Eutelsat’s OneWeb renewal moves toward launch as new satellites ship
First 32 new OneWeb LEO satellites completed and shipping for launch preparations
Major milestone in Eutelsat’s programme to renew and enhance OneWeb
Manufactured by Airbus Defence and Space in Toulouse, demonstrating Europe’s LEO industrial capability
Paris, 2 October 2026 – Eutelsat (ISIN: FR0010221234 – Euronext Paris / London Stock Exchange: ETL) today announced that Airbus Defence and Space has completed the first 32 new OneWeb Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites for Eutelsat at its facility in Toulouse, France. The satellites are now preparing to be shipped for an upcoming launch with SpaceX, marking a major milestone in Eutelsat’s programme to renew and enhance the OneWeb constellation.
They are the first in Eutelsat’s planned programme of 669 new OneWeb satellites. As the new spacecraft progressively replace those reaching the end of their operational lives, they will assure continuity of service for customers and enhance the network’s capabilities. The programme will enable Eutelsat to continue delivering secure, resilient LEO connectivity to businesses, governments and institutions around the world.
The completion of these satellites brings together two European strengths: Eutelsat’s experience operating a global LEO network and Airbus’s manufacturing expertise in Toulouse. It demonstrates Europe’s ability to build infrastructure supporting a service used by customers worldwide.
Jean-François Fallacher, Chief Executive Officer of Eutelsat, said: “This is an exciting moment for Eutelsat as our first new OneWeb satellites leave the production line and head towards launch. For our customers, it shows our commitment to keep delivering the connectivity they rely on as we renew the network. For Europe, it demonstrates our ability to build and sustain a global LEO capability.”
Alain Fauré, Head of Space Systems at Airbus Defence and Space, said: “This moment is twice important for us: a symbol of our industrial relocalisation as well as the confirmation of our high volume, high cadence satellite delivery capability and credibility to empower our customers for the increasingly critical constellation market."
LEO
OneWeb
Connectivity
Europe
OneWeb satellites at Airbus' Toulouse factory. Credit: Airbus SAS 2026
Eutelsat announces that Airbus Defence and Space has completed the first 32 new OneWeb low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites at its facility in Toulouse, France. The satellites are now preparing to be shipped for an upcoming launch with SpaceX.
Eutelsat to play central role in delivering Europe's IRIS² connectivity infrastructure
Major milestone reached for the IRIS² programme further strengthening sovereign connectivity capabilities through enhanced resilience and improved long-term operational performance
Eutelsat confirmed as lead of the LEO segment, further cementing its position as a core player in Europe's future sovereign connectivity infrastructure
Programme will provide Eutelsat with enhanced network capacity and next-generation technological capabilities, driving future service expansion and long-term revenue generation throughout the IRIS² concession and beyond
Paris, 07 August 2026 – Eutelsat (ISIN: FR0010221234 – Euronext Paris / London Stock Exchange: ETL) welcomes the successful completion of the IRIS2 programme's First Rendez-Vous, paving the way for the full industrial execution of Europe's sovereign multi-orbit connectivity infrastructure, offering additional capacity and enhanced technical performance relative to the initial project.
Combining an inclined orbital architecture with beamforming antennas and 5G NTN, it will dynamically direct capacity to where demand is greatest, providing higher throughput, improved service quality and more efficient use of network resources. Optical inter-satellite links will further enhance resilience, extend service availability and reduce reliance on ground infrastructure, benefiting governments, enterprises, mobility and other mission-critical applications. The constellation will also support a new generation of smaller, lighter and more affordable user terminals, making high-performance satellite connectivity accessible to a broader range of customers.
This milestone marks the transition from programme definition to execution. Industrial activities will now accelerate across Europe, with manufacturing, system integration and infrastructure deployment commencing immediately. Key suppliers Airbus Defence and Space, Thales Alenia Space and Aerospacelab will provide the manufacturing capacity required notably to deliver the IRIS² LEO constellation on schedule while reinforcing Europe's industrial and technological base.
The announcement secures the long-term evolution of Eutelsat's LEO roadmap beyond the replenishment of its OneWeb LEO constellation, reinforcing the company's commitment to provide customers with enhanced connectivity solutions through 2040.
As leader of the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) segment, Eutelsat will leverage its proven operational expertise, systems engineering capabilities and unique experience in deploying and operating large-scale constellations to deliver one of Europe's most ambitious space programmes. This involves the design, deployment and operation of the IRIS² LEO constellation, comprising 264 dual Mil-Ka/Ku band as well as the 66 Mil-Ka band satellites.
