It’s official: Europe turns to the Falcon 9 to launch its navigation satellites

Enlarge / A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying 60 Starlink satellites launches from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on January 29, 2020. (credit: Getty Images | SOPA Images )

The European Union has reached an agreement with the United States that will allow for the launch of four Galileo navigation satellites on SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket.

According to Politico, the security agreement permits staff working for the EU and European Space Agency to have access to the launch pad at all times and, should there be a mishap with the mission, the first opportunity to retrieve debris.

With the agreement, final preparations can begin for two launches of two satellites each, on the Falcon 9 rocket from Florida. These Galileo missions will occur later this year. The satellites, which each weigh about 700 kg, will be launched into an orbit about 22,000 km above the planet.