A new generation of high-throughput, software-defined satellite will allow flexibility and instant reconfigurability to adapt to changing missions.
Eutelsat Communications has selected Thales Alenia Space to build a next-generation highly flexible, software-defined satellite (SDS).
The Flexsat (for flexible satellite) will be based on Thales Alenia Spaces 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 Eutelsats 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 a quality of service to Eutelsats 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 Eutelsats 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.
Commenting on the deal, Eva Berneke, Chief Executive Officer of Eutelsat, said: “The uniqueness of a Flexsat makes it particularly convenient to optimise capacity and reconfigure services during the satellites lifetime, depending on applications and coverage areas. This new satellite will further underpin Eutelsats 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.”
Hervé Derrey, CEO of Thales Alenia Space, added: “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.”
The Flexsat is the sixth satellite based on Space Inspire product line and the sixth telecommunication satellite contract awarded to Thales Alenia Space this year.
