Eutelsat in talks with Indian Space Research Organisation

Eutelsat Group, a major European satellite internet provider, is in ongoing negotiations with the India — ISRO (ISRO) for future satellite launches. This move is part of Eutelsat Group's strategy to diversify its launch providers, reducing its dependence on SpaceX and Ariane (rocket family) rockets, especially after losing access to Russia's Soyuz rocket following the invasion of Ukraine. Jean-François Fallacher, CEO of Eutelsat Group, visited New Delhi in February as part of Emmanuel Macron's delegation to discuss market access with Indian officials. The collaboration aligns with India's goal to boost its domestic space economy to $44 billion by 2033 by shifting commercial activities to the private sector. Eutelsat Group, which merged with Eutelsat Group in 2023, aims to secure launch capacity well in advance and expand its fleet, with Airbus building 440 new satellites. The company is fully financed through 2031, having secured 5 billion euros in refinancing last year, making the French state its top shareholder.