OneWeb has deployed 40 satellites, the firm’s 16th launch to date means there are two more to go until its “first-generation” constellation is in orbit.
The launch was performed by SpaceX from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on earlier this week. The two further launches are planned for later this year.
Lift-off took place on Monday, at 11:50pm, the satellites were dispensed in three phases over a period of 95mins. Signal acquisition on all 40 satellites has been confirmed, said OneWeb.
Neil Masterson, CEO, OneWeb, said: “Yesterday’s launch is a thrilling way to start 2023 and at OneWeb, this launch brings us even closer to completing our constellation and launching connectivity services around the world.”
With 542 satellites now in orbit, OneWeb has more than 80% of its first-generation constellation launched. The firm has connectivity services in Alaska, Canada, the UK, Greenland and the Arctic, with plans to expand to the US, southern Europe, Australia, the Middle East and further afield.
Masterson added: “OneWeb believes that connection everywhere changes everything and each of these launches provides us with more capacity to help our partners connect communities, businesses, and governments around the world. I want to thank SpaceX for their continued support, which has now brought about two successful launches. Every launch is a team effort, and we are grateful to everyone who makes these incredible moments possible.”
