European satellite operator Eutelsat has entered into a partnership with French space startup MaiaSpace, aiming to launch its LEO (low Earth Orbit) satellites and compete with Elon Musk-owned SpaceX.
The agreement includes multi-launch deals expected to start in 2027.
Eutelsat also owns OneWeb, which is known as the world’s only other operational LEO constellation besides Musk’s Starlink.
It plans to launch 440 new Airbus-built satellites in the coming years to expand and supplement its networks.
OneWeb’s satellites are considered a strategic asset by the British and French governments, providing secure internet access to governments, businesses, consumers and militaries.
Last year, French President Emmauel Macron urged the EU to step up its space strategy to combat Starlink. On Thursday he said France would improve its use of LEO satellites in the future.
MaiaSpace is also involved in the development of a partially reusable mini-launcher, which would be the first of its kind in Europe.
Currently, Europe’s main heavy rocket, the Ariane 6, is not reusable.
On the contrary, SpaceX has been using the partially reusable Falcon 9 rocket for more than a decade and is now testing an improved version to achieve full reusability.
Eutelsat has depended on SpaceX and the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) for recent satellite launches.
