Eutelsat Group has selected Airbus Defence and Space to build the extension of its OneWeb low Earth orbit (LEO) constellation. Under a contract signed between the two companies, Airbus will build the first batches of the extension, totaling 100 satellites, with delivery targeted at the end of the calendar 2026, ensuring continuity and enhancement of service for current and future customers.
The new satellites will embark on key technology upgrades, notably 5G on-ground integration. They will be technologically compatible with Europe’s IRIS2 constellation, paving the way for its entry into operational service in 2030, and of which Eutelsat will be the main architect and operator of the LEO segment.
Procuring these satellites is integrated within Eutelsat’s Capital Expenditure outlook for 2025, and fully compatible with its longer-term financial framework.
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 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.”
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