was the GALILEO Space Segment
GIOVE-B
Satellite &
Payload Overview
Maktar Malik, Giuliano Gatti, Valter
Alpe, Martin Johansson, ESA/ESTEC
Raoul Kieffer, Astrium GmbH,
Ottobrunn, Germany
Gordon Robertson, Astrium Ltd,
Portsmouth, United Kingdom
BIOGRAPHY
MAKTAR MALIK is a Payload System
Engineer providing technical support to the
ESA Galileo Project Office on navigation
payload performance. He has been working
on the Galileo program since 2000 and as
Payload System Manager was leading
design activities for GIOVE-B at EADS
Astrium UK. At ESTEC he was overseeing
all navigation payload activities from system
engineering through to launch and
commissioning for the GIOVE-A satellite.
He is currently engaged in the GIOVE-A, B
& IOV programs. He graduated with an
MSc in Radio Frequency Communications
from Bradford University in 1990 and a PhD
in Electronic Engineering from the
University of Kent in 1996, the research was
in the field of meteor burst communications.
GIULIANO GATTI received his Laurea in
Electronic Engineering from Politecnico di
Milano, Italy in 1979 and a Master in
Business Administration from The Open
University, UK in 2000. Since 2008 he is the
GALILEO Space Segment Procurement
Manager in the European Space Agency,
European Space Research and Technology
Centre (ESTEC), Noordwijk, The
Netherlands and is responsible for the
GALILEO FOC satellites. From 1999 he
Manager, and is responsible for the GIOVE
and IOV satellites and for the GALILEO
launchers procurement. Earlier, he was
heading a section in the Technical
Directorate of ESTEC dealing with
microwave payload and technologies. His
work experience include several years of
microwave engineering work for space
equipment at SPAR Aerospace (Canada)
and GTE Telecom (Italy). Giuliano Gatti is a
member of the IET, IEEE and ION, he has
published several papers and he owns 3
patents.
VALTER ALPE has been with ESA since
2002 and currently is the Satellites
Infrastructure Manager for the Galileo
Project, focusing on the operations of the
GIOVE-A and GIOVE-B spacecrafts, after
having been involved in the integration and
testing of both and acting as procurement
manager for the GIOVE-B one. Previously
he has been working in space industry
(mainly scientific satellites and space station
projects) in the integration and testing
domain and in the automation industry in the
software development domain. He holds a
degree in physics with honours obtained
from university of Torino in 1984.
MARTIN JOHANSSON received a
Masters degree in Electrical Engineering at
Chalmers University of Technology in
Gothenburg, in 1984. Since 2004 he is
working in the Galileo Project in the
European Space Agency, European Space
Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC),
Noordwijk, The Netherlands office, first as
the GIOVE-B Procurement Manager, and
presently as the Galileo Payload Manager.
Earlier, he was heading the Space Segment
Technology Section in the Directorate of
Applications dealing with
telecommunications payload and platform
technologies. His work experience include
several years of microwave engineering
work for space equipment at Ericsson Radio
Systems (Sweden) and telecommunications
Payload engineering and management at
ESA and Eutelsat (France).
RAOUL KIEFFER was the Satellite
Technical manager for GIOVE-B at Astrium
GmbH and was responsible for the overall
spacecraft design and the integration and test
programme. Prior to GIOVE-B, he was in
charge of a number of advanced system
engineering studies and proposals,
particularly in the area of LEO/MEO
satellite constellations. Raoul Kieffer
obtained degrees from the École Supérieure
d’Ingénieurs en Électronique et
Électrotechnique (France), the Technical
University of Karlsruhe (Germany) and the
University of Essex (UK)
GORDON ROBERTSON was the Payload
Engineering Manager for GIOVE-B at
Astrium throughout the project. He led the
team of systems and test engineers
responsible for the design, integration and
test of the payload in Portsmouth. He
subsequently participated in Satellite testing
and supported the in-orbit commissioning
and test of the payload. He holds degrees in
Theoretical Physics from the University of
St Andrews and Satellite Communications
Engineering from the University of Surrey,
and is a Senior Member of the IEEE.
ABSTRACT
The second Galileo In-Orbit Validation
Element satellite, GIOVE-B was launched
on the 27th April 2008 into Galileo’s
Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) at an altitude of
23,222 km by a Russian Soyuz launcher
with a Fregat upper stage. Following a two
week long platform commissioning on the
7th May 2008, the first Galileo navigation
signal successfully transmitted was the
composite BOC (CBOC) version of the
MBOC signal.
The GIOVE-B main objectives are
maintaining the frequency filings for the
GALILEO programme, characterising the
orbit radiation environment, evaluating
critical payload technologies of the Galileo
Payloads units, specifically the Passive
