ESA’s LEO-PNT demonstrator nears launch with GMV leading one of two industrial consortia

The European Space Agency (ESA) has confirmed the launch of the first two LEO-PNT satellites for the second half of December 2025. This marks a key milestone in the development of Europe’s future multi-layer satellite navigation infrastructure, and a major step forward for GMV, which has led one of the two industrial consortia since the program’s inception.

Approved at ESA’s Council at Ministerial Level in 2022, the pioneering LEO-PNT mission aims to demonstrate how satellites in low Earth orbit can complement existing medium Earth orbit (MEO) constellations such as Galileo, improving accuracy, signal resilience, and availability in challenging environments like dense urban areas, polar regions or even indoors. 

As part of the 10-satellite LEO-PNT constellation, ESA awarded GMV in March 2024 a €78.4 million contract to develop a fleet of six satellites—five operational and one spare—along with a complete end-to-end mission infrastructure. GMV is responsible for system design, satellite development, ground segment provision, launch coordination, and in-orbit operations and validation. The company also leads a powerful European consortium including OHB System AG, Alén Space, Beyond Gravity, and Indra.

ESA’s announcement now confirms that the first satellite developed under GMV’s leadership—a Pathfinder A-class CubeSat— is set to launch by the end of the year, alongside the satellite of the consortia partner. This suitcase-sized satellite will test early signal broadcast capabilities in L- and S-bands and validate critical system design and technologies. It is expected to operate for at least six months following in-orbit commissioning.

The development and integration of hardware and software for the Pathfinder satellite is well underway, with final testing and qualification scheduled for summer and autumn. The dedicated launch will be conducted by Rocket Lab from New Zealand, using its Electron vehicle.

The full demonstrator constellation is scheduled to be in orbit by 2027. The mission will also explore interoperability with terrestrial communication networks such as 5G and 6G, paving the way for new applications in autonomous mobility, critical infrastructure, and secure connectivity.