Eutelsat Signs Multi-Launch Deal With MaiaSpace to Deploy LEO Satellites — A European Push Against Starlink

European satellite operator Eutelsat has signed a multi-launch agreement with French start-up MaiaSpace to carry its low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites into space, marking a significant step for Europe as it seeks more independent launch capacity in the face of U.S. rival SpaceX.

The contract with MaiaSpace, a unit of ArianeGroup, covers multiple launches scheduled to begin in 2027. MaiaSpace will provide a complementary European launch option alongside Eutelsat's existing partners, offering greater launch flexibility and resiliency for Eutelsat's growing LEO plans.

Arlen Kassighian, Chief Engineering Officer at Eutelsat: MaiaSpace will add a complementary launch option alongside our current partners.

Eutelsat owns OneWeb, currently the only other operational global LEO constellation besides Elon Musk's Starlink. OneWeb is considered a strategic asset by both the French and British governments because its satellites deliver secure internet connectivity to governments, militaries, businesses and consumers in underserved regions.

French President Emmanuel Macron has urged Europe to accelerate its space strategy to counter Starlink, and France has reiterated plans to speed up adoption of LEO constellations.

MaiaSpace is developing a partially reusable small launcher — if successful, the first of its kind in Europe. Partial reusability can reduce launch costs and increase launch cadence, making frequent deployments more economical. SpaceX has demonstrated the advantages of partial reusability with Falcon 9 and is now testing Starship for full reusability.

FILE PHOTO: Eutelsat Group logo is pictured at their Paris headquarters in Issy-les-Moulineaux, France, April 3, 2025. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier/File Photo

Europe's primary heavy launcher, Ariane 6, is not reusable. SpaceX's reusable rockets and high launch rate have enabled deployment of more than 9,000 Starlink satellites, illustrating the strategic importance of having competitive, frequent launch access.

Eutelsat has previously relied on SpaceX and the Indian Space Research Organisation for recent launches. OneWeb launched its first satellites on Russia's Soyuz rockets before that partnership was halted following Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. After acquiring OneWeb in 2023, Eutelsat plans to launch about 440 Airbus-built LEO satellites in the coming years to replenish and expand its constellation.

MaiaSpace, founded in 2022, expects to begin commercial operations in 2026. The multi-launch deal with Eutelsat strengthens Europe's domestic launch ecosystem and supports efforts to reduce dependence on non-European launch providers.

What This Means

Strategically: The agreement bolsters European autonomy in space and offers a counterweight to Starlink's rapid global expansion.

Technically: A partially reusable mini-launcher would make European launches more cost-effective and increase cadence if MaiaSpace achieves its targets.

For Eutelsat/OneWeb: The deal provides an additional launch path for the planned fleet refresh and expansion of OneWeb's LEO constellation.