Airbus Awarded Eutelsat Contract to Build OneWeb Low Orbit Constellation Extension
December 19, 2024 | AirbusEstimated reading time: 1 minute
Airbus Defence and Space has been awarded a contract by Eutelsat to build the extension of its OneWeb Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellation.
Under the contract signed between the two companies, Airbus will build the first batches of the extension, totalling 100 satellites, with delivery targeted from the end of 2026, ensuring continuity and enhancement of service for current and future customers.
Alain Fauré, Head of Space Systems at Airbus Defence and Space said: “Airbus manufactured all of the current OneWeb satellite fleet. We are committed to the successful continuation of the OneWeb constellation and to keep serving the business of Eutelsat as we have done over the past decades.”
Eva Berneke, Chief Executive Officer of Eutelsat Group commented: "We are relying on our long-standing partner, Airbus, to begin building the first batches of the Next Generation of our OneWeb LEO constellation, which will ensure we deliver continuity of service of the existing constellation with enhanced service features, as we move towards an architecture in line with the European IRIS2 constellation in 2030. Our in-market experience shows us that the appetite for low Earth orbit capacity is growing rapidly, and we are excited to embark on the next stage of our journey to satisfy that demand.”
The new satellites will enable key technology upgrades, notably 5G on-ground integration and ensure technology architecture compatibility with Europe’s planned IRIS2 multi-orbit constellation, due to enter operational service in 2030, of which Eutelsat will be one of the main operators.
All 100 new satellites will be built at the Airbus site in Toulouse. Production is expected to start in 2026.
Suggested Items
Quantum Leaps: Winners of Airbus and BMW Group’s Quantum Computing Challenge Unveiled
12/12/2024 | BUSINESS WIREAirbus and BMW Group have pushed quantum computing forward another step to leverage its significant potential for future mobility solutions. At Q2B, the companies have unveiled the winners of the Quantum Computing Challenge, an international initiative to identify and mature quantum solutions for the most promising mobility applications.
Airbus to Provide UK Ministry of Defence with Next-generation Satellite Modems for Skynet MILSATCOM
11/26/2024 | AirbusAirbus has signed a contract with the UK’s Ministry of Defence to provide the next-generation modems for the nation’s Skynet satellite communications constellation.
Tata Advanced Systems and Airbus Inaugurate C295 Final Assembly Line in Vadodara, India
10/30/2024 | AirbusAs a major milestone for India’s Aerospace & Defence industry, Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Airbus inaugurated the Final Assembly Line (FAL) complex for the Airbus C295 aircraft in Vadodara, Gujarat in India.
Tata Advanced Systems, Airbus Inaugurate C295 Final Assembly Line in Vadodara, India
10/28/2024 | AirbusAs a major milestone for India’s Aerospace & Defence industry, Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Airbus inaugurated the Final Assembly Line (FAL) complex for the Airbus C295 aircraft in Vadodara, Gujarat in India.
Airbus Defence and Space Adapts to Challenging Business Environment
10/16/2024 | Airbus Defence and SpaceAirbus Defence and Space is announcing plans to adapt the Division’s organisation and workforce in light of a continued complex business environment, especially in the Space Systems segment where significant financial charges were recorded in 2023 and 2024.