[SatNews] March 27, 2015 – Soyuz Flight VS11 Arianespace’s Soyuz launcher has begun its latest mission from the Spaceport, successfully carrying two Full Operational Capability (FOC) satellites for Europe’s Galileo navigation system. Among the many accomplishments of Galileo was the discovery of the four largest satellites of Jupiter (named the Galilean moons in his honor) and today two satellites named after him have been launched.

Soyuz deploys its passengers on a flight lasting approximately 3 hrs., 47 min. The launcher’s Fregat upper stage, which is responsible for carrying out the final orbital maneuvers,  performs two burns separated by a three-hour-plus ballistic phase to reach the targeted deployment point for Flight VS11’s dual-satellite payload.

The Galileo navigation system provides highly accurate global positioning services under civilian control.  The European Commission is funding and managing its FOC phase, during which the network’s complete operational and ground infrastructure will be deployed; with the European Space Agency designated as the system’s design and procurement agent.

The prime contractor for these two Galileo FOC satellites that weigh some 715 kg. each is OHB System of Germany, with their navigation payloads supplied by Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. of the UK.

This March 27 mission,  designated VS11 in Arianespace’s numbering system, is performed from the purpose-built ELS launch facility for Soyuz.

Flight VS11 is Arianespace’s second mission performed in 2015 (following a lightweight Vega launch in February), as well as the 11th Soyuz liftoff performed from French Guiana since this workhorse vehicle’s 2011 introduction at the Spaceport.