Eutelsat Launches 20 Satellites via SpaceX Falcon 9 After Merger with OneWeb

In a significant milestone since its merger with OneWeb, Eutelsat successfully launched 20 satellites for its communications network on October 20, using a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. This marks the first satellite launch for the Paris-based company, expanding its low-earth orbit constellation.

Eutelsat and OneWeb Launch First Satellites Post-Merger, Expanding Low-Earth Orbit Network

In its inaugural action since combining two European companies last year, Eutelsat, the world's third-largest satellite operator by revenue, launched 20 satellites for its communications network on October 20. The satellites were launched using Elon Musk's SpaceX.

Eutelsat satellites were launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket at 0513 GMT.

"This is the first OneWeb launch of the satellites since the merger," CEO Eva Berneke told Reuters in an interview. "We will be launching more satellites over the coming years."

France's Eutelsat and Britain's OneWeb merged in September last year to establish the Paris-based group. This organization maintains a constellation of more than 600 low-earth orbit satellites that serve radio stations, telecommunications companies, and broadcasters.

"We really want to integrate into the telco ecosystem," Berneke said. "Satellites are an interesting niche in the overall connectivity ecosystems where telcos are the big boys in the class and satellite will always be a smaller part."

Eutelsat Eyes Expansion in India and Saudi Arabia, While Exploring In-Flight Connectivity Solutions

Eutelsat is discussing with other telecommunications operators, including AT&T in the United States, and lists France's Orange and Australia's Telstra as clients.

The corporation, which has a $4 billion backlog of orders, is anticipating the opening of countries such as Saudi Arabia and India.

India, a market projected to expand by 36% annually to $1.9 billion by 2030, currently permits satellite services. However, there has been some conflict between domestic players and companies like Starlink.

"We have some of our backlog sitting in the Indian market... It sits there until India gets open, the day it gets open, we'll start building," Berneke said.

She also stated that the company is discussing providing in-flight connectivity, including internet browsing, with aviation companies. She anticipates that revenue will begin to increase next year.