# GSAT0232

> navigation satellite in the Galileo constellation

**Wikidata**: [Q130222819](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q130222819)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/gsat0232

## Summary
GSAT0232 is a navigation satellite in the Galileo constellation, part of the European Union's Galileo satellite navigation system. It was launched on September 17, 2024, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40. The satellite operates in medium Earth orbit and is designed for a 12-year operational life.

## Key Facts
- **Instance of**: Galileo Full Operational Capability (FOC) satellite
- **Launch date**: September 17, 2024, at 22:50 UTC
- **Launch vehicle**: SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 (Booster B1067.22)
- **Launch site**: Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40
- **Mass**: 733 kg (launch weight)
- **Orbit**: Medium Earth orbit (MEO)
- **Orbital parameters**:
  - Semi-major axis: 29,599.8 km
  - Inclination: 56.0°
  - Eccentricity: 0.0
- **Power source**: Spacecraft solar array (2 panels)
- **Manufacturer**: OHB System AG (bus), Surrey Satellite Technology (payload)
- **Operator**: European Union Agency for the Space Programme
- **Service life**: 12 years (design life)
- **Preceded by**: GSAT0233 (launched earlier in the constellation)
- **Part of**: Galileo satellite navigation system

## FAQs
### Q: What is the Galileo constellation, and what role does GSAT0232 play in it?
A: The Galileo constellation is Europe's global satellite navigation system, providing positioning, navigation, and timing services. GSAT0232 is one of its operational satellites, contributing to the system's global coverage and accuracy.

### Q: How was GSAT0232 launched, and what rocket was used?
A: GSAT0232 was launched on September 17, 2024, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40. The booster used was B1067.22.

### Q: What is the orbital configuration of GSAT0232?
A: GSAT0232 operates in a medium Earth orbit with a semi-major axis of 29,599.8 km, an inclination of 56.0°, and an eccentricity of 0.0.

### Q: How long is GSAT0232 expected to operate?
A: The satellite is designed for a 12-year operational life, though its actual service duration may vary.

### Q: Who operates the Galileo constellation, and what organization manages GSAT0232?
A: The Galileo constellation is operated by the European Union Agency for the Space Programme, which also manages GSAT0232.

## Why It Matters
GSAT0232 is a critical component of the Galileo satellite navigation system, which provides high-precision positioning, navigation, and timing services across Europe and globally. The satellite contributes to the system's resilience and accuracy, supporting applications ranging from transportation and logistics to emergency services and scientific research. Its successful deployment ensures the continued reliability of Galileo, a key infrastructure project of the European Union. The satellite's inclusion in the constellation enhances the system's redundancy and coverage, reinforcing its role as a global navigation standard.

## Notable For
- **First of its kind**: One of the latest additions to the Galileo constellation, ensuring the system's continued modernization.
- **High-precision navigation**: Contributes to Galileo's global positioning accuracy and reliability.
- **SpaceX launch**: Marked the first time a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched Galileo satellites, demonstrating commercial launch capabilities for critical infrastructure.
- **Medium Earth orbit**: Operates in a stable MEO environment, optimizing signal coverage and performance.
- **12-year design life**: Designed for long-duration missions, minimizing replacement frequency and operational costs.

## Body
### Overview
GSAT0232 is a navigation satellite in the Galileo constellation, part of the European Union's Galileo satellite navigation system. It was launched on September 17, 2024, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40. The satellite is a member of the Galileo Full Operational Capability (FOC) series, designed to provide high-precision positioning, navigation, and timing services.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: 733 kg (launch weight)
- **Power**: Two spacecraft solar arrays
- **Orbit**: Medium Earth orbit (MEO)
  - Semi-major axis: 29,599.8 km
  - Inclination: 56.0°
  - Eccentricity: 0.0
- **Service life**: 12 years (design life)
- **Spacecraft bus**: SmartMEO

### Launch and Deployment
- **Launch date**: September 17, 2024, at 22:50 UTC
- **Launch vehicle**: SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 (Booster B1067.22)
- **Launch site**: Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40
- **Preceded by**: GSAT0233 (launched earlier in the constellation)

### Manufacturer and Operator
- **Manufacturer**: OHB System AG (bus), Surrey Satellite Technology (payload)
- **Operator**: European Union Agency for the Space Programme

### Significance
GSAT0232 plays a crucial role in the Galileo constellation, contributing to the system's global coverage and accuracy. Its successful deployment ensures the continued reliability of Galileo, a key infrastructure project of the European Union. The satellite's inclusion in the constellation enhances the system's redundancy and coverage, reinforcing its role as a global navigation standard.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "GSAT0232",
  "description": "Navigation satellite in the Galileo constellation",
  "sameAs": ["https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q122828940", "https://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galileo_(satellite_navigation)#Galileo_Full_Operational_Capability"]
}

## References

1. [Source](https://www.gsc-europa.eu/system-status/orbital-and-technical-parameters)
2. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/galileo-foc.htm)
3. SATCAT
4. Space-Track
5. [SpaceX launches European Commission’s Galileo satellites on Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral – Spaceflight Now](https://spaceflightnow.com/2024/09/17/live-coverage-spacex-to-launch-european-commissions-galileo-satellites-on-falcon-9-rocket-from-cape-canaveral/)
6. [Next Spaceflight](https://nextspaceflight.com/launches/details/3320)
7. [2024](https://www.gsc-europa.eu/notice-advisory-to-galileo-users-nagu-2024038)
8. [Falcon 9 Block 5 | Galileo FOC FM26 & FM32. Next Spaceflight](https://nextspaceflight.com/launches/details/3320)
9. [Source](https://www.gsc-europa.eu/system-service-status/orbital-and-technical-parameters)
10. [Source](https://www.spacex.com/launches/mission/?missionId=galileol13)