OneWeb, the low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite communications company, announced that they have entered into an agreement with New Space India Limited, the commercial arm of the Indian Space Research Organisation(ISRO), to help ensure OneWeb completes its satellite launch programme. OneWeb remains on track for developing its satellite constellation network, delivering industry-grade secure connectivity.
The first launch is expected in 2022 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. The launches will add to the total in-orbit constellation of 428 satellites of OneWeb, which includes 66 per cent of the planned total fleet, to build a global network that will deliver high-speed and low-latency connectivity.
Sunil Bharti Mittal, OneWeb Executive Chairman, said, “This is a historic day for collaboration in space due to the shared ambition and vision of New Space India and OneWeb. The recent agreement on launch plans adds momentum to the development of OneWeb’s network, as we work across the space industry toward our common goal of connecting communities globally.”
This launch contract follows a separate agreement between OneWeb and SpaceX to enable the company to resume satellite launches announced in March 2022. OneWeb has activated service with its network at the 50th parallel as the demand for the company’s broadband connectivity services continues to grow.