As a consequence of the increased scope of the IRIS² programme, Eutelsat will invest €2.23 billion in the shared infrastructure of IRIS² and a further €1.16 billion in the commercial infrastructure (Ku payload and commercial ground) supporting increased capacities and greater revenue generation. This investment will be phased over the period 2027 to 2034.
In return for its investment Eutelsat will gain access to over twice the current OneWeb capacity. Eutelsat will benefit, along with the other SpaceRISE members, from the scale advantages of shared fixed costs and R&D investments in the development of new technologies.
Revenues generated from this capacity are estimated at over €10 billion over the period 2032-2040, representing the term of the initial Concession Agreement (2036) which additionally provides access rights for the duration of the life of the satellites.
The first Ka-only satellites will be launched starting in 2029. The commercial Ku LEO constellation will be fully operational by mid-2032.
To provide customers with continuity of service while supporting future growth, Eutelsat plans to strengthen and extend the OneWeb constellation through 2034 by deploying an additional 229 satellites on top of the already procured new 440 GEN1 satellites, representing an investment of around €1 billion.
The project is fully consistent with Eutelsat’s financial framework and compatible with its required returns on investment. Eutelsat’s capital expenditure plan remains unchanged up to FY 2029.
Jean-François Fallacher, Chief Executive Officer of Eutelsat, said: "Reaching this milestone is a defining moment for Eutelsat and for Europe's space ambitions. We are now moving from planning to execution, with a clear focus on delivering a world-class sovereign, secure and resilient connectivity infrastructure. The additional public and private investment agreed today strengthens the programme with greater capacity, resilience and flexibility to meet Europe's future connectivity and security needs. Eutelsat is proud to lead the deployment and operation of the IRIS² LEO constellation, building on the proven operational experience of OneWeb to ensure a seamless transition for our customers while reinforcing Europe's technological leadership and strategic autonomy for decades to come."
THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONTAINS INSIDE INFORMATION FOR THE PURPOSES OF THE EU MARKET ABUSE REGULATION 596/2014, AS AMENDED AND THE UK MARKET ABUSE REGULATION.
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Paris, France, IRIS2 Secure Connectivity-credit photo European Commission
Paris, 07 August 2026 – Eutelsat (ISIN: FR0010221234 – Euronext Paris / London Stock Exchange: ETL) welcomes the successful completion of the IRIS2 programme's First Rendez-Vous, paving the way for the full industrial execution of Europe's sovereign multi-orbit connectivity infrastructure, offering additional capacity and enhanced technical performance relative to the initial project.
New multi-year, multi-million agreement further expands Eutelsat and Mercury's historical partnership in Angola
Supporting secure, low latency connectivity for enterprise, offshore, public sector and telecom customers
Demonstrating growing demand for LEO connectivity solutions in Africa
Paris, 16 June 2026 – Eutelsat (ISIN: FR0010221234 – Euronext Paris / London Stock Exchange: ETL) and Mercury, a subsidiary of Sonangol Group and leading provider of telecommunications services in Angola, have signed a new multi-year, multi-million agreement for Eutelsat’s LEO connectivity services.
Building on the historic partnership between the two companies, Mercury, previously known as MSTelcom will continue to expand the reach of Eutelsat’s LEO services for enterprise, public sector, offshore and telecom customers across Angola.
Eutelsat is the only licensed LEO operator in Angola today and already has a significant operational presence in the country via its local partners. Through investments in local infrastructure, including a ground station and local point of presence (PoP), and its long-standing commitment to the country, Eutelsat has positioned itself as a leading satellite connectivity provider in Angola, supporting the delivery of low-latency connectivity services across the country and the wider region.
Philippe Baudrier, VP Africa at Eutelsat, said: “This new commitment from Mercury reflects the growing demand for Eutelsat’s LEO services in Angola and the continued success of our longstanding partnership. Together, we are expanding access to secure, low-latency connectivity across the country, helping enterprise, public sector, offshore, and telecom customers strengthen network resilience and reach locations beyond the coverage of traditional infrastructure.”
Francisco Pinto Leite, CEO, Mercury, added:“This new agreement reflects the strength of our partnership with Eutelsat and the value that LEO connectivity brings to our customers. Together, we are expanding the range of connectivity solutions available across Angola and helping organizations meet evolving communications requirements.”
