ESA and the EU accomplice with Museo Galileo on new exhibition

Galileo Galilei’s discoveries in astronomy, physics and time measurements basically influenced the event of navigation. His observations of Jupiter’s 4 largest moons in the end impressed a method utilized by cartographers to find out longitude whereas his developments in physics, timekeeping and scientific instrumentation laid the groundwork for extra correct navigation. 

Galilei’s impression continues to this present day, with trendy satellite tv for pc navigation science and know-how resting on this basis. In tribute to the well-known Italian scientist, the European Union named its satellite tv for pc navigation system Galileo.  

Now, to additional the hyperlink between the scientist and the system that bears his title, ESA and the Fee have partnered with Museo Galileo, an establishment devoted to the analysis, documentation and dissemination of the historical past of science, for an distinctive exhibition. 

Conceived as a journey between previous and future, it should take guests from Galileo Galilei’s first observations of the cosmos to immediately’s most exact satellite tv for pc navigation system, highlighting how area functions form our every day lives.

On 25 June 2026, Javier Benedicto, ESA Director of Navigation on the time, and Roberto Ferrari, Museo Galileo Director, signed an settlement to develop the exhibition, which is ready to open in December 2027. 

“With this partnership we goal to focus on how Galileo, each the scientist and the satellite tv for pc system, are profoundly related, and the way centuries of scientific progress stemming from Galileo Galilei’s instinct coalesced in a navigation system that serves European society, financial system, science and safety” mentioned Benedicto. 

“What’s our place on this planet? The exhibition challenge developed with ESA and the Fee tells the story of a puzzle that for hundreds of years has attracted the eye of philosophers and scientists and that with Galileo reaches a turning level. It’s the story of an concept that after 4 hundred years turns into actuality. This collaboration is a novel alternative to current to European and worldwide residents how satellite tv for pc navigation has deep roots in historical past and a terrific impression on on a regular basis life,” added Ferrari.  

“The satellite tv for pc navigation system Galileo is a flagship instance of how Europe’s scientific heritage continues to form world‑main know-how and infrastructure. Galileo underpins the EU’s financial system and delivers tangible advantages to billions of residents every single day,” mentioned Timo Pesonen, the European Fee’s Directorate-Basic for Defence Trade and House (DEFIS). 

Collectively curated by the three entities and their industrial companions, the exhibition will hint an interesting journey by way of the historical past of science, combining unique devices, paperwork and objects from the museum’s assortment, unique audiovisual productions, interactive experiences, alongside technological tools and fashions contributed by ESA.

About Galileo

Galileo is at the moment the world’s most exact satellite tv for pc navigation system, serving billions of customers across the globe since coming into Open Service in 2016. All smartphones offered within the European Single Market are assured Galileo-enabled. As well as, Galileo is making a distinction throughout the fields of rail, maritime, agriculture, monetary timing providers and rescue operations.   

The Galileo programme is managed and funded by the European Fee below the EU House programme. ESA leads the design, improvement and qualification of the area and floor methods. ESA can also be entrusted with analysis and improvement actions for the way forward for Galileo throughout the EU programme Horizon Europe. The EU Company for the House Programme (EUSPA) acts because the service supplier, bringing the satellites into service and overseeing their operation and the market and software wants.   

For more information about Galileo: https://www.usegalileo.eu/EN/