Set to complement the agency’s Galileo and EGNOS navigation satellites, Celeste will operate across a range of frequencies including L-band, S-band and C-band, as well as UHF (ultra high frequency) capable of penetrating indoors. The first two satellites will validate core technologies and L- and S-band signals for the mission’s operational phase. Further launches across 2027 will bring the demonstration mission to its full configuration of 11 satellites, introducing C-band and UHF capabilities. All satellites in the constellation will operate in a quasi‑polar orbit at an altitude between 500 and 600km.
“With this mission, we are exploring new frontiers for satellite navigation,” said ESA director general Josef Aschbacher.
“Celeste will demonstrate how a satellite navigation constellation in low Earth orbit can complement Europe’s current Galileo system in medium Earth orbit. Celeste was among the first ESA missions to embrace a New Space-inspired development approach, enabling faster and more flexible deployment of satellites and technical capabilities, and ultimately ensuring Europe stays at the forefront of innovation in satellite navigation.”
The first two satellites were launched from New Zealand aboard Rocket Lab’s Electron on March 28, separating from the launch vehicle about an hour after lift-off. Built respectively by consortia led by GMV and Thales Alenia Space, the LEO CubeSats will provide an in-orbit test bench for a wide range of applications, including enhanced navigation capabilities for autonomous vehicles and resilience for rail, maritime and aviation.
By flying closer to Earth, the LEO-PNT (Low Earth Orbit Positioning Navigation and Timing) layer should deliver better availability in urban canyons, where high-rise buildings can block signals. ESA said Celeste will also offer better coverage of the polar regions, as well as enhanced positioning and messaging with emergency services during disasters, tracking of connected devices and IoT applications.
“Over the past two decades, satellite navigation has become integral to our society,” said Francisco-Javier Benedicto Ruiz, ESA’s director of Navigation.
“Galileo and EGNOS are a European success today, fuelling our society, generating economic growth while ensuring our independence and security. With Celeste, ESA is ensuring that Europe continues to pioneer innovation in positioning, navigation and timing. The mission will demonstrate how a complementary layer in low Earth orbit can enhance Europe’s current navigation systems, making them more resilient, more robust, and capable of delivering entirely new services.”