Rendering of a OneWeb satellite. Photo: Eutelsat Group

Eutelsat Group ordered a 100-satellite update for the OneWeb constellation from Airbus Defence and Space, the operator announced Tuesday. These satellites will provide continuity for OneWeb before Europe’s IRIS constellation is in operation. 

Notably, Airbus said that the 100 satellites will be built in Toulouse, France, with production to start in 2026. The existing OneWeb satellites were built in Florida by Airbus OneWeb Satellites, a joint venture between Airbus and OneWeb. Earlier this year, Airbus bought Eutelsat’s stake in the joint venture. 

Eutelsat said Airbus will build the satellites in batches, with delivery starting at the end of 2026. 

“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,” commented Alain Fauré, head of Space Systems at Airbus Defence and Space.

The new satellites will enable key technology upgrades of 5G on-ground integration. They will be compatible with Europe’s planned IRIS² multi-orbit constellation.  

Eutelsat will be one of the main operators of IRIS², which will include a 264-satellite LEO constellation. Eutelsat has committed to investing 2 billion into the project and is acting as the system development prime. The constellation will use Eutelsat’s priority spectrum rights in the Ku-band. 

This upgrade with Airbus “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 IRIS² constellation in 2030,” Eutelsat CEO Eva Berneke commented.

“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,” Berneke added.