Airbus Defence and Space has delivered 32 next-generation OneWeb low Earth orbit satellites to Eutelsat, sending the first batch of the operator’s renewal fleet into launch preparation in the United States. Built in Toulouse, the spacecraft are set to be shipped ahead of an upcoming SpaceX launch and form the opening phase of Eutelsat’s programme to refresh and expand its OneWeb constellation.
The satellites are the first of a planned 669-spacecraft fleet intended to replace aging OneWeb units while maintaining service continuity for customers. Airbus described the handover as a milestone for its Toulouse production line and for its high-cadence manufacturing model, after satellite series production returned to Europe. Eutelsat has framed the renewal as a way to preserve secure, resilient LEO connectivity for businesses, governments and institutions while increasing network capability.
The exact launch date has not been disclosed, but the satellites were already in the final preparation stage for shipment to the US. The delivery follows Eutelsat’s wider constellation renewal plans and comes as the company moves to secure long-term continuity for its OneWeb-based services.