Hydrogen Maser (PHM) and Solid-State
Power Amplifiers (SSPAs), and enabling
early signal experimentation. Developing
and launching this satellite has brought very
valuable information/lessons learned in
many satellite development area such as
manufacturing, assembly, integration and
testing, but also in other areas, namely
mission analysis, launch and early
operations, and in-orbit testing. All these
will be reused in the frame of the on-going
GALILEO development.
Maintaining the frequency filing objective,
in particular, is a prime objective for
GIOVE-B since GIOVE-A has already
reached its nominal End of Life, even
though it is still operating normally and
transmitting its signal in space. The
characterisation of the environment in the
GALILEO Medium Earth Orbit (MEO),
approximately 24000 km of altitude, was a
second important objective of the GIOVE-A
& B missions. In fact no previous European
missions have flown in this orbit that is
considered quite demanding as far as the
radiation environment is concerned. To
achieve this mission objective a radiation
monitoring equipment (SREM) has been
embarked on GIOVE-B. Its full
characterisation will allow validating and
proving the existing models and, in
particular, it will enable an improved
assessment of the level of shielding
necessary for the GALILEO operational
satellites to guarantee their flawless
performance over the 12 years operational
lifetime.
In addition GIOVE-B will provide in-orbit
experience for equipment which has no
flight heritage, in particular the Passive
Hydrogen Maser (PHM), Solid-State Power
Amplifiers (SSPAs) and navigation signal
generator (NSGU) with the latest MBOC
signals. The good performance of these
equipments is the essence of the service
quality that will be provided by the future
GALILEO operational constellation and
therefore their full validation in-orbit is
fundamental. The spacecraft is controlled by
the control centre in Fucino, Italy supported
by TTC stations in Fucino and Kiruna,
Sweden and the signals were monitored
using two stations one in Redu, Belgium and
the other in Chilbolton, UK using a 25 metre
dish. The signals were also tracked by a
Septentrio Galileo receiver installed at
Chilbolton. The paper will describe in detail
the satellite design, highlighting the
manufacturing and qualification aspects.
INTRODUCTION
Following a successful launch on 27 April
2008 from Baikonur, of the second Galileo
In-Orbit Validation Element satellite,
GIOVE-B began transmitting navigation
signals on the 7th May and has continued to
this day. This is a truly historic step for
satellite navigation since GIOVE-B is now,
for the first time, transmitting the GPS-
Galileo common signal using a specific
optimised waveform, MBOC (multiplexed
binary offset carrier). These GIOVE-B
signals are locked on-board to the most
accurate clock in space, the highly stable
Passive Hydrogen Maser clock, which will
provide higher accuracy in challenging
environments where multipath and
interference are present and deeper
penetration for indoor navigation.
GIOVE B Satellite
THE MISSION
The GIOVE-B main objectives are
maintaining the frequency filings for the
GALILEO programme, characterising the
orbit radiation environment, evaluating
critical payload technologies of the Galileo
Payloads units and enabling early signal
experimentation.
Maintaining the frequency filing objective is
of particular importance especially since the
GIOVE A spacecraft is now 12 months
beyond its End of Life Phase (EOP), even
though it is still operating normally. The
characterisation of the environment in the
GALILEO 23200 km Medium Earth Orbit
(MEO) is another important objective, since
the radiation environment is very much
dependant upon the 11 year solar cycle.
Therefore GIOVE-B will continue to collect
valuable data using the Standard Radiation
Environment Unit (SREM) leading to a
better assessment of the shielding for the
IOV & FOC satellites which will have a 12
year EOP.
In addition GIOVE-B will provide in-orbit
experience for equipment which has no
flight heritage, in particular the Passive
Hydrogen Maser (PHM), Solid-State Power
Amplifiers (SSPAs) and navigation signal
generator (NSGU) with the latest MBOC
signals. The good performance of these
equipments is the essence of the service
quality that will be provided by the future
GALILEO operational constellation and
therefore their full validation in-orbit is
fundamental.
The final objective is to enable signal
experimentation, this has already proven
useful with an early assessment of the
improvement of the CBOC (Composite
Binary Offset Carrier) signal (a particular
implementation of MBOC) compared to the
BOC(1,1). This signal redistributes 10% of
the BOC (1,1) power to a BOC(6,1)
component which is then linearly added to
the BOC(1,1). A comparison of the
composite CBOC with BOC(1,1) using the
code multipath error performance measure
shows a 20-25% improvement which should
lead to a better indoor performance [1].
SATELIITE OVERVIEW

