News: Museo Galileo partners with ESA and the EU on new exhibition

Museo Galileo, the European Space Agency (ESA), and the European Commission (EC) have partnered to uncover the surprising and far-reaching connections between the pioneer astronomer Galileo Galilei and Europe’s satellite navigation system Galileo. 

The agreement will lead to the creation of an exhibition designed as a journey between past and future, which will take visitors from Galileo’s first observations of the cosmos to today’s most precise satellite navigation system, highlighting how space applications shape our daily lives.

Galileo’s discoveries in astronomy, physics and time measurements fundamentally influenced the development of navigation. His observations of Jupiter’s four largest moons ultimately inspired a technique used by cartographers to determine longitude while his advancements in physics, timekeeping and scientific instrumentation laid the groundwork for more accurate navigation.

Galileo’s impact continues to this day, with modern satellite navigation science and technology resting on this foundation. In tribute to the famous Italian scientist, the European Union named its satellite navigation system Galileo.

To further the link between the scientist and the system that bears his name, ESA and the Commission have partnered with Museo Galileo for an exceptional exhibition.

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

Jointly curated by the three entities and their industrial partners, the exhibition will trace a fascinating journey through the history of science, combining original instruments, documents and objects from the museum’s collection, exclusive audiovisual productions, interactive experiences, alongside technological equipment and models contributed by ESA

About Galileo

Galileo is currently the world’s most precise satellite navigation system, serving billions of users around the globe since entering Open Service in 2016. All smartphones sold in the European Single Market are guaranteed Galileo-enabled. In addition, Galileo is making a difference across the fields of rail, maritime, agriculture, financial timing services and rescue operations. 

The Galileo programme is managed and funded by the European Commission under the EU Space programme. ESA leads the design, development and qualification of the space and ground systems. ESA is also entrusted with research and development activities for the future of Galileo within the EU programme Horizon Europe. The EU Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) acts as the service provider, bringing the satellites into service and overseeing their operation and the market and application needs. 

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