Photo: Eutelsat

Eutelsat Communications revealed its ELO constellation project, targeting the Internet of Things (IoT) market. The ELO constellation aims offer global IoT coverage enabling objects to transmit data, regardless of their location. The constellation should contain 25 nanosatellites in the next three years, with a demo satellite being launched early next year.

The construction of this nanosatellite constellation will begin with a first series of four satellites from Loft Orbital (ELO 1 and 2) and Clyde Space (ELO 3 and 4). With expected launch dates between 2020 and 2021, these four satellites will enter commercial service as soon as they are delivered into orbit. If this new initiative proves successful, other satellites will be added to the constellation, to reach a total of 25 satellites operational by 2022. The investment required for the constellation is included in Eutelsat’s existing Capex outlook. The cost associated with each satellite will not exceed 1 million euros.

Rodolphe Belmer, CEO of Eutelsat commented: “We are delighted to be completing the first steps of our ELO constellation project, aimed at positioning Eutelsat in the nascent IoT segment. Our partnership with Sigfox enables worldwide coverage through the combination of satellite and terrestrial IoT. This relatively modest investment at Group level, which is fully scalable, enables Eutelsat to access an additional potential growth lever in the context of its Connectivity strategy.”