Illustration of a Eutelsat Quantum satellite (right) being deployed into Earth orbit. The Quantum telecommunication satellites are a joint project between the European Space Agency (ESA) and the European satellite operator Eutelsat. The satellites are designed to be fully reprogrammable once in orbit. Parameters such as coverage, frequency, power and position will be able to be reconfigured as needs change. The first Quantum satellite is due to be launched in 2021.