Programme (all times in CET)

05:35 Broadcast begins

06:01 Liftoff

06:04 Booster separation

06:06 Fairing separation

06:09 Core stage separation

06:10 – 06:21 First Vinci engine boost

09:40 – 09:42 Second Vinci engine boost

09:57 Galileo satellites separation

10:40 – 10:50 Status of the satellites and declaration of launch success

The launch broadcast will be followed by a post-launch event hosted by the European Commission in Brussels.

After reaching orbit, the satellites will be activated and checked in what is known as the early operations phase before going through in-orbit testing to assess their performance. This ensures nothing on the satellites was damaged by the severe launch conditions. Led by the EU Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA), the checks and testing last three to four months, after which the Galileo satellites will enter service, joining the rest of the constellation in providing positioning, navigation, and timing to users worldwide.

Follow updates on the launch campaign here.