MaiaSpace secures a launch contract with Eutelsat

Eutelsat, Europe’s only Low Earth Orbit communications satellite operator, has selected MaiaSpace to launch OneWeb LEO constellation satellites.

MaiaSpace is a start-up founded by Arianespace and it targets this year for the first flight of its partially reusable launcher. Just like SpaceX's Falcon 9, the first stage will land and can be reused, lowering the launch price considerably.

The launches of Eutelsat satellites will begin in 2027 and range over several years after that.

The agreement secures the majority of the Maia launch manifest during the first three years of operation. Maia launcher has a large 3.5-meter diameter fairing and a capability of up to 4 tons payload to inclined orbits. When the Colibri kick-stage is included, mission flexibility is additionally augmented. 

Eutelsat’s OneWeb low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network delivers high-speed, low-latency connectivity on a global basis. With 650 satellites flying in 12 synchronised orbital planes 1,200km above the Earth, the constellation brings high-speed internet to every corner of the planet. Fully focused on the professional B2B market, Eutelsat’s OneWeb is one of only two fully operational LEO networks globally and the sole European operator.

This agreement is a major step towards routine operations with a European reusable rocket.