🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
Galileo IOV FM4
Retired 2024Galileo IOV FM4 (NORAD 38858, COSPAR 2012-055B) is a retired I-ESA satellite, withdrawn from service around 18 Mar 2024, launched on 12 Oct 2012 on the Galileo FM3 mission. It was operated by ESA / GSAEU as part of the Galileo programme. The spacecraft was built by EADSB/THALR on the GalileoSat bus, with a mass of 700 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
2012
launched
2024
retired
14
years on orbit
700
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched12 Oct 2012 · on the Galileo FM3 mission
Operational27 May 2014 · entered service
Retired18 Mar 2024 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID38858
COSPAR2012-055B
TypeSatellite
OperatorESA / GSAEU
Country / StateI-ESA
ManufacturerEADSB/THALR
BusGalileoSat
Mass700 kg
ProgrammeGalileo
CategoryNAV
OrbitMEO (MEO)
Altitude23,136 × 23,215 km
Inclination55.3°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to Galileo IOV FM4?
Galileo IOV FM4 was retired from service around 18 Mar 2024 after launching in 2012. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
How long was Galileo IOV FM4 operational?
Galileo IOV FM4 was operational for roughly 10 years, from 27 May 2014 to 18 Mar 2024.
Who operated and built Galileo IOV FM4?
Galileo IOV FM4 was operated by ESA / GSAEU and built by EADSB/THALR (I-ESA).
Launched together
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.