The Sovereign Satellite’s Ascendancy

As the broadcast and communications industry gathers in Amsterdam for the International Broadcast Convention (IBC), the satellite industry is undergoing a significant transformation towards offering more sovereign capability rather than relying solely on large US networks. Recent mergers have led to the creation of larger European operations that are keen on incorporating new technologies, ranging from 5G to software-defined satellites.

Startups are also playing a crucial role in providing agile sovereign services. Finnish operator ICeye, for instance, boasts the largest constellation of monitoring satellites and is expanding into defense applications. Similarly, a Bulgarian company is increasing the production of lower-cost satellites using automotive and consumer components, along with a new architecture to significantly reduce development times.

Satellites have been a fundamental communications technology since the inception of the first Telstar system in 1962, connecting the US and Europe. In recent months, the European satellite industry has witnessed a dramatic shift, with notable acquisitions such as Intelsat being bought by SES, UK-based Inmarsat acquired by US operator Viasat, and UK broadband operator OneWeb purchased by Eutelsat. Concurrently, several startups are pivoting to provide sovereign capability to governments for satellite monitoring and 5G communications.

The acquisition of US-based operator Intelsat by SES in July 2025 has resulted in the creation of a European operator with a fleet of 120 satellites spanning two orbits. This network comprises approximately 90 geostationary (GEO) satellites, nearly 30 medium earth orbit (MEO) satellites, strategic access to low earth orbit (LEO) satellites, and an extensive ground network.

The Luxembourg Government is collaborating with SES on the development of a second satellite for its GovSat system, which offers secure, reliable, and accessible satellite communication services for governments. GovSat-2 will be positioned over the European satellite arc, complementing GovSat-1 launched in 2018, to provide connectivity for government customers across the region. The satellite, built by Thales Alenia Space on the Spacebus 4000B2 platform, will feature new ultra-high frequency (UHF) channels, X- and military Ka-band, and enhanced security features.

OneWeb

OneWeb, a UK broadband satellite startup, is undergoing a transformation with the development of second-generation satellites by Airbus to incorporate 5G capability. Acquired by Eutelsat in 2022, OneWeb was established as a sovereign broadband competitor to US operator StarLink.

“Airbus manufactured all of the current OneWeb satellite fleet. We are committed to the successful continuation of the OneWeb constellation and to keep serving the business of Eutelsat as we have done over the past decades,” said Alain Fauré, Head of Space Systems at Airbus Defence and Space.

The new satellites will be compatible with Europe’s planned IRIS2 multi-orbit constellation, set to enter operational service in 2030. Eutelsat will be a key operator, forming a significant sovereign satellite constellation for both communications and monitoring purposes.

“We are relying on Airbus to begin building the first batches of the Next Generation of our OneWeb LEO constellation, which will ensure we deliver continuity of service of the existing constellation with enhanced service features, as we move towards an architecture in line with the European IRIS2 constellation in 2030,” said Fauré.

Univity

French startup Univity, formerly known as Constellation Technologies & Operations (CTO), is pioneering a new type of 5G satellite. Collaborating with the European Space Agency (ESA), Univity is working on launching a sovereign European space-based 5G connectivity using millimeter-wave frequencies.

The joint experiments in very Low Earth Orbit (vLEO) focus on the first regenerative payload operating in the 5G mmWave band, developed in Europe by Univity and ECSAT in the UK. This regenerative capability enables telecom operators to share their 5G FR2 (mmWave) spectrum for a low-latency 5G flexible service, catering to remote, rural, or crisis-stricken areas.

Two prototype satellites are scheduled for launch in 2027, followed by the gradual deployment of the constellation between 2028 and 2030.

“This alliance with ESA reflects a shared ambition: to build a competitive European sovereignty in space connectivity, powered by bold technology designed and developed in Europe,” said Charles Delfieux, CEO and founder of Univity.

SAR Radar

ICeye in Finland has transitioned its operations towards more sovereign applications, influencing the design of its satellites. With a constellation of satellites equipped with synthetic aperture radar (SAR) for ground monitoring, ICeye operates the world’s largest constellation of SAR satellites, attracting the attention of national governments.

A recent €158m deal with the Finnish military will see ICeye supply SAR satellites and the necessary technical systems to establish a sovereign, space-based surveillance capability for the Finnish Defence Forces.

The fourth-generation ICeye satellites enhance resolution and image capture rates, designed for large-scale deployment and operations in extensive constellations. The higher imaging throughput offers faster, more reliable situational awareness for government defense and intelligence teams.

Each Gen4 satellite can capture up to 500 images per day, with a high-resolution coverage area of 400 km, providing the world’s highest-fidelity commercial SAR imagery. This enhanced capability is crucial for European governments seeking a fully sovereign solution free from US ITAR controls.

The first wave of Gen4 satellites was launched in March 2025, marking a significant advancement for governments, defense, and intelligence customers worldwide.

Italy

Italy has been developing its constellation of microsatellites, with seven satellites launched for the Italian Earth observation mission, IRID, forming part of the Hawk for Earth Observation (HEO) constellation. These satellites equipped with multispectral optical instruments will provide data to assist Italian public authorities in making decisions based on scientific space data.

The seven HEO satellites were developed by Argotec in Turin, marking a significant milestone for the IRIDE program. The satellite data will support global security, resource management, and environmental services.

Bulgaria

Bulgaria is emerging as a key hub for European satellite technology, with Endurosat operating over 120 satellites in orbit and securing €43m in funding to enhance production of its third-generation satellites at a new facility in Sofia.

The FRAME software-defined satellites, ranging from 200-500kg, feature a fully modular architecture allowing for easy configuration of various payloads. Endurosat’s innovative design enables rapid assembly and functional testing, significantly reducing satellite build times.

Endurosat is constructing a 17,500 m² facility in Sofia, set to become one of Europe’s largest space R&D centers. By the end of 2025, the company aims to produce up to 60 satellites per month from the site, showcasing cost efficiency and performance above market standards.

Sovereign Launches

Establishing a sovereign capability for launching satellites has been a critical focus. The long-awaited Ariane 6 heavy launcher is now operational, offering an alternative to the SpaceX Falcon and succeeding the Ariane 5 launcher. The recent commercial launches of Ariane 6 have placed several European defense and monitoring satellites into orbit, including Amazon’s Kuiper broadband satellites.

The Ariane 64 configuration can launch up to 21.6 tonnes into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) or 11.5 tonnes into Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO), comparable to the Falcon 9 launcher. The Ariane 62 variant can carry around 10.3 tonnes to LEO and 4.5 tonnes to GTO, providing Europe with autonomous, resilient, and cost-effective access to space.

With stakeholders converging at IBC in Amsterdam, the emphasis on sovereign satellite capability is intensifying. Europe’s robust operator and technology supply chain, coupled with startups focusing on sovereign solutions, are challenging established industry players and driving innovation in the satellite sector.