French Launch Startup Wins Breakthrough Eutelsat Launch Deal

MaiaSpace, a new European launch provider, had made a splash early in 2026 by winning a launch contract with Eutelsat. It is a multi-launch agreement for the future launch of Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, starting next year. The agreement adds to Eutelsat’s options for access to space for its OneWeb constellation. Eutelsat announced the deal, Jan. 16.

MaiaSpace was founded less than four years ago and is building what it claims to be the first reusable and eco-designed mini launcher in Europe. The company is a subsidiary of ArianeGroup.

Its launcher has not been demonstrated yet. Last year, the company performed engine fires on its Colibri kick-stage engine. The company hopes to sustain about 20 launches a year – in reusable and expendable versions – by the beginning of the next decade. The MaiSpace launcher is designed with a 3.5-meter diameter fairing for a launch mass capability of up to 4 tons in inclined orbits.

Eutelsat did not specify how how many launches this agreement involves. It also comes after Eutelsat ordered 340 new OneWeb satellites from Airbus Defence and Space.

“We’re delighted to be bringing the MaiaSpace launch solution into our LEO constellation deployment strategy adding a complementary launch option alongside our existing partners. By broadening our launch portfolio, we can continue delivering efficient and resilient services to our customers while ensuring continuity of service for the existing constellation. It also reinforces our commitment to meeting customer demand while strengthening the resilience of our access to space,” Arlen Kassighian, chief engineering officer of Eutelsat, said in a statement.

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