Responsible Space

EUTELSAT IS COMMITTED TO THE RESPONSIBLE USE OF SPACE

Preserving the orbital environment is both a regulatory requirement and a strategic priority for Eutelsat. With more than 20 years of operational experience, we have developed responsible practices that ensure the long-term sustainability of our space activities. 
We are a founding member of the Net Zero Space initiative, working towards the goal of zero debris creation, and a signatory of the ESA’s joint statement for a sustainable space environment by 2030. Eutelsat operates in full compliance with some of the world’s strictest regulations: 

  • French Space Operations Act (2008)
  • UK Outer Space Act (1986)
  • UK Space Industry Act (2018)
  • Upcoming EU Space Act
Image of Eutelsat 10B Satellite

Eutelsat 10B Satellite

SPACE DEBRIS MANAGEMENT POLICY FOR GEOSTATIONARY SATELLITES

Since the early 2000s, Eutelsat has implemented a comprehensive debris management policy for its GEO fleet, anticipating international standards and adopting a Space Debris Mitigation Plan as early as 2005. Our operations are certified ISO 9001 and ISO 27001. 
All satellites are operated and decommissioned in strict compliance with the French Space Operations Act and international regulations. At end-of-life (typically 15–20 years), satellites are safely moved to a graveyard orbit 300 km above GEO and passivated to eliminate risks. 
We actively monitor and minimize collision risks using trusted data sources including USSTRATCOM, the EU SST service, and the Space Data Association. Our objective is to ensure zero debris is created annually in any protected region as a result of Eutelsat’s GEO activities. This target was fully met during the fiscal year, with zero debris generated.

Image showing a Eutelsat Satellite

SPACE DEBRIS MANAGEMENT POLICY FOR LOW EARTH ORBIT SATELLITES

Eutelsat’s OneWeb Gen 1 constellation comprises 654 satellites at 1,200 km altitude, operating under UK and international regulations. Satellites are deployed with passive safety measures (4 km of separation), and end-of-life disposal includes controlled re-orbiting to ~250 km, with fuel tanks emptied and systems powered down before atmospheric re-entry. 
The constellation is managed by an automated ground system using real-time data from sources such as the US Space Force and LeoLabs to ensure effective collision avoidance. Eutelsat has also signed bilateral Space Traffic Management agreements and co-published best practices with other operators. Satellites are designed for Active Debris Removal (ADR), with a first demonstration mission scheduled for 2026.

Image of Artist view of EUTELSAT 36D satellite

EUTELSAT 36D satellite

MINIMISATION OF OPTICAL AND RADIO INTERFERENCE

To minimize the impact on astronomical observations, Eutelsat has set a measurable target for its LEO satellites: achieving an average optical magnitude greater than 7, the highest of current constellations in orbit. The magnitude scale is logarithmic: the higher the value, the fainter the object. Satellites above magnitude 7 are considered sufficiently dim to avoid interfering with astronomical observations and scientific research. This target reinforces the Group’s commitment to responsible space operations and aligns with international recommendations on space sustainability.

Eutelsat is dedicated to ensuring that its satellite operations do not interfere with scientific activities, particularly earth-based radio astronomy. In line with international radio frequency regulations, the Group implements technical measures to minimise the impact of its LEO constellation on astronomical observations. These measures reflect both regulatory compliance and Eutelsat’s broader commitment to responsible space operations.