Airbus delivers 32 OneWeb satellites to Eutelsat, first batch of a 669-satellite fleet
These satellites, destined for low Earth orbit, form the first wave of a 669-unit fleet of next-generation OneWeb spacecraft for operator Eutelsat. They have rolled off the production line at the Toulouse facility that Airbus dedicates to constellation satellite manufacturing.
First batch prepared in Toulouse ahead of launch from the United States
Airbus Defence and Space announced on October 2, 2026, from Toulouse, that it had delivered 32 next-generation OneWeb satellites to Eutelsat. The spacecraft are being prepared for shipment from the group's constellation satellite production facility, with a view to an upcoming launch from the United States.
The statement describes this delivery as a "major" milestone in the OneWeb constellation renewal and enhancement program conducted by Eutelsat.
Satellites designed to progressively replace those reaching end of life
The new satellites are intended to progressively replace those approaching the end of their operational lifespan. According to the statement, this renewal aims to ensure service continuity for customers while strengthening the network's overall capabilities.
The program is designed to enable Eutelsat to continue providing secure and resilient low Earth orbit connectivity to businesses, governments, and institutions worldwide.
Serial production relocated to Europe
This delivery comes following the recent transfer to Europe of Airbus's serial production line for satellites. "This moment holds dual significance for us: it symbolizes our industrial relocation and confirms our ability to deliver satellites in high volumes and at rapid production rates," said Alain Fauré, head of Space Systems at Airbus Defence and Space.
For Jean-François Fallacher, Eutelsat's chief executive officer, the rollout of the first satellites from the production line demonstrates, "for Europe," the operator's ability "to build and maintain global low Earth orbit capacity".
