Airbus Defence and Space has secured a significant contract with Eutelsat to extend the OneWeb Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation, under the terms of an agreement that stipulates the company will manufacture the first batches of 100 new satellites, with production set to begin in 2026.
The satellites are expected to be launched by the end of 2026, ensuring the continuity of the existing OneWeb network and enhancing service offerings for both current and future customers. All 100 satellites will be built at Airbus' Toulouse facility.
This agreement continues the long-standing partnership between Eutelsat and Airbus, which has already played a crucial role in the development of the current OneWeb satellite fleet.
Airbus manufactured all of the current OneWeb satellite fleet. We are committed to the successful continuation of the OneWeb constellation and to continuing to serve Eutelsat’s business as we have done over the past decades
- commented Alain Fauré, Head of Space Systems at Airbus Defence and Space.
The next-generation satellites will incorporate critical technological upgrades, including 5G on-ground integration, allowing for enhanced connectivity and faster data transmission. These upgrades are designed to meet the growing global demand for LEO satellite capacity, particularly in regions with limited terrestrial infrastructure. Additionally, the new satellites will be compatible with the European Union's upcoming IRIS2 multi-orbit constellation, which is slated for operational service by 2030.
Source(s)
Airbus (In English)