UK-based low Earth orbit satellite communications company OneWeb has launched 36 satellites to rival Elon Musk’s Starlink.
In a statement issued yesterday, the company confirmed the successful deployment and contact of the 36 satellites launched by NewSpace India, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, India.
Lift-off took place on Sunday at 9am local time.
According to the company, OneWeb’s satellites separated successfully from the rocket and were dispensed in nine phases over a period of one hour and 14 minutes, with signal acquisition on all 36 satellites confirmed.
This is OneWeb’s 18th launch, its third this year, bringing the total of OneWeb’s constellation to 618 satellites, says the firm.
It explains that the OneWeb constellation design calls for 588 satellites for global coverage and additional satellites are planned for resiliency and redundancy.
Musk’s Starlink programme has launched a total of 3 055 small low Earth orbit satellites so far.
“Thanks to today’s [Sunday’s] successful launch, the constellation is in place to soon deliver global services,” the company says.
“By year-end, OneWeb will be ready to roll out global coverage, enhancing its existing connectivity solutions that are already live in regions north of 50-degrees latitude, as it brings new areas online by partnering with leading providers.”
This mission marks OneWeb’s second satellite deployment from India.
Sunil Bharti Mittal, executive chairman of OneWeb, says: “In my work, I have seen the power of connectivity to bring benefits to all, wherever they are. Yet half the world’s population does not have access to fast, reliable connectivity. Today’s launch represents a major step towards closing the digital divide. OneWeb’s global constellation will play a pivotal role in realising this dream.
“Overall, this is an incredibly exciting time for the satellite connectivity industry, and I am delighted that the UK and India are at the forefront of developments.
“I would like to thank colleagues, our partners, vendors, investors and customers who have realised the potential of OneWeb and made this launch possible. I am incredibly excited for the future of OneWeb and the opportunity its connectivity services provide to communities globally.”
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