Insider Brief
- Eutelsat Group has partnered with Airbus Defence and Space to build an extension of its OneWeb low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation.
- Under the contract, Airbus will produce the initial batch of 100 satellites for the constellation’s extension, with delivery scheduled to begin at the end of 2026.
- The new satellites will feature significant technological upgrades, including integration with 5G networks on the ground.
Eutelsat Group announced it has partnered with Airbus Defence and Space to build an extension of its OneWeb low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation to enhance OneWeb’s capacity and technological capabilities.
Under the contract, Airbus will produce the initial batch of 100 satellites for the constellation’s extension. Delivery is scheduled to begin at the end of 2026, ensuring uninterrupted service for Eutelsat’s growing customer base. These new satellites will feature significant technological upgrades, including integration with 5G networks on the ground.
The satellites will also align with Europe’s upcoming IRIS2 constellation, set to become operational in 2030. Eutelsat will serve as the primary architect and operator of IRIS2’s LEO segment.
Eutelsat has integrated this satellite procurement into its 2025 capital expenditure plans, maintaining alignment with its long-term financial strategy.
Image credit: Eutelsat
