In an exciting leap forward, Eutelsat, the world’s third-largest satellite operator, has successfully launched 20 satellites using SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket. This marks a significant milestone for the company following its merger with Britain’s OneWeb last September.
The Falcon 9 lifted off from California’s Vandenberg Space Force Base at 0513 GMT, heralding a new era for the Paris-based firm. CEO Eva Berneke shared the enthusiasm in an interview, emphasizing, “This is the first OneWeb launch since the merger, and we’re poised to roll out even more satellites in the coming years.”
With a constellation of over 600 low Earth orbit satellites, Eutelsat is set to enhance connectivity for broadcasters, telecom companies, and radio stations. Berneke noted the company’s ambition to integrate more closely into the telecommunications ecosystem, stating, “While satellites are a smaller piece of the connectivity puzzle, we aim to make a significant impact.”
Eutelsat’s roster includes major telecom operators like France’s Orange and Australia’s Telstra, and the company is actively pursuing partnerships with U.S. giants like AT&T. With a robust backlog of orders worth $4 billion, Eutelsat is keeping a close eye on emerging markets, particularly India and Saudi Arabia, as they prepare to open up to satellite services.
India, a rapidly growing market projected to reach $1.9 billion by 2030, is currently in discussions to facilitate satellite operations. “We have some of our backlog waiting in India. Once the market opens, we’ll be ready to launch our services,” Berneke explained.
Additionally, Eutelsat is exploring opportunities in aviation, aiming to provide in-flight connectivity services, including internet browsing. Berneke expressed optimism about revenue growth starting next year, highlighting the company’s forward momentum in a competitive landscape.
With this successful launch, Eutelsat is not just reaching for the stars but is also firmly establishing its place in the global connectivity market.
