Eutelsat, the third-largest satellite operator globally by revenue, successfully launched 20 satellites for its communications network on Sunday, utilizing SpaceX's services in its inaugural operation following the merger of two European firms last year.
A Falcon 9 rocket from SpaceX lifted off with the Eutelsat satellites from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California at 0513 GMT.
"This marks the first launch of OneWeb satellites since the merger," CEO Eva Berneke stated in an interview with Reuters. "We plan to launch additional satellites in the coming years."
The Paris-based entity, formed by the merger of France's Eutelsat and Britain's OneWeb in September of the previous year, operates a constellation of over 600 low Earth orbit satellites that serve broadcasters, telecom companies, and radio stations.
"We aim to integrate into the telecommunications ecosystem," Berneke remarked. "While satellites represent a unique niche within the broader connectivity landscape, telecom companies dominate the sector, and satellite services will always play a smaller role."
Eutelsat's clientele includes telecom operators like France's Orange and Australia's Telstra, and the company is currently in discussions with other potential clients, including AT&T in the United States.
With a backlog of orders valued at $4 billion, Eutelsat is awaiting regulatory approvals from countries such as India and Saudi Arabia.
India, projected to experience a 36% annual growth rate to reach $1.9 billion by 2030, is in the process of permitting satellite services, amid tensions between local players and companies like Starlink.
"We have a portion of our backlog pending in the Indian market... It will remain there until India opens up; once it does, we will commence operations," Berneke explained.
Additionally, the company is engaging with aviation firms to provide in-flight connectivity, including internet access, and anticipates a rise in revenue starting next year, she added.