The GIOVE-B satellite was built by a

consortium lead by Astrium GmbH. The
spacecraft can be broken down into the
payload and platform as shown in the Figure
below.

GIOVE B AOCS Architecture

The avionics provides all satellite control

GIOVE B Satellite Architecture
The payload provides the latest navigation
signals at L-band and environmental
monitoring capability in order to achieve the
main mission objectives. The platform
provides the power, TT&C data handling,
attitude and propulsion capability. This 3-
axis-stabilised satellite has stowed
dimensions of 0.95 x 0.95 x 2.4 m and a
launch mass of 500 kg. Its two solar wings,
each 4.34m long, will supply up to 1100W.
The propulsion system has a single tank
carrying 28 kg of hydrazine.
PLATFORM DESIGN
The platform structure has a 1 m sided cubic
shape. All the equipment units are
accommodated on four lateral panels;
hydrazine mono-propellant units with a 40
litre tank and four thrusters are laid out on
and under the lower plate.
and data handling functions, required for
safe operation of the satellite during all
mission phases including also non-nominal
situations.
The avionics is an integrated control and
data system which consists of the Attitude
and Orbit Control System (AOCS) with its
sensors and actuators, the Data Handling
(DH) and the Onboard Software (OBSW).
The electrical, on-board command and data
handling architecture is centralised on one
single computer, the Data Handling Unit
(DHU). Accurate attitude determination is
based on measurements using 2 earth
sensors (nominal and redundant) and 3
internally redundant fine Sun Sensors. Both
Earth sensors are accommodated on the
payload module in an Earth sensor enclosure
equipped with an autonomous thermal
control. The Sun Sensors are distributed
about the satellite in 3 positions that together
give 360° coverage around the +/- Y axis.
In-orbit platform attitude control is based on
a gyro-earth-sun concept. Two accurate 3-
axis gyros are used during Orbit Change
manoeuvres where no Earth reference is
available. Attitude acquisition is obtained
using earth and solar measurements. Four
small reaction wheels will generate torque
for attitude command; momentum dumping
being carried out using magneto-torquers or
thrusters.
The thermal control subsystem is
dimensioned to withstand the maximum
thermal loads. The concept relies on passive
radiators and active regulation with heaters,
monitored by the central computer to ensure
the safety and health of the satellite payload.
first maser to orbit the Earth, and offers
fundamental advantages in terms of its
superlative accuracy (better than 1ns per
day), and minimal drift over time.

Electrical power is generated by two

symmetric wing arrays attached near to the
satellite centre of mass with two single-axis
stepping motor-drives. Each wing is
comprised of four 1.5 * 0.8 m panels
covered with classical silicon cells. The
power is distributed through a single
electrical non regulated bus using a Li-Ion
battery.

