Business

OneWeb-SpaceX signs deal to resume satellite launches

So far, OneWeb has launched 428 satellites and plans to launch services across the world by the end of this year

March 22, 2022

OneWeb launching satellites with SpaceX after suspending Ties with Russian

Bharti Enterprises-led OneWeb has entered into an agreement with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to resume satellite launches. The partnership is limited to the launching of satellites and their terms of the agreement with SpaceX are kept confidential.

OneWeb is a joint venture between India Bharti Global and the UK government.
OneWeb has recently announced that it has entered into an agreement with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to launch its low earth orbit (LEO) satellites.

Headquartered in London, OneWeb plans to have a constellation of 650 satellites in low earth orbit to offer communication services. To date, the company has launched 428 satellites. The last bunch, 34 satellites, was launched in February 2022 by Arianespace from the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou, French Guiana.

OneWeb CEO Neil Masterson said, “The first launch with SpaceX is anticipated in 2022 and will add to OneWeb’s total in-orbit constellation that currently stands at 428 satellites or 66 percent of the fleet. OneWeb’s network will deliver high-speed, low-latency global connectivity.”

He added, “We thank SpaceX for its support, which reflects our shared vision for the boundless potential of space. With these launch plans in place, we’re on track to finish building out our full fleet of satellites and deliver robust, fast, secure connectivity around the globe.”

Earlier in the month, the board of OneWeb had voted to suspend satellite launches from Baikonur rocket port in Russia. The suspension of launches is one of the after-effects of Russia’s military operation in Ukraine.

[With Inputs from IANS]

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