Europe has launched four more Galileo satellites.<br /><br /> It is the first time it has sent so many satellites up at once.<br /><br /> It also brings the continent a step closer to having its own satellite navigation system.<br /><br /> Lift off for #Ariane5 #VA233 with 4 Galileo satellites pic.twitter.com/84D2xQuJQy— ESA (@esa) November 17, 2016<br /><br /> Europe’s “GPS”<br /><br /> The satellites blasted off aboard an Ariane 5 rocket from Europe’s spaceport in French Guiana.<br /><br /> They will be a part of the EU’s alternative to the US Global Positioning System or GPS.<br /><br /> Are they always launched with an Ariane rocket?<br /><br /> No.<br /><br /> Thursday’s launch was the first time that a European Ariane 5 rocket was used to send Galileo satellites to their orbit, which is around 24,000 kilometres above the Earth.<br /><br /> Previously, it has been a Russian Soyuz.<br /><br /> Two further Ariane 5 flights are planned for Galileo during the next two years.<br /><br /> All four #Galileo satellites have now separated from #Ariane5 – watch LIVE for confirmation of orbits https://t.co/T6JkXs8hjA pic.twitter.com/57EmivMio2— ESA (@esa) November 17, 2016<br /><br /> How many satellites are up there, now?<br /><br /> The launch brings the number of Galileo satellites in orbit to 18.<br /><br /> The planned total is 30, according to the European Space Agency (ESA).<br /><br /> Describe one for me<br /><br /> They weigh around 700 kilos – slightly bigger than the average horse.<br /><br /> They are equipped with antennae and sensors and are powered by two 5-square-metre solar wings.<br /><br /> Our 4 #Galileo sats currently on #Ariane EPS upper stage in 2.5 hr coasting phase between rocket firings. Slowly revolving to keep cool pic.twitter.com/Ky3oDa2FLK— ESA (@esa) November 17, 2016<br /><br /> The Galileo programme<br /><br /> The programme has suffered some setbacks since the EU decided to push ahead with it 16 years ago.<br /><br /> There have been delays, financing problems, two satellites being put into the wrong orbit and questions about whether Europe really needs a rival system to GPS.<br /><br /> The EU aims to use Galileo to tap into the global market for satellite navigation services.<br /><br /> It is estimated they will be worth 250 billion euros by 2022.<br /><br /> Great press coverage of today’s #Ariane5 #Galileo launch. A well-deserved recognition for #EUSpacePolicy! #GNSS #satnav #EUSpaceStrategy pic.twitter.com/DZMBh9sudu— EU in the US (@EUintheUS) November 17, 2016<br /><br /> When will the service be up-and-running?<br /><br /> Galileo is to start offering an initial service in the coming weeks.<br /><br /> Come 2020, when all the satellites are due to be in orbit, the system will allow users to determine their position more accurately than GPS alone.<br /><br /> It will also help in search and rescue missions.<br /><br /> Russia and China have also launched their own global positioning systems to underpin their defence industries and civilian commerce.<br /><br /> Get live updates from the launch and orbit here<br />
