For the purpose of launching OneWeb LEO Broadband Communication Satellites on board ISRO’s most powerful launcher, LVM3, NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), an ISRO commercial subsidiary and a CPSE under the Department of Space, has signed two launch service contracts with M/s Network Access Associated Limited (M/s OneWeb), of the United Kingdom.
“This agreement with M/s OneWeb represents a significant historical turning point for NSIL and ISRO as LVM3 enters the market for global commercial launch services. One LVM3 from the Satish Dhawan Space Center will launch 36 satellites into orbit as part of the Contract, according to an announcement from ISRO.
OneWeb is a global communications network that connects governments, companies, and communities. It is powered by space. It is putting in place a constellation of satellites in low Earth orbit. Bharti, an Indian company, is a significant investor and shareholder in OneWeb.
The second launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, SHAR, has been completely integrated with two solid strap-on boosters and a liquid core stage of LVM3. After the health checks were successfully completed, the dispenser unit was built together with the integration of 36 OneWeb satellites. The launch vehicle’s cryogenic upper stage will be integrated in the upcoming days, as well as the payload fairing with its 36 satellites. The launch is tentatively scheduled for the third or fourth week of October 2022 based on the success-oriented timeline for the remaining activities.
To make the launch possible, OneWeb has partnered with NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), the commercial arm of the government-run Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).
OneWeb said in a statement that with this launch, it would have more than 70% of its intended “Gen 1 LEO constellation” in orbit as it works to provide high-speed, low-latency communication services around the globe.
The satellites will be launched by the biggest ISRO rocket, the GSLV-MkIII, from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in what will be the company’s 14th total launch.
OneWeb announced that there will be one more launch this year and three more planned for the beginning of the following year to complete the constellation.
The impending launch will “demonstrate enormous momentum and progress toward offering global coverage next year,” according to the business, which described it as a key milestone.
According to the statement, “OneWeb resumes its launch programme with major partners in the satcom business and the company’s services are already available in Alaska, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the Arctic region.”
This year, Hughes Communications India Pvt Ltd. and Bharti Enterprises, a significant investor and stakeholder in OneWeb, formed a distribution collaboration (HCIPL). OneWeb will link hard-to-reach cities, villages, and local and regional governments, “playing a crucial role in bridging the digital divide across India.”
We have been able to successfully manage the constantly shifting global climate and get ready for yet another historic launch thanks to OneWeb’s commitment to industry collaboration. Neil Masterson, CEO of OneWeb, said, “We are pleased of our capacity to adapt and continue on pace to deliver worldwide connectivity in the hardest to reach regions.
According to Radhakrishnan D, Chairman and Managing Director of NewSpace India Limited, launching the 36 OneWeb satellites on board GSLV-MkIII from India is a “historic occasion” for NSIL and ISRO.
In addition, Radhakrishnan said, “We are eager to see the satellites and ground support equipment arrive in India in advance of the launch.”
As well-known companies like Jio and OneWeb get ready to compete for a piece of India’s lucrative satellite-based internet services market, the scene is set for some high-voltage action. In the nation, LEO demonstrations for the business, telecom, and government sectors have also been successfully accomplished by Nelco and Telesat.
Elon Musk, a tech tycoon, is also closely watching the broadband from space market with his SpaceX Starlink and Amazon’s Project Kuiper.
A Letter of Intent (LoI) for satellite communication services was given to Reliance Jio Infocomm’s satellite division earlier this month. The Jio Satellite Communications Ltd. received the LoI. (JSCL).
