The next batch of 36 satellites has been launched by Bharti Global-backed OneWeb, which is a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite communications operator.
These were launched by Arianespace from the Vostochny cosmodrome in Russia.
Total Satellite Fleet
The total in-orbit constellation of OneWeb currently stands at 218 satellites. It will be a part of high-speed, low-latency global connectivity that OneWeb intends to deliver with the 648 LEO satellite fleet.
The ‘Five to 50’ service, represents the fourth in a five-launch program that will enable OneWeb to offer connectivity across the UK, Alaska, Northern Europe, Greenland, the Arctic Seas, and Canada. The service is to be expected to be switched on before the end of the year.
Latest Fundraising
OneWeb plans to make global services available in 2022. The latest launch comes just a month after OneWeb announced plans to raise $550 million (Rs 4,103 crore) by selling a 24 percent stake to Eutelsat Communications. The company’s total funding now stands at $1.9 billion which will help the company in launching a first-generation fleet of 648 satellites next year.
“Today’s successful launch is another execution milestone that puts us one launch away from delivering high speed, low latency connectivity to Alaska, Canada, Greenland, UK, and Northern Europe. Today we celebrate and thank our Florida team for their hard work and dedication that has delivered more than 200 satellites to orbit. Collaboration and teamwork are vital for OneWeb’s mission to succeed” Neil Masterson, OneWeb CEO, said while commenting on the launch.