Eutelsat Files for 528-Satellite 'Next' Constellation

European satellite giant Eutelsat is laying the groundwork for a major expansion of its Low Earth Orbit (LEO) presence. According to Payload, recent FCC filings reveal plans for a new 528-satellite constellation dubbed Eutelsat Next. This system is intended to operate independently of the existing OneWeb fleet, which currently comprises over 600 units and is undergoing its own 440-satellite replenishment cycle.

System Architecture

The proposal, submitted during the FCC’s latest Ku- and Ka-band processing round, outlines a robust network designed for high-speed interoperability. Key specifications include:
- Orbital Configuration: 528 satellites distributed across 24 orbital planes at an altitude of 1,220 km.
- Connectivity: Native 5G standard compatibility and the potential for optical inter-satellite links (ISLs) to facilitate data relay within the network.
- Ground Segment: Utilization of 50 global gateway stations, including six established sites in the United States.

Strategic Ambiguity

While the technical blueprints are detailed, the project's timeline and funding remain opaque. Eutelsat representatives characterized the filing to Payload as part of "long-term planning," stopping short of confirming a total deployment commitment. Notably, the firm declined to clarify how Eutelsat Next interacts with the IRIS² program—the €10.55 billion sovereign secure communications initiative led by the European Commission, of which Eutelsat is a primary consortium member.

Funding and Outlook

Eutelsat maintains that its LEO investment requirements are secured through 2030, though it is unclear if this capital covers the full Next constellation or merely the current OneWeb Gen 2 upgrades. For now, the filing serves as a critical regulatory placeholder, ensuring Eutelsat retains spectrum access and orbital rights as the race for sovereign and commercial LEO dominance intensifies.