Overview

The Eurostar Neo product line is based on a modular concept with a generic service module providing all necessary satellite services and a scalable communications module adapted to specific customer payload accommodation needs.

The Eurostar Neo product is optimised for the use of full electric propulsion and employs state-of-the-art technologies and innovative solutions, along with a versatile but standardised approach to payload equipment layout. Together these increase the competitiveness of the product by reducing costs and development time.

So far Airbus has sold eight Eurostar Neo satellites with the option of a ninth. The first two satellites host identical Hotbird Next payloads, broadcasting television channels across Europe, Northern Africa and the Middle East for operator Eutelsat.

In May 2019, a commercial contract was awarded to build two more full electric satellites for Hisdesat, a Spanish telecommunications service provider.

Other sales were to the UK Ministry of Defence, the Arab Satellite Communications Organization and Al Yah Satellite Communications based in the United Arab Emirates.

The Eurostar Neo product line is developed in the frame of ESA’s programme of Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES) and the French PIA (“Programme d’Investissement d’Avenir”), in cooperation with space agencies from ESA Member States, and managed jointly by ESA and the French Space Agency, CNES.

The Neosat programme comprises both Spacebus Neo by Thales Alenia Space and Eurostar Neo by Airbus. It includes development and in-orbit validation of the new satellite product lines for both companies, allowing the two European satellite prime integrators to deliver competitive satellites for the commercial satellite market.

So far 16 satellites and one option have been sold under the Neosat programme, of which eight have been by Thales Alenia Space and eight by Airbus.