STOCKHOLM: Eutelsat, the world’s third-largest satellite operator by revenue, launched 20 satellites for its communications network on Sunday, marking its first major move since the merger of two European satellite companies last year.
The launch was facilitated by SpaceX, using its Falcon 9 rocket from California’s Vandenberg Space Force Base at 0513 GMT.
“This is the first OneWeb launch of the satellites since the merger,” Eutelsat CEO Eva Berneke said in an interview with Reuters. She further announced that the company plans to launch additional satellites in the coming years to expand its global communications network.
READ ALSO: Israeli Airstrikes in Beit Lahia Result in Mass Casualties
Eutelsat, which merged in September 2023 with Britain’s OneWeb, now operates a constellation of over 600 low Earth orbit satellites. These satellites serve a variety of industries, including broadcasters, telecom companies, and radio stations, solidifying Eutelsat’s position in the global satellite communications market.
“We really want to integrate into the telco ecosystem,” Berneke said. She emphasized the company’s desire to play a niche role in the overall connectivity landscape, where traditional telecom operators like France’s Orange and Australia’s Telstra dominate. The company is also in discussions with other major operators, including AT&T in the U.S.
