Science TechnologySaturday, 28 March 2026·European Space Agency
ESA Launches First Celeste Navigation Satellites from New Zealand
The European Space Agency launched its first Celeste navigation demonstrator satellites (IOD-1 and IOD-2) from New Zealand on 28 March, to complement Galileo.
Key highlights
Direct fact
On 28 March 2026 the European Space Agency launched its first Celeste navigation demonstrator satellites from New Zealand to complement the Galileo system.
Key specifics
- Two demonstrator satellites for Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) in Low Earth Orbit.
- Designed to complement Europe's Galileo and EGNOS systems.
- Launched from Rocket Lab's facility in New Zealand.
- India's equivalent regional navigation system is NavIC (IRNSS).
Exam lens
Science & Technology: ESA's first Celeste PNT satellites launched 28 March 2026; compare with India's NavIC.