Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc. announced completion of a deal with Eutelsat OneWeb to purchase its 50% share of the Airbus OneWeb Satellites (AOS) joint venture.

Airbus is now the sole owner of AOS and the satellite manufacturing facility in Merritt Island, Florida.

The new structure is expected to provide maximum efficiency and increased competitiveness for commercial, institutional and national security space customers.

“This agreement furthers our position as a market leader in the small satellite constellation business, building on our successful partnership with OneWeb,” said Robert Geckle, Chairman and CEO, Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc.

He added: “We will continue mass producing small satellites for our customers and are excited for what the future holds for us on Florida’s Space Coast as we move forward.”

Airbus U.S. Space & Defense recently retooled the Merritt Island factory to accomodate the Arrow450 production line and is starting an expansion project to meet increased demand for small satellites from commercial and government customers deepening the company’s presence in Florida.

The AOS joint venture, established in 2016, built more than 600 satellites at the rate of two per day for the OneWeb first generation constellation, currently operating on-orbit.

Featured image credited to Max Alexander Photography