Airbus Defence and Space has delivered 32 latest-generation OneWeb Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites to Eutelsat. The satellites are currently being prepared for shipment from Airbus’ constellation satellite production facility in Toulouse, France, ahead of an upcoming launch in the USA. This marks a major milestone in Eutelsat’s programme to renew and enhance the OneWeb constellation.
These satellites form the first wave of Eutelsat’s fleet of 669 next-generation OneWeb satellites. As the new spacecraft progressively replace those nearing the end of their operational lives, they will ensure uninterrupted service for customers while boosting overall network capabilities. The programme enables Eutelsat to continue delivering secure, resilient LEO connectivity to businesses, governments, and institutions worldwide.
This milestone brings together two European strengths: Eutelsat’s experience operating a global LEO network and Airbus’ manufacturing expertise, following the recent transfer of its satellite series production line back to Europe. This achievement demonstrates Europe’s capacity to construct vital infrastructure supporting global customer services.
“This is an exciting moment for Eutelsat as our first new OneWeb satellites leave the production line and head for launch. For our customers, it demonstrates our commitment to keep delivering the connectivity they rely on as we renew the network. For Europe, it demonstrates our ability to build and sustain a global LEO capability,” said Jean-François Fallacher, Chief Executive Officer of Eutelsat.
“This moment holds dual importance for us: it symbolises our industrial relocalisation and confirms our capability to deliver satellites at high-volume and cadence. It reinforces our credibility in empowering our customers within the increasingly critical constellation market,” said Alain Fauré, Head of Space Systems at Airbus Defence and Space.
