One of the two satellites of the Galileo constellation launched into the wrong on August 22, 2014 has been recovered. The series of 11 maneuvers planned last month to change its orbit was successfully accomplished across 17 days. On November 29, the satellite has been activated and sent the first navigation signals. Therefore ESA has begun the normal test phase and soon a similar series of maneuvers is scheduled for the other satellite in the wrong orbit.

For the European Union the Galileo system is important to have its own alternative to the American GPS. After several delays, in August 2014 it was finally time to begin the Full Operational Capability (FOC) phase. A flaw in the Fregat last stage of the Soyuz carrier rocket determined a wrong trajectory for two Galileo satellites with possible further delays and significant costs to replace them.

The two satellites were working wo a plan was devised to adjust their orbits consistently with the fuel available. The maneuvers were programmed from the Galileo Control Centre in Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany, using the Galileo network of ground stations existing and some other ones coordinated by CNES, the French space agency.

The final orbit of the satellite isn’t the one originally planned because it didn’t have enough fuel to get there but it can still be integrated into the Galileo system. In fact, the first signs sent after its activation were judged of good quality and corresponding to the expectations.

The test phase will tell if everything works perfectly, including the Search And Rescue (SAR) services. The possibility of using the Galileo system to request help in an emergency and receive confirmation that rescue is coming is an important feature.

The massive use of propellant has definitely shortened the life of the satellite because it will have less chance of making corrective maneuvers. However, if the operating tests are successful and the other satellite ended up in the wrong orbit will be recovered as well the plans for the Galileo system will move forward.

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