Eutelsat Eyes India for Future Satellite Launches

European satellite operator Eutelsat is in discussions with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) regarding future satellite launch services. This collaboration represents a strategic effort by Eutelsat to expand its launch options beyond existing providers like SpaceX and Europe's Ariane rockets. The talks are part of a broader deepening of ties between France and India, particularly in the space sector.

Eutelsat, which merged with OneWeb in 2023, lost access to Russian Soyuz rockets following the invasion of Ukraine. The company now relies on SpaceX and Ariane, while also exploring options with French startup MaiaSpace. Discussions with ISRO are crucial for Eutelsat's long-term launch capacity planning.

CEO Jean-François Fallacher met with Indian officials in New Delhi to discuss market access, emphasizing the strategic importance of India as a growing market. Eutelsat operates a substantial fleet of 650 satellites and anticipates exceeding 1,000 in the near future, with significant expansion driven by Airbus and upgrades for the EU's IRIS² project.

Fallacher dismissed direct comparisons with Starlink's larger constellation, stating Eutelsat will scale its fleet based on demand. The company is financially secure through 2031, having secured 5 billion euros in refinancing last year. Eutelsat estimates approximately 2 billion euros in spending by 2030 for acquiring and launching 440 new satellites.