Return to Flight Schedule Announced by OneWeb
OneWeb has amended its existing launch contract with Arianespace, and now plans for its space-based internet satellites to return to flight in December 2020. That would put the company on track to complete the deployment of its full global constellation of Low Earth Orbit satellites by the end of 2022.
The amended agreement with Arianespace provides for 16 launches placing another 34-36 satellites per launch into OneWeb’s growing constellation. OneWeb’s return-to-flight launch in December will increase OneWeb’s in-orbit fleet to 110 satellites.
OneWeb plans to commence commercial services by the end of 2021. Initial regions will include: The United Kingdom, Alaska, Northern Europe, Greenland, Iceland, the Arctic seas and Canada.
This amended agreement, which remains subject to confirmation and consummation of OneWeb’s restructuring plan, is an important milestone for OneWeb as it plans to emerge from the Chapter 11, with HM Government and Bharti Global as the prevailing bidders in OneWeb’s bankruptcy sale process. It confirms that the company will be well-placed to offer enterprise-grade connectivity services for communities, businesses, and governments in a short timeframe.
OneWeb Satellites, OneWeb’s joint venture with Airbus, is responsible for manufacturing the satellites and is ramping up the pace of production and execution to meet the upcoming launch schedule. The company plans to eventually deploy and operate a constellation of up to 900 low-earth orbit satellites providing global high-speed internet access.
OneWeb Satellites factories are located in Toulouse, France and Merritt Island, Exploration Park in Florida. The assembly line is made of 4 modules where the different parts of the Satellites are assembled and tested. These module are then assembled and tested on the Final Assembly Line to deliver a tested and completed satellite. The satellites are also prepared for a fast installation on the dispenser at the Launch site.
OneWeb anticipates the closing of the planned sale of the company in Q4 2020, subject to confirmation and consummation of OneWeb’s restructuring plan, court approval and regulatory consents.
(Source: OneWeb news release. Courtesy image)