The Galileo satellite navigation system launched its initial services in December 2016, according to the Global Navigation Satellite Systems Agency (GSA).  The aim of the initial services phase is to allow for the detection of technical issues before the system becomes fully operational.

Galileo’s first experimental satellite was launched in 2005.  The service began offering initial operational capabilities in 2016.  The full constellation would include 30 satellites – 24 operational and six active spares.