Airbus Defence and Space has been contracted by Eutelsat to manufacture an additional 340 low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites for the OneWeb constellation. This significant award follows a previous order for 100 satellites placed in December 2024, bringing the total number of satellites ordered by Eutelsat from Airbus to 440.
The new batch of satellites is critical for ensuring the long-term operational continuity and enhancement of the global OneWeb network. They will progressively replace the constellation’s initial satellites as they reach the end of their operational life. More than just replacements, these next-generation spacecraft will incorporate significant technology upgrades. These include advanced digital channelisers for superior onboard processing, offering greater efficiency, flexibility, and improved performance for end-users. The satellites also feature an optimised architecture designed to maximise their operational lifespan.
Production will take place at Airbus’s facility in Toulouse, France, utilising a newly installed production line, with deliveries scheduled to commence from the end of 2026. This contract underscores a strategic step for European industrial sovereignty in the critical space sector.
Eutelsat’s OneWeb constellation currently comprises over 600 satellites orbiting 1,200 km above Earth, delivering high-speed, low-latency internet connectivity worldwide. The new satellites will not only maintain this service for a growing customer base but also enable Eutelsat to evaluate new business opportunities, such as hosting third-party payloads on the spacecraft.
Alain Fauré, Head of Space Systems at Airbus, stated: “This latest contract from Eutelsat is an endorsement of our design and manufacturing expertise for LEO satellites. Airbus has been a key partner and supplier to Eutelsat for more than 30 years and this award further cements our important relationship.”
Echoing this sentiment, Jean-François Fallacher, Eutelsat’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are pleased to rely on our long-standing partner, Airbus, for the procurement of these latest satellites. They ensure service continuity for the growing number of our customers and distribution partners benefiting from the unparalleled performance of our ubiquitous, low latency LEO capacity, and enable us to pursue our growth path.”
