TAMPA, Fla. — Eutelsat has ordered 100 broadband satellites from Airbus Defence and Space to begin replenishing its OneWeb low Earth orbit (LEO) constellation in just a few years.
The first batches of satellites are attributable to be accomplished earlier than the tip of 2026, the French operator mentioned Dec. 17.
Most of the 654 satellites in OneWeb’s present technology have been launched between 2020 and 2023, giving the constellation a design life extending to round 2027-2028.
OneWeb is because of begin world broadband providers for enterprise and authorities prospects within the spring following floor infrastructure delays.
IRIS2 compatibility
In February, Eutelsat mentioned it had determined to carry off deploying considerably upgraded OneWeb satellites after its present technology expires to as a substitute deal with continuity of service capability for purchasers with long-term contracts.
However, Eutelsat mentioned in a short Dec. 17 information launch that the brand new satellites from France-based Airbus will embody “key expertise upgrades,” notably round terrestrial 5G integration.
The incoming satellites would even be technologically appropriate with IRIS2, Europe’s sovereign $11.1 billion multi-orbit broadband slated to enter service by early 2031.
Eutelsat, which additionally operates a fleet of 35 geostationary broadband and TV broadcast satellites, signed a contract yesterday to be the primary architect and operator of IRIS2’s LEO phase.
Earlier this yr, Eutelsat bought its 50% share of the Florida-based manufacturing facility that had constructed the majority of its present constellation to Airbus, which already held the opposite half of the Airbus OneWeb Satellites three way partnership.
In a separate information launch, Airbus mentioned all 100 new satellites might be constructed at its services in Toulouse, France.
