By Oshadhi Gimesha, Lead Journalist | Editor-in-Chief Approved
Stock Rally Signals a Satellite Shift in Ukraine
Picture this: a sleepy French satellite company wakes up to a stock surge that would make even Elon Musk blink. Last week, Eutelsat’s shares rocketed over 550%, turning heads from Paris to Kyiv. The rally—sparked by whispers of replacing Starlink in Ukraine—has thrust Eutelsat into the spotlight. As U.S. aid wavers and Europe flexes its tech muscle, this isn’t just a market blip—it’s a geopolitical power play unfolding in orbit.
Key Points
- Eutelsat’s stock jumped 550% in three days, peaking Friday.
- Europe sees it as a Starlink rival amid Ukraine’s connectivity needs.
- Trump’s aid pause fuels doubts about U.S.-backed satellite reliance.
A Stellar Leap for Eutelsat
Eutelsat’s week was one for the books. From February 28 to March 7, its stock climbed nearly 390%, then added a 22% boost by Monday midday in Paris—a total gain of over 550%. This isn’t your average market hiccup. The French firm, with 35 geostationary satellites and 600+ low Earth orbit (LEO) craft via its OneWeb merger, is riding a wave of investor hype. Why? Europe’s betting it can step up where Starlink might step back, especially in Ukraine. For a company that’s lagged behind Musk’s SpaceX for years, this surge feels like a Cinderella story—but with satellites instead of glass slippers.
What’s Fueling the Sky-High Rise?
The spark came from Ukraine, where Starlink’s 7,000+ satellites have kept troops online since Russia’s invasion began. Last week, that lifeline hit turbulence: Trump paused all U.S. military aid to Kyiv after clashing with Zelenskyy, pushing for Moscow talks instead. Back in February, U.S. negotiators floated cutting Starlink access as a diplomatic lever—now, with Trump’s shift, it’s no idle threat. Enter Eutelsat, with rumors swirling that it could take over. The EU is in talks to expand Eutelsat’s role there, and investors jumped on the bandwagon fast. Toss in the EU’s 800 billion euro defense plan, and you’ve got a recipe for a European satellite renaissance.
The Stakes: Europe vs. Musk
Europe’s not just watching—it’s acting. Eutelsat’s OneWeb network promises low-latency internet across the continent, and CEO Eva Berneke says they could deploy 40,000 terminals in Ukraine fast. That’s a bold swing at Starlink’s 40,000 already there. But Musk’s fighting back. On X, he sparred with Poland’s Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, who hinted at ditching Starlink if it falters—Poland pays a chunk of Ukraine’s bill. Musk warned, “No Starlink, no front line.” U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio brushed off cutoff fears, yet Poland’s PM Donald Tusk backed Sikorski, signaling Europe’s readiness to pivot. The establishment might call this a long shot, but Eutelsat’s rally says otherwise—Europe wants its orbit, now.
The Catch: Can Eutelsat Deliver?
Here’s the rub: Eutelsat’s got hurdles. Its OneWeb terminals cost up to $10,000 each—Starlink’s are $589. With just 600 satellites to Starlink’s 7,000+, scaling up is a tall order. Analysts like Hamish Low from Enders say it “can’t match” Musk’s scope yet, though it could fill gaps. The EU’s IRIS² project, a 290-satellite rival, won’t launch until 2030, leaving Eutelsat as the interim hope. The stock’s cooled slightly since Friday, and a 12% revenue bump in 2024 has skeptics crying bubble. The establishment narrative—Starlink’s untouchable—feels shaky, but Eutelsat’s untested. Investors are betting big; reality might bite back.
What’s Next for the Satellite Stakes?
As Trump rewrites U.S. policy, Europe’s racing to secure its sky. Eutelsat’s 550% surge is a signal: Ukraine’s connectivity hangs in the balance, and so does European tech pride. Can it outshine Starlink, or is this a flash in the pan? News Zier will keep you posted on this high-flying showdown.
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