Eutelsat: 32 Initial OneWeb Satellites Ready for Constellation Renewal

A 669-Satellite Program to Replace End-of-Life Fleet

According to the press release, the new satellites are intended to progressively replace the OneWeb constellation spacecraft whose operational lifespan is coming to an end. The group presents this program as designed to "renew and strengthen" the constellation.

The stated objective is twofold: to ensure service continuity for customers and to enhance the performance of the OneWeb network. Eutelsat thus indicates it can continue to offer secure and resilient LEO connectivity services to businesses, government organizations, and other institutional stakeholders.

Resulting from the merger with OneWeb in 2023, Eutelsat operates a fleet of 31 geostationary satellites and a low Earth orbit constellation of more than 600 satellites. The group operates in four segments: Video, Mobile Connectivity, Fixed Connectivity, and Government Services.

Built in Toulouse by Airbus, Launch Entrusted to SpaceX

The 32 satellites were manufactured by Airbus Defence and Space at its Toulouse facility on behalf of Eutelsat. They are ready to be shipped, with the launch to be carried out by SpaceX.

Jean-François Fallacher, Chief Executive Officer of Eutelsat, stated that this delivery "demonstrates our commitment to continue our mission" with customers "as we renew our network". He also sees it, for Europe, as evidence of "our ability to design global LEO capabilities and operate them sustainably".

On the industrial side, Alain Fauré, director of space systems at Airbus Defence and Space, indicated that this milestone "symbolizes our industrial relocation" and confirms the manufacturer's ability "to produce spacecraft in significant volumes and at a sustained pace".