Airbus Selects Rocket Lab to Supply Solar Panels for Next-Gen OneWeb Satellites
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Mar 13, 2025

Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB), a leading provider of space systems and launch services, has been awarded a contract by Airbus Constellation Satellites to supply high-efficiency solar panels for 100 OneWeb Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites commissioned by Eutelsat Group. These satellites are designed to extend high-speed, low-latency internet connectivity to underserved regions worldwide.

Under the agreement, Rocket Lab will manufacture and deliver 200 solar panels, comprising carbon composite panel substrates, solar cells, and photovoltaic assemblies. Production will take place at Rocket Lab's 150,000-square-foot solar manufacturing facility in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

The panels will collectively generate approximately 80 kW of power, an amount equivalent to the energy needed to operate 16 Hubble-sized space telescopes.

"We're thrilled to extend our partnership with Airbus by providing our world-leading space solar panels to power Eutelsat's next-gen OneWeb constellation," said Brad Clevenger, Vice President of Space Systems at Rocket Lab. "This collaboration will see 100 more satellites equipped with Rocket Lab technology, ensuring dependable, cutting-edge solutions that advance global connectivity."

Rocket Lab previously supplied over 450 solar array panel shipsets to Airbus for the first generation of OneWeb satellites launched in 2021. Airbus is now gearing up to produce the first batch of the next-generation satellites, with deployment expected in 2026.

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