Eutelsat reports that it has agreed a deal with Airbus Defence and Space to build a new series of satellites for its OneWeb Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellation.
Airbus will build the first new batches under the contract, totalling 100 satellites, for delivery targeted at the end of 2026, with the aim of ensuring continuity and improvement of services for current and future OneWeb customers.
The new satellites will include technology upgrades, notably 5G on-ground integration, and will be technologically compatible with Europe’s IRIS2 constellation, which is planned to begin offering connectivity services in 2030.
Eutelsat has already been confirmed as the main architect and operator of the LEO segment of the combined Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) IRIS2 programme.
“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,” said Eva Berneke, Chief Executive Officer of Eutelsat Group.
“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.”
