Eutelsat Launches 20 Satellites with SpaceX in Key Expansion Move
Eutelsat, the world’s third-largest satellite operator by revenue, launched 20 satellites on Sunday to strengthen its communications network. The satellites were launched via Elon Musk’s SpaceX, marking a significant step since the merger of Eutelsat and Britain’s OneWeb last year.
Successful Satellite Launch with SpaceX
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carried the satellites into space from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California at 0513 GMT. This launch is the first for Eutelsat’s OneWeb satellites since the merger in September 2023. Eutelsat’s CEO, Eva Berneke, noted that the company plans to launch more satellites in the coming years, reinforcing its global network.
The merger of France’s Eutelsat and Britain’s OneWeb combined their strengths, creating a constellation of more than 600 low-Earth orbit satellites. These satellites serve a variety of clients, including broadcasters, telecom operators, and radio stations.
Falcon 9 launches the @EutelsatGroup OneWeb Launch 20 mission to orbit from California pic.twitter.com/BwzM1es2Aq
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) October 20, 2024
Integrating into the Telecom Ecosystem
Eutelsat aims to play a critical role in the telecom sector, even though satellites are still considered a niche part of the larger connectivity ecosystem. Berneke explained that while telecommunications companies like France’s Orange and Australia’s Telstra are significant players, satellites can provide complementary services.
“We really want to integrate into the telco ecosystem,” Berneke said. Eutelsat has ongoing discussions with major operators like AT&T in the US to expand its client base.
Expanding into New Markets and Services
With a $4 billion order backlog, Eutelsat is awaiting market access in key regions, including India and Saudi Arabia. India, a market expected to grow by 36% annually to $1.9 billion by 2030, is gradually opening up to satellite services, although domestic players have raised concerns. Eutelsat has already secured contracts in India, and Berneke expressed confidence in starting operations as soon as the regulatory environment is favourable.
Additionally, Eutelsat is exploring new opportunities in aviation. The company is in talks with airlines to provide in-flight connectivity, including internet browsing services, which are expected to start generating revenue next year.