ESA recognises Sener’s contribution to the Galileo system on the 30th anniversary of satellite navigation in Europe

The European Space Agency (ESA) has acknowledged the work of the engineering and technology group Sener with an award presented during the commemorative event “30 Years of European Satellite Navigation”, held at the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) in Noordwijk, the Netherlands, on 2 September. The award highlights Sener’s long-standing contribution to the system, dating back to its initial phases.

Javier Benedicto and Sandra Mingot.

The event, marking three decades since the launch of Europe’s satellite navigation initiative, brought together over a hundred representatives from institutions, member states, and companies, and featured the participation of ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher and ESA Director of Navigation Javier Benedicto.

Representing Sener, Sandra Mingot, Business Development Manager for European space projects in Aerospace and Defence, accepted the award during the ceremony. The company expressed its gratitude for the recognition, which reflects its commitment to technical excellence and collaboration in European space programmes.

Sener has been continuously involved in the different phases of the Galileo system and is the only Spanish company to have participated in every Galileo satellite since the In-Orbit Validation (IOV) phase, a critical step to demonstrate technological maturity and build trust in operational use. The company has supplied equipment to multiple prime contractors, including Airbus, SSTL, OHB, and Thales. This record of service and collaboration with various partners represents a significant milestone in Spain’s industrial contribution to the European satellite navigation system.

Among Sener’s most notable contributions are:

• Mission Receiver (MISREC): supplied to all satellites in the In-Orbit Validation phase and in the first generation.
• Navigation Antenna (NAVANT): supply of RF filters and power splitters to Galileo’s second-generation satellites.
• Mission Antenna (MISANT): developed for the second generation of Galileo satellites.
• TT&C System: supply of S-band antennas (SBA) for communications with Earth on all Galileo satellites, from the In-Orbit Validation phase to the second generation.
• Search and Rescue (SAR): supply of the SAR antenna (SARANT) on all Galileo satellites from the In-Orbit Validation phase to the second generation, and of the SAR transponder (SART) during the In-Orbit Validation phase, the first generation, and part of the second generation.

The European Galileo satellite navigation system stands as a demonstration of Europe’s technical capability and collaborative strength. ESA’s recognition underscores Sener’s role as a trusted technological partner in the development of flagship European space programmes.