This article is based on an official press release from Airbus.

Eutelsat Group Orders 340 Additional Satellites from Airbus to Fortify LEO Constellation

On January 12, 2026, Airbus Defence and Space confirmed it has been awarded a significant contract by Eutelsat Group to manufacture 340 new Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. This agreement marks a critical expansion of the OneWeb constellation, reinforcing Europe’s position in the competitive space-based connectivity market.

According to the official announcement, this new order supplements a previous agreement signed in December 2024 for 100 satellites. Consequently, the total procurement now stands at 440 spacecraft. These units are essential for the replenishment and technical upgrading of the OneWeb network, ensuring service continuity for enterprise and government clients globally.

Production is set to take place at Airbus’s facility in Toulouse, France, utilizing a newly installed assembly line designed for mass production. Deliveries are scheduled to commence in late 2026.

Manufacturing and Strategic Scope

The contract underscores a deepening industrial partnership between the two European aerospace giants. By centralizing production in Toulouse, the deal aligns with Eutelsat’s stated goal of maintaining “European sovereignty” in critical space infrastructure. As the only global LEO operator based in Europe, Eutelsat OneWeb serves as a strategic alternative to US-based constellations.

Jean-François Fallacher, CEO of Eutelsat, emphasized the importance of this order for the company’s long-term roadmap:

“These new satellites ensure service continuity for the growing number of our customers… and enable us to pursue our growth path.”

, Jean-François Fallacher, CEO of Eutelsat

While the official press release did not disclose the specific financial value of the contract, industry analysts estimate the total extension program could range between €2.0 and €2.2 billion, reflecting the scale of the manufacturing effort required to deliver 440 satellites starting in late 2026.

Technical Evolution: The “Gen 2” Upgrade

The new satellites will be built on the Airbus “Arrow” platform, a modular architecture designed for cost-effective, high-volume manufacturing. However, these units represent a technological leap forward compared to the first generation of OneWeb satellites.

Digital Channelizers

A key feature of this new batch is the integration of advanced digital channelizers. Unlike traditional analog transponders, which act as simple “bent pipes” reflecting signals back to Earth, digital channelizers allow the satellite to process signals onboard. This capability offers two distinct advantages:

• Flexible Coverage: Eutelsat can reallocate bandwidth in real-time to high-demand geographic areas, such as disaster zones or specific maritime routes.
• Security: The technology enhances anti-jamming capabilities, a critical requirement for defense and government customers.

Alain Fauré, Head of Space Systems at Airbus, noted the significance of this technological endorsement:

“This latest contract… is an endorsement of our design and manufacturing expertise for LEO satellites. Airbus has been a key partner and supplier to Eutelsat for more than 30 years.”

, Alain Fauré, Head of Space Systems at Airbus

Market Context and Competition

This procurement arrives during a period of intense competition in the LEO sector. Eutelsat OneWeb is currently competing against massive constellations funded by US technology giants. According to market-analysis from early 2026, SpaceX’s Starlink operates over 9,400 satellites, while Amazon’s Project Kuiper has begun commercial service with over 150 satellites in orbit.

Despite the disparity in sheer numbers, Eutelsat currently operates over 600 satellites, the European operator differentiates itself through a “multi-orbit” strategy. By combining the low latency of LEO satellites with the high throughput of its Geostationary (GEO) fleet, Eutelsat targets enterprise-grade Service Level Agreements (SLAs) rather than the direct-to-consumer market dominated by Starlink.

AirPro News Analysis

The Sovereignty Play: We observe that the explicit framing of this deal around “European sovereignty” is not merely marketing rhetoric; it is a business strategy. As the European Union advances its IRIS² (Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite) project, Eutelsat is positioning itself as the primary anchor tenant for sovereign EU communications. By manufacturing in Toulouse and integrating with 5G terrestrial networks, Eutelsat is effectively locking in future government and defense contracts that require non-US supply chains.

Replenishment vs. Expansion: While the order for 340 satellites sounds like a massive expansion, we analyze this primarily as a replenishment cycle. LEO satellites have shorter lifespans (typically 5–7 years) compared to GEO satellites (15+ years). To maintain a constellation of 600+ active units, Eutelsat must maintain a continuous production line. This contract ensures that as Gen 1 satellites deorbit, Gen 2 satellites with higher capabilities will seamlessly take their place, preventing service gaps for critical B2B clients.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the new satellites launch?
Deliveries from the Airbus facility in Toulouse are scheduled to begin in late 2026, with launches likely following shortly thereafter.

How many total satellites did Eutelsat order?
The January 12, 2026 announcement covers 340 satellites. Combined with a December 2024 order for 100 units, the total current procurement is 440 satellites.

What is the main technical upgrade?
The inclusion of digital channelizers allows for flexible signal processing, enabling the satellites to redirect capacity to specific areas and resist jamming attempts.

Where are the satellites being built?
They are being manufactured at a new dedicated production line at Airbus Defence and Space in Toulouse, France.

