Airbus Defence and Space has secured a contract from Eutelsat to manufacture an extension to its OneWeb Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation. This agreement marks another milestone in the collaboration between the two companies, solidifying Airbus’s role in the development of cutting-edge satellite technologies.
Under the terms of the contract, Airbus will produce the initial batches of the constellation extension, comprising a total of 100 satellites. Delivery is scheduled to commence by the end of 2026, ensuring seamless service continuity and enhanced capabilities for current and future customers. This extension aims to address the growing demand for reliable and scalable satellite-based connectivity solutions worldwide.
Alain Fauré, Head of Space Systems at Airbus Defence and Space, expressed his enthusiasm for the project: “Airbus manufactured all of the current OneWeb satellite fleet. We are committed to the successful continuation of the OneWeb constellation and to keep serving the business of Eutelsat as we have done over the past decades.” His statement underscores the longstanding relationship between Airbus and OneWeb, highlighting the company’s expertise in delivering high-performance satellite solutions.
Eva Berneke, Chief Executive Officer of Eutelsat Group, emphasized the strategic importance of the project: “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 European 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.”
The new generation of satellites is set to introduce significant technological advancements. Among these upgrades are the integration of 5G ground networks and compatibility with Europe’s forthcoming IRIS2 multi-orbit constellation. The IRIS2 initiative, set to become operational by 2030, represents a strategic European investment in space infrastructure. Eutelsat’s involvement as a key operator in this program positions the company at the forefront of satellite communications innovation.
The production of these 100 satellites will take place at Airbus’s facility in Toulouse, France, a site renowned for its advanced manufacturing capabilities. Assembly is expected to begin in 2026, leveraging Airbus’s proven expertise in high-volume satellite production. This facility has been instrumental in the success of the current OneWeb fleet, which Airbus also built, showcasing its ability to deliver state-of-the-art satellites on tight timelines.
The decision to expand the OneWeb constellation aligns with the increasing demand for low-latency, high-bandwidth connectivity solutions. Low Earth Orbit satellites offer significant advantages over traditional geostationary satellites, including reduced latency and enhanced coverage in remote and underserved regions. By expanding the OneWeb network, Eutelsat and Airbus aim to meet the needs of diverse industries, from telecommunications and aviation to maritime and government sectors.
This project also underscores the growing role of public-private partnerships in advancing space infrastructure. The collaboration between Eutelsat and Airbus exemplifies how industry leaders are working together to develop resilient and future-proof satellite ecosystems. These systems are critical to supporting global digital transformation initiatives, including the rollout of 5G networks and other next-generation communication technologies.
Eutelsat’s decision to entrust Airbus with this project reflects the company’s confidence in Airbus’s engineering capabilities and its commitment to innovation. With a track record of delivering reliable and efficient satellite solutions, Airbus is well-positioned to support Eutelsat’s ambitions for the OneWeb constellation and beyond.
As the OneWeb constellation extension moves forward, the focus will be on maintaining the high standards of quality and performance that customers have come to expect. The collaboration between Airbus and Eutelsat not only reinforces their respective leadership positions in the satellite industry but also paves the way for exciting developments in space-based connectivity solutions. By 2030, the integration of the OneWeb and IRIS2 constellations is expected to create a robust and versatile communications network, addressing the evolving needs of a connected world.
In conclusion, Airbus’s contract with Eutelsat to expand the OneWeb constellation represents a significant step forward in satellite technology and connectivity. With production set to begin in 2026 and a clear vision for future advancements, this partnership is poised to deliver transformative solutions that will shape the future of global communications.
