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ESA’s LEO-PNT satellites set to launch by end of year

Written by  Wednesday, 25 June 2025 08:00
LEO-PNT Pathfinder A

The European Space Agency (ESA) confirms the launch of the first two LEO-PNT satellites is planned from second half of December 2025, on a Rocket Lab Electron launcher vehicle, from New Zealand. The LEO-PNT in-orbit demonstrator mission is a pioneer mission for Europe that will advance satellite navigation concepts for resilient positioning and timing services.

About LEO-PNT

ESA’s LEO-PNT (Low Earth Orbit Positioning Navigation and Timing) in-orbit demonstrator mission features a constellation of 10 satellites plus two spares that will fly in low Earth orbit to test innovative signals across various frequency bands. Its goal is to advance satellite navigation concepts for resilient positioning and timing services.

The mission was approved at ESA’s Council at Ministerial Level of 2022 and is supported by Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Two parallel contracts to develop the fleet were awarded in 2024 to two consortia involving over 50 entities from 14 countries.

LEO-PNT in-orbit demonstrator includes end-to-end definition, development of space and test user segment, launch, ground segment and operations, experimentation, demonstration of services and satellite disposal. For more information, visit www.esa.int/LEO-PNT


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