the fully operational phase of the constellation, designed to provide more advanced and precise navigation data compared to earlier testbed satellites.

The satellite's technical specifications highlight a robust design intended for long-term reliability. Weighing 733 kg at launch and utilizing a SmartMEO spacecraft bus, GSAT0224 is engineered to function for a 12-year service life. Its placement in Medium Earth Orbit at a specific inclination allows it to contribute to global coverage, ensuring that the constellation can deliver accurate positioning, navigation, and timing information to users worldwide. The collaboration between OHB System AG and Surrey Satellite Technology on its construction underscores the European industrial cooperation involved in the program.

## Notable For
- **Multiple Aliases:** Uniquely carries the name "Shriya" alongside its technical designators (Galileo-FOC FM24, Galileo 28).
- **Zero Eccentricity:** Maintains a perfectly circular orbit (eccentricity 0.0).
- **Specific Launch Configuration:** Launched via the Soyuz-2.1b configuration paired with a Fregat-MT upper stage.
- **SmartMEO Bus:** Utilizes the specialized SmartMEO spacecraft bus designed for navigation missions.
- **Payload Specialization:** Distinct manufacturing split, with OHB building the bus and Surrey Satellite Technology providing the specific navigation payload.

## Body

### Technical Specifications
GSAT0224 is built on the **SmartMEO** spacecraft bus and falls under the **Galileo Full Operational Capability (FOC)** class of satellites. The satellite has a recorded launch mass of **733 kilograms**. It is designed to operate for **12 years**. The power system relies on **two spacecraft solar arrays**.

### Orbital Parameters
The satellite functions in **Medium Earth Orbit (MEO)**. Its orbital path is characterized by an inclination of **56.0 degrees** and a semi-major axis of **29,599.8 kilometers**. The orbital eccentricity is listed as **0.0**, indicating a circular orbit.

### Launch Details
GSAT0224 was launched on **December 5, 2021**, precisely at **00:19:20** UTC. The launch took place from the **Ensemble de Lancement Soyouz** facility. The launch vehicle was a **Soyuz-2.1b** rocket, assisted by a **Fregat-MT** space tug (specifically unit 133-13) to reach its final orbit.

### Manufacturing and Operation
The satellite is a product of collaboration between **OHB System AG** (responsible for the satellite platform) and **Surrey Satellite Technology** (responsible for the payload). It is operated by the **European Union Agency for the Space Programme**.

### Identifiers
The entity is tracked under several identifiers: **SCN 49810**, **COSPAR ID 2021-116B**, and **NSSDCA ID 2021-116B**. In the Wolfram Language, it is coded as `Entity["Satellite", "49810"]`.

## 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)