Sources

• Airbus Press Release
• Eutelsat Group Regulatory Filings

This article is based on an official document from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

FCC Grants Partial Approval for SpaceX Gen2 Starlink Upgrade and Direct-to-Cell Service

On January 9, 2026, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued a significant regulatory order granting a “Partial Grant” for SpaceX’s second-generation (Gen2) Starlink satellite constellation. This approval marks a pivotal moment in the commercial space industry, formally authorizing the deployment of a new shell of satellites in Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) and greenlighting the commercial operation of Direct-to-Cell capabilities.

The decision allows SpaceX to proceed with critical upgrades to its Starlink network, which aims to reduce latency and expand capacity to meet growing global demand. By approving the modification application, the FCC has cleared the path for satellites that act as “cell towers in space,” enabling direct connectivity to unmodified smartphones, a feature developed in partnership with terrestrial carriers like T-Mobile.

While SpaceX’s original application sought authority for a total of 29,988 Gen2 satellites, this specific order authorizes a strategic subset of operations, continuing the Commission’s practice of approving massive constellations in phases to monitor compliance with orbital debris and spectrum interference rules.

Key Components of the Approval

The FCC’s order addresses several technical modifications that SpaceX requested to enhance the performance and sustainability of the Starlink network. The approval focuses on two primary technological advancements: the utilization of VLEO and the integration of mobile-satellite service (MSS) frequencies.

Authorization of VLEO Shell

A central element of the approval is the authorization for SpaceX to deploy satellites in a Very Low Earth Orbit, specifically between 300 km and 360 km in altitude. This is significantly lower than the standard Starlink orbit of approximately 550 km. Operating at this lower altitude offers distinct physical advantages, primarily the reduction of signal travel time, which lowers latency for end-users.

Furthermore, the VLEO shell is touted as a safety feature regarding orbital debris. At these lower altitudes, atmospheric drag is much stronger. If a satellite malfunctions and loses propulsion, it will naturally de-orbit and burn up in the Earth’s atmosphere within weeks or months, rather than the years it might take at higher altitudes. This “self-cleaning” characteristic was a key factor in the FCC’s assessment of orbital safety.

Direct-to-Cell Commercialization

The order also formalizes the authority for SpaceX to operate Direct-to-Cell payloads. This technology utilizes specific bands, including Ku-, Ka-, and E-bands, alongside partner-specific MSS frequencies, to connect directly with standard LTE and 5G smartphones. This capability is designed to eliminate “dead zones” in remote areas where constructing terrestrial cell towers is economically unfeasible.

“Our action will allow SpaceX to begin deployment of Gen2 Starlink… helping to close the digital divide on a global scale.”

— Federal Communications Commission (Statement from related orders)

Strategic Context and Market Implications

The approval arrives as the race for dominance in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) intensifies. With rival constellations such as China’s Guowang network in development, U.S. regulators are under pressure to facilitate the rapid expansion of domestic commercial space capabilities while managing the increasingly crowded orbital environment.

AirPro News Analysis: The Sovereign-Commercial Nexus

The FCC’s decision to grant this partial approval reflects a broader trend we identify as the “sovereign-commercial nexus,” where commercial satellite networks are increasingly viewed as critical national infrastructure. By authorizing the VLEO shell, the FCC is not merely approving a business plan; it is securing U.S. leadership in next-generation connectivity.

The shift to VLEO is particularly strategic. Beyond the latency benefits for consumer applications like gaming and video conferencing, the lower orbit allows for tighter beam focus, which improves spectral efficiency. This efficiency is vital as spectrum becomes a scarce resource. Furthermore, the Direct-to-Cell capability integrates satellite resilience into terrestrial networks, providing a backup layer for emergency communications that is independent of ground infrastructure.

Regulatory Opposition and Interference Concerns

The path to this approval was not without significant opposition. Competitors and industry advocacy groups filed petitions to deny or condition the grant, citing concerns over radio frequency interference and orbital congestion.

Major industry players, including Viasat and DISH Network (EchoStar), raised objections regarding the potential for the new Gen2 satellites to disrupt their existing services. Viasat, in particular, argued that the sheer volume of satellites proposed by SpaceX would create an unmanageable interference environment.

“The proposed operations would generate insurmountable interference risks for other spectrum users… and foreclose competition.”

— Viasat (Petition to Deny)

The FCC’s order acknowledges these concerns but ultimately determined that the imposed conditions and SpaceX’s technical demonstrations were sufficient to mitigate harmful interference. The “Partial Grant” approach allows the Commission to retain regulatory oversight, releasing authority in tranches to ensure that SpaceX adheres to strict reporting requirements regarding satellite health and collision avoidance maneuvers.

Additionally, the astronomy community has continued to voice concerns regarding the brightness of satellite constellations interfering with optical and radio telescopes. In response, the approval reiterates requirements for SpaceX to implement advanced darkening coatings and chassis designs to minimize light reflection.

Timeline of Recent Events

• December 1, 2022: FCC grants initial partial approval for 7,500 Gen2 satellites.
• December 5, 2025: FCC Space Bureau accepts SpaceX’s modification application for a 15,000-satellite VLEO shell for filing.
• January 4, 2026: Reports emerge regarding the imminent approval of Starlink Direct-to-Cell service.
• January 9, 2026: FCC issues formal Partial Grant for the Gen2 Upgrade, authorizing VLEO operations and Direct-to-Cell payloads.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the benefit of the new VLEO satellites?

