The final set of satellites needed to provide a broadband internet connection anywhere on Earth has been launched by London-based OneWeb. The 36 spacecraft were launched from the Andhra Pradesh spaceport of Sriharikota on an Indian LVM3 rocket.
OneWeb now has 618 constellations in orbit after they were deployed 450 kilometers above the planet. The UK government made the decision to buy OneWeb out of bankruptcy less than three years ago.
It was seen as controversial at the time, concerning whether it was a wise use of taxpayer funds. OneWeb, on the other hand, has managed to secure a significant amount of additional funding since the acquisition and is currently planning a new generation of satellites.
As they reach the satellites required for global coverage, this is the most significant milestone in OneWeb’s history, said Neil Masterson, CEO of OneWeb. Neil Masterson added that, over the course of several years, they have remained focused on their commitment to deliver a network that will provide connectivity for their customers and communities that most need it.
OneWeb will be able to provide a global communications service once the Sunday’s group of satellites are in position, even though it will take several months for them to be tested and placed in the right spot in the sky. Only OneWeb’s main rival is currently flying more satellites into space than any other organization in the world, and Elon Musk’s operation of the Starlink system.
OneWeb, in contrast to the network founded by the US entrepreneur, does not offer broadband connections directly to individual users. The telecommunications companies that provide this internet service make up the majority of its customers. They might also be using the connectivity to add to or expand their mobile phone networks’ infrastructure.
