Airbus to build several hundred Oneweb satellites

Airbus has received a new order for the construction of satellites for the Oneweb constellation. The European aerospace group intends to deliver the first satellites in a few months, according to its statements.

The new order amounts to 340 satellites, which are to be positioned in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and enable fast internet connections all over the Earth. Oneweb owner Eutelsat already ordered 100 of the telecommunications satellites from Airbus in December 2024.

The satellites will be manufactured by Airbus Defence and Space in Toulouse on a newly installed production line and delivered by the end of 2026. This is “another important step for European sovereignty,” Airbus announced.

New production line in Toulouse

For the order, Airbus has set up a production line at the Toulouse site. The first of a total of 340 satellites are to be delivered by the end of this year. Financial details were not disclosed.

The Oneweb constellation currently consists of over 600 satellites orbiting the Earth at an altitude of 1,200 kilometers. The new satellites are intended to replace the old ones that are reaching the end of their operational life.

Oneweb was founded in 2012 with the aim of offering a satellite constellation for worldwide access to fast internet. However, in 2020, the company had to file for insolvency and was rescued by the British state and the Indian company Bharti. In 2023, Oneweb merged with Eutelsat to form Eutelsat Oneweb, which is a subsidiary of the Eutelsat Group.

(wpl)