Technology

Mitsubishi to provide H3 rocket launches for France’s Eutelsat

The deal is being seen as a major step for Japan's USD 1.55 billion state-backed H3 rocket project. Eutelsat is focused on the low-earth-orbit communications satellites sector.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) will provide multiple H3 rocket launches for French satellite company Eutelsat Group from 2027, according to a new agreement signed by the two companies. The deal is being seen as a major step for Japan's USD 1.55 billion state-backed H3 rocket project.

Eutelsat, which merged with OneWeb last year, is focused on the low-earth-orbit communications satellites sector. Eutelsat has worked with leading launch providers to deliver its fleet into orbit and this latest agreement brings additional diversity and opportunities to launch Eutelsat's satellites in the coming years, a media release said. MHI Launch Services enjoys a success rate of over 98%, utilizing its H-IIA and H-IIB launch vehicles, and has executed over 50 launches since 2005.

MHI is a global conglomerate with interests spanning energy, smart infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace and defense.