MDA Space Secures Major Antenna Order for OneWeb Constellation Expansion
Event summary
- MDA Space has been awarded a contract by Airbus to supply over 1,300 antennas (880 Ka-band steerable and 440 Ku-band user replacement) for the OneWeb constellation extension.
- This order follows an initial 2016 contract for approximately 2,000 antennas from OneWeb.
- The antennas will be manufactured in Montréal and integrated into Airbus’ Arrow telecommunications satellites.
- Eutelsat commissioned Airbus to build the OneWeb constellation extensions in December 2024 and December 2025.
The big picture
This repeat order from Airbus/OneWeb underscores MDA Space’s position as a key supplier in the rapidly expanding LEO satellite constellation market. The contract, valued at an undisclosed amount, highlights the growing demand for antenna systems to support these large-scale deployments, which are crucial for providing global broadband connectivity. MDA Space’s ability to secure this order after a successful initial deployment demonstrates its reliability and technical capabilities within the sector.
What we're watching
- Execution Risk
- The scale of this order (over 1,300 antennas) presents execution risk for MDA Space, particularly given the tight integration with Airbus’ satellite manufacturing process. Monitoring production timelines and potential delays will be critical.
- Competitive Landscape
- While MDA Space has a strong track record, increased demand for satellite antennas could attract new competitors or intensify pricing pressure. Assessing MDA Space's ability to maintain margins in a potentially more competitive environment is important.
- Eutelsat Strategy
- The continued expansion of the OneWeb constellation signals Eutelsat's commitment to LEO satellite services. Observing Eutelsat's overall strategy and investment in LEO versus GEO satellites will provide insight into the long-term demand for MDA Space's antennas.
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