Eutelsat procures a further OneWeb 229 LEO satellites from Airbus
Eutelsat has announced at the International Space Summit in Paris an important step in assuring and enhancing service continuity of its OneWeb constellation, with plans to procure 229 additional OneWeb Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites from Airbus Defence and Space.
Eutelsat has signed an Authorisation to Proceed (ATP) with Airbus Defence and Space covering initial industrial activities for the 229 satellites. They are planned in addition to the 440 satellites already procured from Airbus, bringing the total of new OneWeb satellites with Airbus to 669.
With the first satellites from the existing order expected to be delivered next quarter, the additional 229 satellites will enable Eutelsat to continue progressively replenishing and expanding OneWeb through 2034, securing continuity of service while unlocking additional capacity and capabilities for existing and new customers.
The additional satellites will include advanced digital channelisers to enhance onboard processing, efficiency and flexibility, as well as capabilities to embark hosted payloads.
The procurement of these satellites, for an estimated investment of €1 billion, is fully consistent with Eutelsat’s financial framework, and does not alter its capital expenditure plan up to FY 2029.
The investment marks a further step in Eutelsat’s long-term ambition for LEO. Eutelsat is the only European operator of a fully operational global LEO network, and the plans announced today reflect its strong confidence in OneWeb, the growth potential of the LEO market and the expanding role of satellite connectivity worldwide.
Looking ahead, Eutelsat will build on this position through IRIS², leading the design, deployment and operation of its LEO segment, whose commercial Ku-band constellation is expected to be operational by mid-2032. Building on the success of OneWeb, IRIS² will provide Eutelsat with access to more than twice OneWeb’s current capacity along with next-generation capabilities.
Together, the continued expansion of OneWeb and the deployment of IRIS² create a powerful and complementary roadmap for Eutelsat’s LEO growth -- OneWeb delivering global connectivity today and expanding through the next decade, and IRIS² providing the next generation of European sovereign connectivity.
Jean-François Fallacher, Chief Executive Officer of Eutelsat, said: “This is an exciting next step for OneWeb and for Eutelsat’s LEO strategy. With the first satellites from the 440 due for delivery and launch soon, our replenishment programme is moving forward. The planned addition of 229 more satellites will further strengthen OneWeb, while IRIS² will bring significant new capacity and capabilities. Together, they give us a powerful roadmap to serve our customers, grow our LEO business and reinforce our role at the heart of Europe’s sovereign connectivity future.”
