Eutelsat Launches First Satellites via SpaceX rocket

Eutelsat, the world’s third-largest satellite operator by revenue, launched 20 satellites for its communications network on Sunday via Elon Musk’s SpaceX rocket, marking its first move since last year’s merger of France’s Eutelsat and Britain’s OneWeb.

“This is the first OneWeb satellite launch since the merger,” CEO Eva Berneke said, adding that more satellite launches are planned in the coming years.

The newly formed Paris-based group now operates a constellation of over 600 low Earth orbit satellites serving broadcasters, telecom companies, and radio stations.

Also Read: Poland to Launch Military Satellites in 2025

Berneke expressed the company’s aim to integrate into the telecom ecosystem, recognising that satellites will play a niche role alongside telecom giants like France’s Orange and Australia’s Telstra, with ongoing discussions with U.S. telecoms like AT&T.

Eutelsat, with a $4 billion backlog, is awaiting regulatory approval from countries such as India, a market expected to grow 36% annually to $1.9 billion by 2030, and Saudi Arabia.

“We have some backlog in India, and once the market opens, we’ll begin building,” said Berneke, also noting discussions with aviation companies to provide in-flight connectivity services, with revenue growth anticipated next year.