Airbus completes first 32 next-generation OneWeb satellites for Eutelsat

Airbus completed the first 32 next-generation OneWeb satellites for Eutelsat at its Toulouse facility. The satellites are being prepared for shipment ahead of a planned SpaceX launch. They are the first of 669 new OneWeb satellites planned. Eutelsat announced the completion. The work marks a return of Airbus satellite production to Europe. Jean-François Fallacher said the moment shows Eutelsat's commitment to keep delivering connectivity as it renews the network and demonstrates Europe's ability to build and sustain a global LEO capability. Alain Fauré said the moment is a symbol of industrial relocalisation and confirms high volume, high cadence satellite delivery capability and credibility to empower customers for the constellation market. Via Satellite reported the satellites were ordered in late 2024 as part of a 100-satellite extension, are the first OneWeb satellites built in Toulouse after a shift from Florida, that the constellation was initially completed in 2023, and that the last prior launch added 20 satellites in October 2024. Contested: none. No launch date was specified.