British startup OneWeb has launched the last few satellites needed to offer global satellite internet coverage.
After launching its first satellites in early 2019 and then filing for bankruptcy, the company has now completed its constellation of 618 low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, with the last 36 launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota, India, about an Indian . - developed the LVM3 rocket.
While more satellites are expected to be added in the future, OneWeb says the number of satellites in operation now exceeds the global coverage requirement, and is also looking to address problems typically associated with cable, which sees rural areas underserved. what city is it.
OneWeb Satellite Internet
Its 18th launch (opens in a new tab) saw the total number of satellites increase from 582 to 618, surpassing the 588 required by the constellation design for global coverage, although there are already plans to add more units in May and June for a total of 648 satellites.
Flying at an altitude of 750 miles, the Constellation is designed to bring Internet connectivity to anyone anywhere in the world, including areas not typically served by cable service.
In addition to land-based locations, OneWeb hopes to serve maritime vessels with high-speed, low-latency connections in a move that will make our oceans more connected environments.
However, although the project will be completed in the coming months, OneWeb may not start offering customers high-speed connections until the end of the year, when it will focus on businesses rather than individuals.
By comparison, Starlink operates around 3500 satellites at altitudes of around 320 to 330 miles and has already received FCC approval to launch up to 7500 Gen 2 units.