Navigation signals sent from low Earth orbit benefit from more strength, new dynamics and additional ranging geometry. This makes them valuable to complement existing medium Earth orbit systems and improve overall resilience, robustness, availability, and timeliness, especially in demanding environments like deep urban areas.

“Seeing Celeste achieve its first milestone, only days after launch, is a moment we will look on in the years to come. This is a first step in a mission aiming to demonstrate how a satellite navigation constellation in low Earth orbit can further address current and future user needs, complementing Europe’s current Galileo system in medium Earth orbit," explains Roberto Prieto-Cerdeira, ESA's Celeste programme manager.