Eutelsat Launches First Satellites with SpaceX Post-Merger

European satellite operator Eutelsat has launched 20 communication satellites using SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket, marking its first satellite deployment since merging with the UK’s OneWeb. The launch took place from California’s Vandenberg Space Force Base.

The company’s CEO, Eva Berneke, discussed the firm’s future plans, indicating that Eutelsat intends to continue launching satellites over the coming years. She emphasized the strategic role of satellites within the broader telecommunications ecosystem, acknowledging that while satellite operations will remain a niche market, they are an essential component of the telecom industry’s future.

With this launch, Eutelsat aims to further integrate itself into the telecommunications ecosystem, positioning satellites as a vital, albeit smaller, part of the overall connectivity infrastructure.