The S-band TT&C Sub-system including

ranging capability provides the capability to
command and control the spacecraft from
ground, specifically by Control Centre in
Fucino, Italy via the TT&C Ground stations
in Fucino, Italy and Kiruna, Sweden
The spacecraft is also equipped with a Laser
Retro-Reflector (LRR) consisting of 67
prisms. This enhances the characterisation of
the on-board clock by use of Satellite Laser
Ranging (SLR), a high precision technique
for orbit determination that is independent of
the navigation signal generation. By taking
into consideration a more accurate orbit, the
pseudorange error can be minimised.
GIOVE-B Passive Hydrogen Maser
Navigation signals are generated on-board in
the Navigation Signal Generator Unit
(NSGU). The on-board timing signal
derived from the atomic clocks is
incorporated into the navigation message by
the NSGU together with various correction
terms and other message data uploaded from
the ground.

PAYLOAD DESIGN
GIOVE-B satisfies the mission requirements
through its high performance payload, which
includes a precision navigation signal
generation and broadcast capability, as well
as an environmental monitoring instrument.
At the heart of the payload is the timing
section containing the atomic reference
clocks and control and monitoring
equipment. GIOVE-B includes three high
precision clocks in a triple-redundant
configuration: two Rubidium Atomic
Frequency Standards (RAFS) and a Passive GIOVE-B Navigation Signal Generation Unit
Hydrogen Maser (PHM). The PHM is the
GIOVE-B’s upgraded NSGU supports the
latest navigation signal waveforms agreed
GROUND SEGMENT
between the EU and US authorities in July
2007, which are designed to allow the
Galileo system to be compatible, and largely After its successful launch by a Soyuz
Rocket from Baikonur on 27 April and
inter-operable, with GPS. GIOVE-B was
accurate insertion into its target orbit by the
the first satellite to transmit the MBOC
Fregat autonomous upper stage, GIOVE-B
(Multiplexed Binary Offset Coding)
completed its Launch and Early Operations
modulation standard from space, thus paving
the way for its future roll-out on Galileo and Phase (LEOP), followed by a successful In-
GPS III satellites. Orbit Test Phase (IOTP) and is currently in
its Nominal Operations Phase. A network of
After leaving the NSGU, the channelized global ground stations were needed for
navigation signals are translated to L-band LEOP since 24 hour coverage is required
frequencies and then amplified by 50W solid during the initial critical operations after
state power amplifiers before being launch.
broadcast by the navigation antenna. The
antenna is a 42-element planar array that
provides an “isoflux” beam across the
visible surface of the Earth.
GIOVE-B has three fully redundant
channels operating in the allocated E5, E6
and E2L1E1 frequency bands. The
flexibility to provide both single and dual-
channel (E2L1E1+E5 or E2L1E1+E6) Ground Segment Stations
operation is possible, as operational needs
dictate. The main Mission Control Centre is
Telespazio’s TT&C Ground Station at the
In addition to the navigation-related Fucino Space Centre in Italy. This was/is
functions described above, the GIOVE-B used throughout the lifetime of the
payload carries the Standard Radiation spacecraft to command & control it and
Environment Monitor (SREM). This assess its health. It is also supported by the
instrument records the various high-energy TT&C ground station of Kiruna, Sweden
electron, proton, and cosmic ray fluxes operated by SSC.
found in the Satellite’s orbit, as well as the
total accumulated radiation dose.

Fucino Ground Station, Italy

Two L-Band IOT stations were used, one at

Redu, Belgium and the other in Chilbolton,
UK. The Chilbolton site provided greater
GIOVE-B Flight Payload under Test at sensitivity since it had a 25 m dish as seen
Astrium Portsmouth below.

