Eutelsat, Europe’s only Low Earth Orbit satellite operator, has entrusted MaiaSpace, a pioneering European launch services provider, to secure access to space for part of its OneWeb LEO constellation. The Parties have entered into an agreement for multiple launches spanning several years from 2027. This agreement opens the prospect of securing the majority of the Maia launch manifest during the first three years of operation.
This agreement with an experienced launch service customer validates the relevance of the Maia launcher’s design. With its large 3.5-meter diameter fairing, a launch mass capability of up to 4 tons in inclined orbits, and the addition as an option of the Colibri kick-stage, increasing mission flexibility, MaiaSpace offers a compelling solution for various missions, in particular for the deployment or replenishment of broadband satellite constellations.
Eutelsat’s OneWeb low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network delivers high-speed, low-latency connectivity on a global basis. With 650 satellites flying in 12 synchronised orbital planes, 1,200km above the Earth, the constellation brings high-speed internet to every corner of the planet. Fully focused on the professional B2B market, Eutelsat’s OneWeb is one of only two fully operational LEO networks globally and the sole European operator.
The access to space provided by MaiaSpace will contribute to assuring full operational continuity for customers of the constellation by progressively launching replacement satellites for early batches coming to the end of operational life.
“This agreement with an experienced and renowned satellite operator confirms that Maia is well-suited for deploying or replenishing satellite broadband constellations. It also opens the prospect of securing the majority of our launch manifest during the first three years of operation, stated Yohann Leroy, CEO of MaiaSpace. In the aftermath of the ESA ministerial conference, where key decisions were taken on the European Launcher Challenge and access to the European institutional market, MaiaSpace already stands on the two pillars needed for economic viability: being competitive on the commercial market while being considered strategic for Europe’s sovereign access to space. With a target of 20 launches per year from an already existing launchpad in French Guiana by the start of the next decade, using both reusable and expendable versions, MaiaSpace reunites all conditions to become a leading player in the European space transportation industry”.
Arlen Kassighian, Eutelsat Chief Engineering Officer, added: “We’re delighted to be bringing the MaiaSpace launch solution into our LEO constellation deployment strategy, adding a complementary launch option alongside our existing partners. By broadening our launch portfolio, we can continue delivering efficient and resilient services to our customers while ensuring continuity of service for the existing constellation. It also reinforces our commitment to meeting customer demand while strengthening the resilience of our access to space.”
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