Will Build 100 Satellites For Deliveries In 2026

Airbus Defence and Space announced it has been awarded a contract from Eutelsat to build the extension of its OneWeb Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation. Airbus will build the first batches totaling 100 satellites for deliveries beginning in late 2026.

The satellites incorporate tech upgrades including 5G on-ground integration and ensure compatibility with the technology architecture of Europe’s IRIS2 multi-orbit constellation which is due to begin service by the early 2030s. Eutelsat will be one of the main operators of IRIS².

Production is scheduled to begin in 2026 and all 100 satellites will be built at the Airbus facility in Toulouse, France.

Alain Fauré, Head of Space Systems at Airbus Defence and Space said: “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.”

Eva Berneke, Chief Executive Officer of Eutelsat Group commented, "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.”

FMI:  www.airbus.com/