Eutelsat in Talks with ISRO for Future Satellite Launches
Eutelsat, Europe’s leading competitor to Elon Musk’s Starlink, is in discussions with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to secure future satellite launch partnerships, as it aims to reduce reliance on SpaceX and Europe’s Ariane rockets. CEO Jean-François Fallacher confirmed that negotiations are ongoing, though no agreement has been finalized. The move comes amid strengthening strategic ties between France and India in sectors such as defence, space, and maritime security, with both nations exploring deeper collaboration in space technology.
The France-based satellite operator, which merged with London-headquartered OneWeb in 2023, has been actively reshaping its launch strategy after losing access to Russia’s Soyuz rockets following the Ukraine conflict. Since then, Eutelsat has depended on SpaceX and Ariane launches while also partnering with emerging players like France’s MaiaSpace. Notably, ISRO had previously launched 72 OneWeb satellites using its LVM3 rocket, highlighting India’s growing role as a reliable launch partner. Fallacher’s recent visit to New Delhi further underscores Eutelsat’s intent to tap into India’s expanding space market and secure long-term launch capacity.
Eutelsat currently operates around 650 satellites and plans to expand its fleet to over 1,000 in the near future, with Airbus building 440 satellites as part of its expansion roadmap. Despite comparisons with Starlink’s larger constellation, Fallacher emphasized that operational efficiency depends on orbital positioning rather than sheer numbers. Backed by a €5 billion refinancing that ensures funding through 2031, Eutelsat is set to invest approximately €2 billion in satellite procurement and launches by 2030, reinforcing its commitment to scaling operations while maintaining financial stability.
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