Eutelsat and Mercury, a subsidiary of Sonangol Group and leading provider of telecommunications services in Angola, have signed a new multi-year, multi-million agreement for Eutelsat’s LEO connectivity services.
Eutelsat and Voimatel launch LEO services in Finland
Agreement to deliver Eutelsat’s LEO connectivity services across Finland
Strengthening the resilience of telecom and data networks for enterprise and public-sector users
Highlighting Eutelsat’s polar-orbit LEO coverage in Arctic and high-latitude areas
Paris, 8 June 2026 – Eutelsat (ISIN: FR0010221234 – Euronext Paris / London Stock Exchange: ETL) and Voimatel, a leading Finnish provider of telecommunications and critical digital infrastructure services, today announced a new partner agreement for Eutelsat’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) connectivity services in Finland.
Voimatel will integrate Eutelsat’s LEO connectivity services into its network solutions, combining satellite and terrestrial connectivity to support critical network infrastructure. The solution will deliver resilient and redundant communications for enterprise and public-sector customers across urban, rural, and remote regions.
Voimatel designs and operates fixed and wireless communication networks for telecom operators, utility companies and public-sector organisations across Finland. By integrating Eutelsat’s OneWeb LEO services, Voimatel will extend connectivity into high northern latitudes, including Arctic regions where terrestrial coverage can be limited.
Eva Bisgaard, President of Eutelsat’s Connectivity Business Unit said: “Our partnership with Voimatel reflects the growing role of LEO connectivity in supporting critical telecom infrastructure. By combining satellite and terrestrial networks, operators can strengthen the resilience and reach of their communications services, including in Arctic regions where reliable connectivity remains essential.”
Mikko Heinonen, CEO, Voimatel, added: “The addition of Eutelsat’s LEO services strengthens our ability to support telecom and data network customers across Finland. Their low-latency satellite connectivity and Arctic coverage will complement our existing infrastructure capabilities and support the evolving connectivity requirements of our customers.”
Eutelsat and Voimatel, a leading Finnish provider of telecommunications and critical digital infrastructure services, today announced a new partner agreement for Eutelsat’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) connectivity services in Finland.
By: Pablo Minguijon Pallas, Senior Manager, Flight Dynamics
Satellite Orbital Safety Best Practices 3.0
For Eutelsat, operating both GEO and LEO satellites, space safety is integral to our business. It is both a practical necessity ensuring we can continue to operate sustainably - and a responsibility to safeguard space as a shared resource for generations to come.
It is why we developed this paper, alongside other operators with AIAA, the Orbital Safety Best Practices for Satellite Operators 3.0.
Now in its second edition, this latest paper builds on the original 2022 work, incorporating lessons learned and operational experience accumulated since then. It covers the full satellite lifecycle -- from orbit selection at the design stage through to active deorbit - and reflects how we are all working to manage our in-orbit assets today to ensure safe and responsible operations.
For our OneWeb LEO constellation, these are not new practices. Our satellites were designed with active maneuverability and a responsible orbit selection from the outset. The constellation is managed by an automated ground system using real-time data from multiple sources to ensure effective collision avoidance. End-of-life disposal is planned and controlled from the outset.
The best practices in this document reflect what responsible operators are already doing - and we hope it can be a guide for others in the industry and for policymakers as we work together to advance how we operate in space.
One theme is clear throughout the paper: space safety is best achieved through responsible design and cooperative operations, supported by coordination across the industry.
Four areas stand out in this edition:
Safety by design. Decisions taken at the design stage — orbit selection, maneuverability, disposal planning — all shape the long-term safety of a satellite flight across its entire lifetime. Addressing these considerations early is more effective, and more efficient, than managing them operationally.
Early coordination supports safer operations for everyone. Publishing your intended orbit and transit strategy, and establishing collision avoidance communication protocols with other operators well before launch, helps facilitate coordination and allows the wider community to plan accordingly. As the paper notes, if a feature or approach will be discoverable after launch, it is best to be shared before launch.
Data sharing is critical. Accurate, timely orbital data and clear inter-operator communication are a foundation of collision risk management.
Operations put principles into practice. Ongoing risk assessment, timely mitigation decisions, and responsive coordination are what translate good design into safe outcomes across a satellite's operational life.
As more actors enter the space environment, shared approaches like these become increasingly important.
