OneWeb Signs Deal with SpaceX for Resumption of Satellite Launches

(22 Mar 2022, 13:45 +07)  SpaceX has agreed to launch satellites for OneWeb, a low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite communications company.

The first launch with SpaceX is anticipated later this year and will add to OneWeb’s total in-orbit constellation that currently stands at 428 satellites, or 66 percent of its target fleet.

The company used to work with Roscomos for its launches and was scheduled to send 36 satellites into space earlier this month. That partnership, however, has hit numerous complications due to sanctions imposed on Russia over the conflict in Ukraine.

OneWeb has signed a deal with SpaceX that will enable it to resume satellite launches.

OneWeb, the world’s second biggest satellite operator, has its head office in London with other offices in California, Florida, Virginia, Dubai and Singapore. The company is owned by the UK Government and the Indian multinational, Bharti Global.

Neil Masterson, OneWeb CEO, said, “We thank SpaceX for their 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.”

OneWeb is targetting its broadband connectivity services to telecommunications providers, aviation and maritime markets, and governments worldwide. The company says it has activated service with its network at the 50th parallel and above.

Details of the deal between OneWeb and SpaceX have not been disclosed.