Satellites in Very Low Earth Orbit (300–360 km) are closer to the ground than standard satellites. This proximity reduces the time it takes for data to travel back and forth (latency) and ensures that defunct satellites de-orbit rapidly, reducing space debris risks.

Will I need a new phone for Direct-to-Cell service?

No. The Direct-to-Cell service is designed to work with existing LTE and 5G smartphones. It utilizes terrestrial spectrum provided by partner carriers (such as T-Mobile in the U.S.), allowing phones to connect to satellites as if they were standard cell towers.

Does this approval cover all 30,000 proposed satellites?

No. This is a “Partial Grant.” While SpaceX has requested authority for nearly 30,000 Gen2 satellites, the FCC typically approves these large constellations in batches (tranches) to ensure safety and compliance standards are met before full deployment.

Sources: Federal Communications Commission

This article is based on an official press release from Aegis Aerospace and United Semiconductors.

Aegis Aerospace and United Semiconductors Announce $10M Partnership for In-Space Manufacturing

Aegis Aerospace Inc. and United Semiconductors LLC have officially announced a strategic Partnerships to develop and launch the Advanced Materials Manufacturing Platform (AMMP). Billed by the companies as the “World’s First In-Space Advanced Materials Manufacturing Facility,” this initiative aims to establish a persistent commercial capability for producing high-quality semiconductor materials in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

According to the announcement released on January 6, 2026, the project is supported by a grant of up to $10 million from the Texas Space Commission (TSC). The Investments, awarded through the Space Exploration and Aeronautics Research Fund (SEARF), is designated to cover the design, development, and flight-readiness of the platform over a two-year timeline.

The Advanced Materials Manufacturing Platform (AMMP)

The core of this partnership is the development of the AMMP, a facility designed to leverage the unique environment of space for industrial production. The collaboration divides responsibilities based on each company’s established expertise in the aerospace and technology sectors.

“Aegis Aerospace Inc., a leader in space and defense technology, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with United Semiconductors LLC to pioneer semiconductor manufacturing in space.”

, Official Press Announcement

Roles and Responsibilities

Aegis Aerospace will serve as the infrastructure provider. The company is tasked with building and operating the AMMP, managing mission logistics, and overseeing orbital operations. Aegis brings significant heritage to the project as the operator of the MISSE (Materials International Space Station Experiment) flight facility, which currently tests materials on the exterior of the International Space Station (ISS).

United Semiconductors will act as the Manufacturing expert, providing proprietary technology for growing semiconductor crystals. The company specializes in III-V binary and ternary semiconductor compounds, materials critical for high-performance electronics, and has previously conducted successful crystal-growth experiments on the ISS.

Funding and Timeline

The $10 million grant from the Texas Space-Agencies underscores the state’s investment in the commercial space economy. The project timeline outlines a development phase spanning 2025 and 2026, with systems acceptance reviews targeted for mid-2027. The funding is specifically allocated to ensure the AMMP reaches flight-readiness within this window.

The Science of In-Space Production

The primary driver behind the AMMP is the physical advantage of manufacturing in microgravity. On Earth, gravity-induced convection currents in molten materials can introduce defects into crystal structures. In the microgravity environment of LEO, these currents are absent, theoretically allowing for the growth of larger, more uniform, and defect-free crystals.

Target Materials

The partnership is specifically focused on III-V materials, such as Gallium Arsenide and Indium Phosphide. These compounds are distinct from standard silicon and are essential for advanced applications, including:

• High-frequency 5G and 6G communications.
• Advanced sensors for aerospace and defense.
• High-efficiency power electronics.

While the cost of launching mass to orbit is high, the significant value per kilogram of these advanced crystals makes them a viable candidate for economically sustainable in-space manufacturing.

AirPro News Analysis

The claim of developing the “World’s First In-Space Advanced Materials Manufacturing Facility” places Aegis and United Semiconductors in a competitive and rapidly evolving market. While other entities, such as Varda Space Industries and Space Forge, are developing return capsules and free-flying satellites for similar purposes, the AMMP appears to distinguish itself as a persistent platform.

By leveraging Aegis’s experience with the MISSE platform, the AMMP is likely designed to operate as a dedicated, long-term facility attached to a station (such as the ISS or a future commercial station), rather than a single-use return vehicle. This approach could allow for continuous manufacturing cycles, positioning Texas as a central hub for the supply chain of critical orbital materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the AMMP?

The Advanced Materials Manufacturing Platform is a planned facility for producing semiconductor materials in Low Earth Orbit, developed jointly by Aegis Aerospace and United Semiconductors.

Why manufacture semiconductors in space?

The lack of gravity in space eliminates convection currents during the crystal growth process, resulting in materials with fewer defects and higher performance than those produced on Earth.

Who is funding the project?

The project has received a grant of up to $10 million from the Texas Space Commission’s Space Exploration and Aeronautics Research Fund (SEARF).

Sources

• Aegis Aerospace / PR Newswire
• Aegis Aerospace Official Site
• United Semiconductors