Eutelsat uses SpaceX rocket to launch first satellites after merger

Eutelsat, opens new tab, the world’s third-biggest satellite operator by revenue, launched 20 satellites for its communications network on Sunday, using Elon Musk’s SpaceX in its first move since the merger of two European companies last year.

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket took off, opens new tab with Eutelsat satellites from California’s Vandenberg Space Force Base at 0513 GMT.

“This is the first OneWeb launch of the satellites since the merger,” CEO Eva Berneke told Reuters in an interview. “We will be launching more satellites over the coming years.”