Eutelsat Communications Selects Thales Alenia Space to Build a Software-Defined Satellite

Eutelsat Communications has selected Thales Alenia Space (Thales 67 % and Leonardo 33 %) to build a next-generation highly flexible, software-defined satellite (SDS).

The Flexsat (for flexible satellite) will be based on Thales Alenia Space’s cutting-edge ‘Space Inspire’ (INstant SPace In-orbit REconfiguration) product line, enabling seamless reconfiguration and instant in-orbit adjustment to offer an optimum level of customer service, maximising the effective use of the satellite resources.

The new satellite will expand Eutelsat’s in-orbit assets providing more than 100 Gbps of incremental capacity over the Americas to support the surging Connectivity market. Its performances combined with the high level of flexibility in terms of coverage, bandwidth allocation, and power levels, will offer an unparalleled quality of service to Eutelsat’s B2B customers for its ADVANCE backhauling, enterprise, government, aero, and maritime solutions.

It will also be able to accommodate joint GEO-LEO services, specifically in zones where demand is highly concentrated.

The Flexsat is expected to be delivered in 2026. The capital expenditure associated with the programme is embedded in Eutelsat’s standalone capital expenditure and adjusted discretionary free cash flow estimates for FY2022-23 and FY2023-24. It is also included in the financial trajectory of the proposed combination of Eutelsat and OneWeb.

The uniqueness of a Flexsat makes it particularly convenient to optimise capacity and reconfigure services during the satellite’s lifetime, depending on applications and coverage areas.This new satellite will further underpin Eutelsat’s growth strategy aimed at addressing the booming Connectivity segment and it is also able to support joint GEO-LEO services. We are delighted to partner once again with Thales Alenia Space, and proud to be among the first customers of the innovative Space Inspire product line.

Eva Berneke Chief Executive Officer, Eutelsat

By ordering the first Software Defined Satellite of its fleet based on Space Inspire product line, Eutelsat has once again expressed its confidence in Thales Alenia Space, extending a long partnership recently marked by the launches of EUTELSAT KONNECT VHTS in September and of EUTELSAT 10B last week.

Hervé Derrey, CEO, Thales Alenia Space

The Flexsat is the 6th satellite based on Space Inspire product line and the 6th telecommunication satellite contract awarded to Thales Alenia Space this year.