Chilbolton IOT station, UK
The very first L1 CBOC & E5 ALTBOC
signals were picked up by the Chilbolton
site on Wednesday 7th May 2008 at 02:41:37
UTC [2].
First L1 CBOC Signal From Space
PROJECT MILESTONES &
EVENTS
The GIOVE-B project commenced in July
2003 and was closely followed by a
Qualification Status Review and Delta
Preliminary Design Review.
In view of the novelty and criticality of the
payload design, an Engineering Model (EM)
payload was assembled and tested in the
second half of 2004. The results obtained
from the EM payload helped secure the
design of the flight payload and provided
much valuable experience in clock and
signal test methodology.
EM Payload Testing
The flight payload assembly and test
campaign took place in the first half of 2005
at Astrium in Portsmouth, UK. The payload
was then transferred to Thales Alenia Space
facilities in Rome for thermal vacuum
testing prior to integration with the satellite
platform.
Satellite testing took longer than originally
anticipated due to the failure of a critical
component in the on-board computer during
thermal vacuum testing in August 2006. As
well as repairing the on-board computer,
components of the same type were replaced
in other equipments as a precautionary
measure.
The resumption of satellite testing allowed
GIOVE-B to progress through the remaining
test phases in Rome, and later on at ESA’s
ESTEC facilities in Noordwijk, The
Netherlands. Test activities were essentially
completed in November 2007, culminating
in a successful Qualification Acceptance
Review. By this time however, an upgraded
NSGU, capable of providing the important
MBOC signals, had become available from
manufacturers RUAG (formerly Saab
Space). ESA and the Industrial team took
this opportunity to replace the NSGU on the
satellite and repeat the necessary functional
and performance tests.
GIOVE-B was airlifted to Baikonur
Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan in March 2008.
After an intensive 6-week launch campaign,
the satellite was successfully launched at
04:16am (local time) on 27th April 2008 on
a Soyuz launcher with a Fregat upper stage.
GIOVE-B Launch from Baikonur
Following a two-week commissioning
period, the first navigation signals were
successfully transmitted from GIOVE-B on
the 7th May 2008, including the first ever
broadcast from space of the composite BOC
(CBOC) version of the MBOC signal.
Transmission of First Navigation Signals seen
from Mission Control Centre in Fucino
The payload underwent a 2-month in-orbit
test campaign which fully demonstrated the
good health and excellent performance of
the satellite. GIOVE-B entered routine
operations after the successful In-Orbit Test
Review on 3rd July 2008.
CONCLUSIONS
The GIOVE-B mission has achieved its
main objective of maintaining the
GALILEO frequencies. The clock
characterisation results assessed over the last
12 months confirm that Europe has the most
accurate clock in space, the highly stable
Passive Hydrogen Maser. For the first time
the agreed interoperable GPS-Galileo
composite L1 1575.42 MHz CBOC signal
has been transmitted from space enabling
early signal experimentation. Field
experimentation has confirmed the CBOC
signal is better than BOC(1,1) leading to a
20-25% improvement in multipath
mitigation. The radiation monitoring results
are promising and continue to enhance our
understanding of this harsh environment. All
in all this has been a highly successful
mission.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We recognise the outstanding cooperation
with the spacecraft prime: Astrium GmbH
(Ottobrunn, Germany); payload prime,
Astrium Ltd (Portsmouth, UK); satellite
AIT, Thales Alenia Space Italy (Rome,
Italy); Ground Control Operations,
Telespazio (Fucino, Italy); In addition, the
fundamental contribution of all the
following parties is acknowledged:

• Redu IOT ( INDRA, Madrid )

• Chilbolton IOT station (SSTL,
STFC)
• Payload unit suppliers (Spectratime,
Selex Galileo, Thales Alenia Space
Spain, Norspace, RUAG (formerly
Saab Space), EADS CASA Espacio,
Astrium Ltd)
• GALILEO test receiver
manufacturer (Septentrio Satellite
Navigation)
• ARIANESPACE (previously
STARSEM) launch team.

GIOVE B Teams (Partial)

REFERENCES
[1] A. Simsky, D. Martens, J-M
Sleewaegen, M. Hollreiser, M. Crisci,
“MBOC vs. BOC(1,1) Multipath
Comparison Based on GIOVE-B Data”,
Inside GNSS, September/October 2008, pp.
36-39

[2] G. Gatti, M. Falcone, V. Alpe, M. Malik,

T. Burger, M. Rapisarda “GIOVE-B
Chilbolton In-Orbit Test: Initial results from
the Second Galileo Satellite” Inside GNSS,
September/ October 2008, pp. 30-35