The satellites will be manufactured at Airbus Defence and Space's Toulouse facility, on a newly installed production line, and will be delivered starting in late 2026. This is another step towards European sovereignty.
Eutelsat's OneWeb low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network provides high-speed, low-latency connectivity worldwide. With more than 600 satellites flying in 12 synchronized orbital planes at an altitude of 1,200 km above the Earth, the constellation brings high-speed internet to every corner of the planet. The availability of these latest satellites will ensure full operational continuity for the constellation's customers, progressively replacing the first batches that are reaching the end of their service life.
Furthermore, they will incorporate technological improvements, such as advanced digital channelizers, which will enhance onboard processing capabilities, as well as increase efficiency and flexibility. They feature an optimized architecture designed to maximize long-term operational performance. With these latest satellites, Eutelsat will also evaluate opportunities for new business cases, particularly through onboard payload capabilities.
“This latest contract from Eutelsat is a testament to our expertise in the design and manufacture of LEO satellites. Airbus has been a key partner and supplier to Eutelsat for more than 30 years, and this award further strengthens our important relationship,” said Alain Fauré, Head of Space Systems at Airbus, as stated by Jean-François Fallacher, CEO of Eutelsat.
