Airbus Defence and Space has delivered 32 latest-generation OneWeb low-Earth orbit satellites to Eutelsat, starting the rollout of the operator’s new constellation renewal programme. Built at Airbus’ satellite facility in Toulouse, the spacecraft have been prepared for shipment ahead of launch in the United States.
The delivery is the first batch in a planned fleet of 669 next-generation OneWeb satellites Airbus is building for Eutelsat. The new spacecraft are intended to replace and upgrade the current network, supporting continuity of service as older satellites reach the end of their operational life.
Airbus has positioned the Toulouse line as the manufacturing base for the constellation refresh, with the latest units leaving production after completion and testing. Eutelsat’s wider renewal plan is centred on keeping the OneWeb LEO network operational while adding improved capability across the fleet.
The satellites are expected to fly on an upcoming launch from the United States, extending a programme that combines constellation replenishment with a broader technology upgrade. Airbus and Eutelsat have both framed the effort as a long-term modernisation of Europe’s LEO broadband satellite capacity.