OneWeb has launched all 36 satellites by Arianespace from the Vostochny Cosmodrome.
This launch brings its total in-orbit constellation to 146 satellites. 36 satellites by Arianespace from the Vostochny Cosmodrome, is the second launch of the five-launch programme.
With these launches, the satellite will cover the United Kingdom, Alaska, Northern Europe, Greenland, Iceland, the Arctic Seas and Canada, and will be switched on before the end of the year. Post which, OneWeb intends to make global services available in 2022.
These will form part of OneWeb’s 648 LEO (Low Earth Orbit) satellite fleet that will deliver high-speed, low-latency global connectivity.
The company, which is backed by the UK government and Indian group Bharti Airtel, has planned a five-launch programme that will enable OneWeb’s connectivity solution to reach all regions north of 50 degrees latitude by the middle of 2021, with service ready to start by year end.
Commenting on the development, OneWeb CEO Neil Masterson said this is the second of the company’s ‘Five to 50’ launch series and represents a key moment in OneWeb’s return.
“The next launch in the series is scheduled for the end of April, as we continue our drive towards commercial service this year. OneWeb is rising to the challenge of our mission to provide connectivity to everyone, everywhere, all the time. Backed by exemplary shareholders, we are connecting the world,” said Neil Masterson.
