European satellite operator Eutelsat has announced a major partnership with French space startup MaiaSpace to launch its next generation of low Earth orbit satellites, strengthening Europe’s space ambitions and positioning itself as a key rival to Elon Musk’s Starlink. The multi-launch agreement is expected to begin in 2027 and marks a strategic shift in Eutelsat’s satellite launch strategy.
Eutelsat, which owns OneWeb, operates the world’s only other active low Earth orbit satellite constellation besides SpaceX Starlink. The company plans to deploy around 440 new Airbus-built satellites in the coming years to expand and replenish its LEO network. These satellites are designed to deliver high-speed, secure internet connectivity to governments, enterprises, consumers and military users across the globe.
The partnership with MaiaSpace comes at a time when Europe is seeking greater independence in space launches. In recent years, Eutelsat has relied heavily on SpaceX and the Indian Space Research Organization for satellite launches due to delays and limited availability of European rockets. By collaborating with MaiaSpace, Eutelsat aims to reduce its dependence on non-European launch providers and strengthen regional space capabilities.
MaiaSpace is developing a partially reusable mini-launcher, which would be the first reusable launch vehicle of its kind in Europe. This innovation is seen as a critical step forward, especially as Europe’s primary heavy-lift rocket, Ariane 6, is currently not reusable. In contrast, SpaceX has successfully used its Falcon 9 partially reusable rocket for more than a decade and is now testing upgrades to achieve full reusability.
The move has also drawn political attention. OneWeb is considered a strategic asset by both the British and French governments. Last year, French President Emmanuel Macron urged the European Union to accelerate its space strategy to counter the dominance of Starlink. Speaking recently, Macron reaffirmed France’s commitment to expanding the use of LEO satellites to ensure digital sovereignty and secure communications.
With global demand for satellite internet rising rapidly, the Eutelsat MaiaSpace partnership reflects Europe’s determination to remain competitive in the space economy. As Starlink continues to expand worldwide, Eutelsat’s collaboration with a homegrown launch provider signals a long-term vision focused on innovation, resilience and strategic autonomy in satellite communications.