We hope this paper serves as a useful reference — for operators at every stage of their journey, for policymakers developing frameworks that keep pace with a fast-moving sector, and for anyone working to ensure that space remains accessible and sustainable for future generations.
At AIX, Eutelsat showcases multi‑orbit GEO and OneWeb LEO connectivity, delivering consistent, high‑performance inflight broadband worldwide.
Eutelsat at AIX:
Delivering the Next Era of Inflight Connectivity with GEO and OneWeb LEO
As the aviation industry gathers for Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX), Eutelsat will be in Hamburg showcasing how its high-performance OneWeb LEO network, complemented by its GEO capabilities, is redefining inflight connectivity performance, offering airlines and business jets both flexibility and global reach.
Visit Eutelsat at Booth 2C10 to discover how airlines worldwide are leveraging our network to deliver consistent, high-quality broadband experiences across every route and aircraft type.
Eutelsat-At-A-Glance:
More than 700 aircraft flying with OneWeb LEO connectivity today, with installations rapidly accelerating
Over 15 airline commitments, including American Airlines, Air Canada, Avianca, Skymark and Royal Brunei
Global connectivity across all continents, including polar and high-latitude routes
Flexible solutions supporting fleets from low-cost carriers and regional operators to global airlines, business aviation, and government missions Enterprise-grade mobility network delivering performance, resilience, and cybersecurity
Ongoing innovation, including 440 additional LEO satellites ordered to enhance performance and capabilities
Ensuring customers continued consistency and performance for the long-term
With dedicated capacity offerings to ensure airlines have access to the bandwidth they need to match passenger needs
First satellites delivered from 2026
Flexible Terminal choices: LEO-only antennas and LEO+GEO antennas, from trusted manufacturers. From small form-factor solutions enabling broadband speeds on small aircraft for the first time, to larger, more capable multi-network terminals.
Why Customers Choose Eutelsat
We are partnered throughout the aero ecosystem including the industry’s expert inflight integrators and providers to deliver multi-orbit solutions and packages that airlines can customise to the wants of their airline model and the needs of their customer.
Our connectivity solutions are backed by Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and Committed Information Rates (CIRs) underscoring our commitment to quality and performance.
This combination of experience, reliability, and flexibility ensures airlines can deploy connectivity solutions that meet their operational needs today while remaining adaptable for the future.
What You’ll See at the Eutelsat Booth
At AIX, visitors to Booth 2C10 will have the opportunity to explore:
Product showcases from our industry-expert partners, such as Gilat, SES, Panasonic, and Hughes, featuring scaled models of OneWeb LEO-compatible ESA terminals
Meet with Eutelsat’s aviation experts to discuss our flexible commercial and technical offerings
On Stage at AIX
Join Eva Bisgaard, President of Eutelsat’s Connectivity Business Unit, at the Cabin Space Live panel: "Connectivity Part 2: Delivering Reliable Inflight Connectivity in a Shifting Market" 📅 Tuesday, 14 April | ⏰ 14:00-14:45
This session will explore how inflight connectivity providers are helping operators maintain uninterrupted connectivity through diverse technologies including GEO, LEO, MEO, and Air-to-Ground solutions. Meet us at AIX Join us at Booth 2C10 to meet our aviation experts and discover how Eutelsat is shaping the future of connected flight.
Eutelsat terminates Express AT1 and AT2 capacity contracts
Paris, 12 March 2026 - Eutelsat (ISIN: FR0010221234 - Euronext Paris / London Stock Exchange: ETL) announces the termination of its contracts for capacity on the RSCC-owned and operated Express AT1 and AT2 satellites.
The termination follows the failure of RSCC’s Express AT1 satellite located at the 56° East position, and the planned relocation of the Express AT2 satellite from its current position at 140° East.
Eutelsat had contracted leases for capacity on these satellites to complement coverage provided by the EUTELSAT 36C and 36D satellites located at 36° East.
The termination of these agreements will have a low single-digit million impact on revenues, and virtually no impact on EBITDA in FY 2025-26. It does not alter any of the elements of Eutelsat’s financial objectives.
Further to the termination of these contracts, Eutelsat’s GEO fleet now stands at 31 satellites versus 33 previously.
Eutelsat announces the termination of its contracts for capacity on the RSCC-owned and operated Express AT1 and AT2 satellites. The termination follows the failure of RSCC’s Express AT1 satellite located at the 56° East position, and the planned relocation of the Express AT2 satellite from its current position at 140° East.
