Paris | Jan 16 — GeokHub European satellite operator Eutelsat has signed a multi-launch agreement with French space startup MaiaSpace to deploy future low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, marking a strategic step in Europe’s effort to strengthen its independent space capabilities and compete with U.S. satellite giants.
The launches are expected to begin in 2027, adding a new European-based launch option for Eutelsat’s expanding LEO operations. MaiaSpace is a subsidiary of ArianeGroup, Europe’s largest rocket manufacturer.
Eutelsat executives said the partnership would complement the company’s existing launch providers and increase flexibility as it scales its satellite constellation.
Strengthening Europe’s Position in Space
Eutelsat owns OneWeb, currently the only operational LEO satellite network outside of Elon Musk’s Starlink. The constellation is regarded as strategically important by the French and British governments, two of Eutelsat’s largest shareholders, due to its role in providing secure connectivity to governments, defense agencies, businesses, and remote communities.
European leaders have increasingly emphasized the need for homegrown space infrastructure. French President Emmanuel Macron has repeatedly urged Europe to accelerate its satellite strategy, recently calling for faster adoption of LEO constellations to ensure technological sovereignty.
Reusable Rockets and Cost Efficiency
MaiaSpace is developing a partially reusable mini-launcher, which would be the first of its kind in Europe. Reusable launch systems significantly reduce costs and allow for more frequent missions — an area where U.S. companies have long held an advantage.
SpaceX has relied on reusable Falcon 9 rockets for over a decade, enabling it to deploy more than 9,000 Starlink satellites. Europe’s primary heavy-lift rocket, Ariane 6, is not reusable, limiting launch frequency.
MaiaSpace aims to begin commercial operations in 2026, positioning itself as a cost-effective and flexible alternative for European satellite launches.
Eutelsat’s Expansion Plans
Eutelsat plans to launch 440 new Airbus-built LEO satellites in the coming years to replenish and expand the OneWeb network. While recent launches have relied on SpaceX and India’s space agency, the company previously used Russian Soyuz rockets before ending cooperation following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
The MaiaSpace agreement signals a broader shift toward European launch independence as geopolitical tensions and space competition intensify.
