SpaceX Successfully Launches Final Batch of Eutelsat OneWeb Broadband Satellites
SpaceX launched 20 broadband satellites for Eutelsat OneWeb early on October 20, completing the first-generation constellation for the company’s global internet services. The launch occurred at 1:13 a.m. EDT (0513 GMT; 10:13 p.m. local California time, Oct. 19) from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, marking a significant step forward in global connectivity efforts.
The Launch Details
The mission involved a Falcon 9 rocket carrying the last set of Eutelsat OneWeb’s first-generation satellites, known as the V1 series. The Falcon 9’s reusable first stage completed its seventh mission, successfully returning to Earth and landing at Vandenberg’s Landing Zone 4 just eight minutes after liftoff. The rocket’s upper stage then proceeded to transport the 20 satellites to low Earth orbit, deploying them over a span of 20 minutes starting 59 minutes after launch.
A Milestone for Eutelsat OneWeb’s Constellation
The launch represents the completion of Eutelsat OneWeb’s initial satellite constellation, with this latest deployment bringing the total number of satellites to 654. Previously, a batch of 16 satellites launched by SpaceX in May 2023 was considered sufficient for global service coverage. According to Eutelsat OneWeb, the added satellites from this mission enhance the resilience and redundancy of the constellation, increasing the reliability and reach of services for both government and enterprise customers worldwide.
Eutelsat OneWeb’s transformation to a global satellite internet provider began in September 2023 when OneWeb merged with Eutelsat, a major satellite operator, creating a comprehensive service for high-speed internet across remote areas and underserved communities. This mission marks the culmination of that vision, reinforcing global broadband coverage and setting the stage for enhanced connectivity.
Important Highlights of the Launch and Mission
- Falcon 9 Reusability: The first stage of the Falcon 9 booster successfully landed, demonstrating SpaceX’s ongoing achievement in reusable launch technology.
- Completion of First-Generation Constellation: With 654 satellites in orbit, Eutelsat OneWeb’s first-generation network now covers the globe.
- Enhanced Resilience: Additional satellites will strengthen connectivity services, with improved coverage and reliability for users in remote or challenging locations.
- Historical Shift from Soyuz Rockets: Eutelsat OneWeb initially planned to use Russian Soyuz rockets but changed course in 2022 due to geopolitical issues following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The Transition from Soyuz to SpaceX Launches
SpaceX’s role in Eutelsat OneWeb’s constellation expansion began in March 2022 after OneWeb’s prior contract to use Russian-built Soyuz rockets was disrupted. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Roscosmos, the Russian federal space agency, stipulated that OneWeb must agree to two conditions for the launch to proceed. These conditions included the assurance that the satellites would not be used for military purposes and that the UK government divest from OneWeb’s investor base. OneWeb declined to meet these demands, leading Roscosmos to cancel the launch and remove the 36 OneWeb satellites from the Soyuz rocket at Baikonur Cosmodrome.
Since then, SpaceX has launched multiple batches of OneWeb satellites, strengthening their alliance and demonstrating the growing impact of private aerospace partnerships.
Future Prospects for Eutelsat OneWeb
With this completed constellation, Eutelsat OneWeb can now offer scalable and comprehensive satellite internet to customers worldwide, particularly in underserved regions. This extended service capacity aligns with global efforts to bridge the digital divide and bring reliable internet access to remote or isolated communities.
As the Eutelsat OneWeb constellation takes shape, it highlights both the achievements in global connectivity and the adaptability required in the rapidly evolving aerospace industry.
