Stockholm: Eutelsat, the world’s third-largest satellite operator by revenue, has successfully launched 20 satellites for its communications network on Sunday. The launch, conducted by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, marks the company’s first move following its merger with OneWeb last year.
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from California’s Vandenberg Space Force Base at 0513 GMT, carrying the Eutelsat satellites into orbit. The mission is particularly significant, as it represents the first OneWeb launch since the two companies merged in September 2022.
“This is the first OneWeb launch of the satellites since the merger. We will be launching more satellites over the coming years,” said Eutelsat CEO Eva Berneke
Formed from the merger of France’s Eutelsat and Britain’s OneWeb, the Paris-based group now operates a constellation of over 600 low Earth orbit satellites, serving broadcasters, telecom companies, and radio stations.
Watch Falcon 9 launch 20 @Starlink satellites to orbit from Florida, including 13 with Direct to Cell capabilities https://t.co/8Pzm1olTxV
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) October 18, 2024
Berneke expressed a strong desire for Eutelsat to integrate into the telecommunications ecosystem, stating that, “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 counts major telecom operators like France’s Orange and Australia’s Telstra among its clients and is actively engaging with others, including AT&T in the United States.
With a backlog of orders valued at $4 billion, the company is poised for growth as it awaits regulatory approval for satellite services in countries like India and Saudi Arabia. India, which is expected to grow its satellite market by 36 percent annually to $1.9 billion by 2030, is currently navigating challenges with domestic players and companies like Starlink.
Additionally, Eutelsat is in discussions with aviation companies to provide in-flight connectivity, including internet browsing, and anticipates revenue growth starting next year.
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