Airbus buys out OneWeb from AOS jv, satellite manufacturing facility

Specifically, it will the become the sole owner of AOS and also its satellite manufacturing facility in Merritt Island, in the part of Florida dubbed Space Coast.

The AOS joint venture was originally established in 2016. It has since built more than 600 satellites – at the rate of two per day, states the company – representing OneWeb’s first generation constellation, currently operating on orbit.

Airbus U.S. Space & Defense says it recently retooled the Merritt Island factory to accommodate its Arrow450 production line, with Arrow being its Low Earth Orbit full electric satellite platform. The company is starting an expansion project to meet increased demand for small satellites from both commercial and government customers, it highlights.

“This agreement furthers our position as a market leader in the small satellite constellation business, building on our successful partnership with OneWeb,” said the chairman and CEO of Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Robert Geckle.

“We will continue mass producing small satellites for our customers and are excited for what the future holds for us on Florida’s Space Coast as we move forward,” he added.

Eutelsat and OneWeb merged in July 2023, with OneWeb shareholders holding a 50% stake of Eutelsat.

The UK government, which had a 19.3% share in OneWeb before the merger, will retain rights over procurement, the location of the HQ and vetoing of customers on grounds of national security.

OneWeb will keep its name and its role in low orbit satellites. Eutelsat operates geostationary satellites.

Image: Airbus / Max Alexander

See also: OneWeb completes constellation of LEO satellites for global connectivity