Eutelsat Fleet Adjusts Following Partner Satellite Issues

Eutelsat ends capacity agreements for two RSCC satellites, cutting its GEO fleet from 33 to 31. The move has minimal financial impact, with no change to EBITDA or strategic targets.

A technical failure at Russian partner RSCC has prompted European satellite operator Eutelsat to make a portfolio adjustment. The company is terminating its capacity agreements for two satellites, resulting in a reduction of its operational geostationary (GEO) fleet from 33 to 31 units.

Portfolio Shift Amid Technical Setbacks

The decision stems from specific technical developments rather than a strategic pivot. The Express AT1 satellite, positioned at 56° East, has experienced an operational failure. Meanwhile, the Express AT2 satellite is being relocated from its current orbital slot at 140° East. These two assets had previously served to augment the coverage provided by Eutelsat's own satellites, EUTELSAT 36C and EUTELSAT 36D. The company must now manage without this supplementary capacity.

Minimal Financial Impact Reported

Eutelsat has indicated that the financial consequences of this change are expected to be contained. For the current 2025/26 fiscal year, the adjustment is projected to reduce revenue by an amount in the low single-digit millions. Crucially, the company states there will be virtually no effect on its EBITDA. Eutelsat confirms that its overall financial targets remain unchanged.

This development occurs as the group intensifies its strategic focus on expanding its low Earth orbit (LEO) infrastructure, centered on the OneWeb constellation. Within this broader context, the loss of two less-critical GEO capacities is considered minor. These satellites functioned as complementary assets, not as core components of the business.