SuperyachtNews.com - Technology - OneWeb crosses coverage threshold 

By SuperyachtNews

OneWeb crosses coverage threshold 

With an additional 36 satellites launched, the LEO constellation has hit its target for global coverage…

OneWeb successfully launches 36 additional satellites by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR) in Sriharikota, India. This is OneWeb’s 18th launch, its third this year, bringing the total of OneWeb’s constellation to 618 satellites. The OneWeb constellation design calls for 588 satellites for global coverage and additional satellites are planned for resiliency and redundancy.

Once touted as the UK's chance to create a British equivalent to SpaceX, the UK's investment in OneWeb is now thought to be around 20 per cent, shared with EU-based counterparts. According to a statement, OneWeb will be ready to roll out global coverage by the end of 2023 by enhancing its existing connectivity solutions that are already live in regions north of 50 degrees latitude. 

"This is the most significant milestone in the history of OneWeb, as we reach the satellites needed for global coverage. Over several years we have remained focused on our commitment to deliver a network that will provide connectivity for our customers and communities that need it most," said OneWeb CEO, Neil Masterson.

The OneWeb constellation operates in the Ku-band frequency range, using a combination of ground-based gateways and user terminals. There are several companies and organizations that are developing or already operating LEO constellations to provide global broadband internet access, including:

SpaceX: SpaceX's Starlink constellation is already operational with over 3,000 satellites launched and plans to launch up to 12,000 satellites to provide global coverage.

Amazon: Amazon's Project Kuiper plans to launch over 3,000 satellites to provide global broadband access.

Telesat: Telesat is developing its own LEO constellation called Lightspeed, which will consist of up to 298 satellites and offer high-speed internet connectivity to businesses, governments, and consumers around the world.

Boeing: Boeing has proposed a LEO constellation called the "V-band" system that could provide broadband connectivity for commercial and government customers.

These are just a few examples of the many companies and organizations working on LEO constellations for global broadband internet access. The competition in this space is expected to intensify in the coming years, as more companies enter the market and existing players expand their networks.

Join the discussion

OneWeb crosses coverage threshold 

34429

To post comments please Sign in or Register

When commenting please follow our house rules


Click here to become part of The Superyacht Group community, and join us in our mission to make this industry accessible to all, and prosperous for the long-term. We are offering access to the superyacht industry’s most comprehensive and longstanding archive of business-critical information, as well as a comprehensive, real-time superyacht fleet database, for just £10 per month, because we are One Industry with One Mission. Sign up here.

Related news

Image for Elcome offers Starlink internet to yachts

Elcome offers Starlink internet to yachts

Starlink is one of the most significant advancements in communications for the maritime industry in decades

Business

Image for SpaceX launches Starlink Maritime

SpaceX launches Starlink Maritime

SpaceX expands its Starlink services to the marine sector, with its LEO constellation now available for superyachts

Technology

Image for Inmarsat to launch Fleet Safety

Inmarsat to launch Fleet Safety

John Dodd, director of safety services at Inmarsat, hopes to change the way we think about GMDSS

Crew

Image for The communications conundrum: matching form with function

The communications conundrum: matching form with function

Balancing powerful, high-quality service with the smallest possible antennas is vital for superyacht communications

Technology

Image for Inmarsat Highlights Ground-breaking Technical Innovations

Inmarsat Highlights Ground-breaking Technical Innovations

Inmarsat will showcase key capabilities of the new ORCHESTRA and ELERA services at the Monaco Yacht Show.

Technology

Sign up to the SuperyachtNews Bulletin

Receive unrivalled market intelligence, weekly headlines and the most relevant and insightful journalism directly to your inbox.

The SuperyachtNews App

Follow us on