India’s space agency launches 36 satellites for UK’s OneWeb

India's ISRO and UK's OneWeb
India’s most powerful rocket launched the final 36 satellites for OneWeb’s first-generation internet constellation on March 26, 2023. (Image Credit: OneWeb/Satish Dhawan Space Centre)

India’s most powerful rocket LVM3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-III) launched the final set of 36 satellites for UK-based satellite communications company OneWeb.

The liftoff from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, India, took place on March 26 at 9:00 am local time.

Internet connectivity push: The liftoff marks the successful deployment of the final 36 satellites that OnWeb needs to deliver a broadband internet connection. With this launch, OneWeb has completed its constellation of 618 satellites that will provide global high-speed connectivity. The company needs 588 active satellites for operations. 

“This is the most significant milestone in the history of OneWeb, as we reach the satellites needed for global coverage,” said Neil Masterson, Chief Executive of OneWeb, adding that the company remains focused on delivering coverage solutions for communities that need it most.

High-speed internet across India: Once activated, OneWeb’s coverage solutions will bring fast, reliable Internet connectivity to towns, villages, municipalities, and schools, including the most remote areas across India — a country of over 1.4 billion people.

“Today’s launch represents a major step toward closing the digital divide. OneWeb’s global constellation will play a pivotal role in realizing this dream” said Sunil Bharti Mittal, Executive Chairman of OneWeb. He called it “an incredibly exciting time for the satellite connectivity industry” and expressed delight that the UK and India are at the forefront of developments.

The London-based company is part-owned by the UK government. Michelle Donelan, UK Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology said: “The completion of the LEO constellation is hugely significant both for OneWeb and the UK’s wider sector” as the British government invested in OneWeb’s vision “to bridge the global digital divide” and to advance UK’s space sector.

How OneWeb was revived? In 2020, broadband communication satellite company OneWeb was rescued from bankruptcy by a joint venture between the UK government and the Indian telecommunications conglomerate. It is now owned by a consortium consisting of the U.K. government and India’s Bharti Global.

Major milestone for Indian space agency

This mission marks OneWeb’s second satellite deployment from India, highlighting OneWeb’s strong partnership with  NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) and Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). It was OneWeb’s 18th launch and its third this year.

The ISRO mission managers were filled with pride. “This launch has created a new record in Indian space history,” said Shri Somanath, Indian Secretary of the Department of Space and Chairman, ISRO. “This launch is very important milestone for ISRO as we demonstrated the successful launch of the second consecutive commercial payload of OneWeb” in a short span of time, he said.

Radhakrishnan D, Chairman-cum-Managing Director of NewSpace India Limited, said: “Successful injection of 36 OneWeb Gen-1 satellites from the UK by LVM3 today, is an extremely proud moment for NSIL and the entire ISRO fraternity.” He thanked OneWeb for entrusting them with the opportunity of launching their satellites, marking the completion of the full constellation and the beginning of global commercial broadband services.

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