Space computing specialist Ramon.Space has secured a contract to provide digital communication channelizer systems for at least 70 upcoming OneWeb satellites. This significant deal will facilitate the transition of OneWeb's constellation to a software-defined network, allowing for in-orbit updates and enhanced flexibility.
The California-based company will commence deliveries of its signal routing technology in the coming months to Toulouse, France, where Airbus is manufacturing the initial 100 follow-on spacecraft for OneWeb's parent company, Eutelsat. Satellite launches are slated to begin at the end of 2026.
Currently, OneWeb's constellation of 654 low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites utilizes analog channelizers. Avi Shabtai, CEO of Ramon.Space, explained that the company's onboard processors will enable OneWeb to adapt to evolving market demands and ensure seamless compatibility with Eutelsat's geostationary fleet and the upcoming IRIS², Europe's sovereign multi-orbit broadband constellation scheduled for launch in 2031. "Digitizing signal processing will also be key to introducing advanced network management tools powered by artificial intelligence," Shabtai added, though he declined to specify particular applications.
Fabien Vernat, Eutelsat’s replenishment program manager for OneWeb, emphasized the technology's role in maintaining existing services while enabling future, advanced capabilities. While financial details remain undisclosed, Shabtai described the agreement as one of Ramon.Space's largest to date, with potential for expansion to encompass additional satellites.
Eutelsat has announced plans to invest up to €2.2 billion ($2.5 billion) to deploy the 440 satellites required to maintain the OneWeb constellation until IRIS² becomes operational. The French operator has also pledged approximately €2 billion towards its participation in the IRIS² public-private partnership.
This transition to software-defined satellites underscores a wider industry trend towards greater in-orbit adaptability. SpaceX, for instance, has integrated software-defined radios into its Starlink LEO network to dynamically adjust coverage and manage capacity.