Jean-François Fallacher, Mobile World Congress, Barcelona 2026
Europe's path to tech sovereignty
At MWC Barcelona, Jean François Fallacher, Eutelsat's CEO, shared his perspective on sovereign connectivity and why LEO satellite constellations have become strategic assets for Europe. This article reflects his contribution to the keynote panel discussion, exploring how Eutelsat’s OneWeb constellation supports Europe’s sovereignty, resilience and security in an increasingly competitive global landscape.
WHY LEO CONSTELLATIONS HAVE BECOME STRATEGIC ASSETS
A European Champion Competing in a World of Giants
Eutelsat stands at the centre of Europe’s space ecosystem, with a 47year legacy and a fleet of 33 geostationary satellites. The company’s strategic transformation accelerated with the acquisition of OneWeb — today one of only two operational low Earth orbit (LEO) constellations in the world. Jean François highlighted that it remains the only LEO constellation not controlled by the US or China, giving Europe a uniquely sovereign asset. To reinforce this position, Eutelsat has secured €1.5 billion in new capital to expand the fleet by 440 satellites, bringing the constellation to roughly 650 units by 2030. “We are the sovereign European constellation. We have European shareholders. We are listed on the Paris and London stock exchanges.” He also pointed to the company’s central role in IRIS², the European Commission’s next generation secure connectivity programme. LEO activities now account for 20% of turnover and continue to grow at around 60% year over year.
Why LEO Is Essential for Europe’s Sovereignty
LEO constellations are a critical pillar for Europe’s digital autonomy. They deliver seamless global broadband and require massive, long-term investment, making them difficult to replicate. Jean François noted that OneWeb had already absorbed seven years of development and $7 billion before Eutelsat acquired it — a reminder of its scale and strategic relevance. “[LEO constellations] are extremely large and capital-intensive infrastructures… This is why we believe LEO is a strategic asset — a strategic service — for Europe.” He also raised the emerging opportunity of Direct-to-Device (D2D) connectivity, an area poised to transform the communications landscape. While Europe has strong projects underway, he stressed that achieving D2D at scale will require significant investment and a clear, unified industrial ambition.
Serving Governments and Critical IndustrieS
Eutelsat’s OneWeb LEO constellation focuses on high reliability B2B markets — governments, aviation, maritime, enterprise and defence. A landmark €1 billion, 10year agreement with the French Ministry of Defence underscores the constellation’s strategic importance. This partnership strengthens operational access and supports further hardening of the system for defence and national-security use cases. Recent geopolitical events continue to highlight the risks of dependency on foreign controlled connectivity. Jean François emphasised that sovereignty becomes very real when an external operator can unilaterally restrict service over a conflict zone. Eutelsat’s European governance and operational control directly address this vulnerability.
We believe LEO is a strategic asset - a strategic service - for Europe.
Europe needs [...] more agility, faster development and a culture of iteration [to] master the key technologies we still have to import today.
JEan-François FALLACHER
CEO, EUTELSAT
Why Europe Needs to Act Together
Europe faces global competition from large American and Chinese constellations. Jean François warned that fragmented national initiatives would undermine Europe’s ability to match this scale. A coherent and unified approach — particularly around IRIS² — is essential to maintain a sovereign position in orbit. “The geopolitical situation has given us real momentum. People now realise that sovereignty is not theoretical. When one of our competitors [,,,] decides to cut services over a country, that marks the spirit. The dependency becomes immediately visible.”
Europe’s Cultural Inflection Point
Europe’s technological expertise remains strong, but development speed is a critical challenge. The “new space” economy depends on agility, fast iteration and shorter development cycles. Jean François noted that Europe must adopt these practices if it is to maintain leadership and regain control over key technologies still sourced externally. “This is why Eutelsat is advocating for unity — not only around Eutelsat, but for the European project to build the next-generation constellation, IRIS². For IRIS² to succeed, we need all European countries and public funding united behind one sovereign approach.”
Looking Ahead
The message from MWC Barcelona is clear: Europe has the talent, industrial capability and technological foundation to lead in space — but only if it acts with unity and urgency. A sovereign LEO constellation is not just a technological milestone; it is a cornerstone of Europe’s resilience, economic strength and strategic independence. "In new space, companies are already working in agile, fast cycles. This is what Europe needs — in mindset and practice: more agility, faster development, and a culture of iteration. That’s how we will master more of the key technologies we still have to import today."
