Space firm OneWeb, which is part-owned by the UK government, has launched the final batch of 15 first generation (GEN1) Low Earth Orbit (LEO) based ultrafast (100Mbps+) and low-latency (sub-100ms) broadband satellites – plus a single GEN2 prototype “Joey-Sat” – on a SpaceX Falcon9 rocket today.

The launch took place at 2:19pm (BST) from Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The Falcon 9 rocket also carried satellites from Iridium.

The launch of the final batch of GEN1 satellites marks the completion of OneWeb’s global network. The company now has 633 satellites in orbit, providing coverage to over 95% of the world’s population.

The Joey-Sat prototype is an experimental Second Generation (GEN2) satellite that is designed to test new technologies for future OneWeb satellites. The satellite includes a digitally regenerative payload and demonstration of multi-beam electronically steered phased array antennas. It will also test an innovative beam-hopping capability that will allow satellites to switch between different places on Earth and adjust the strength of the communications signals based on customer needs or demands.

The launch of Joey-Sat is a significant milestone for OneWeb as it continues to develop its next generation of satellites. The company is aiming to launch its first fleet of GEN2 satellites in 2024.

About OneWeb

OneWeb is a global communications company with a mission to connect everyone, everywhere. The company is building a constellation of low-Earth orbit satellites that will provide high-speed, low-latency broadband internet access to people in unserved and underserved areas around the world.

OneWeb was founded in 2012 and is headquartered in London, UK. The company has offices in the United States, Canada, France, Germany, India, Japan, and the Netherlands.

OneWeb is backed by a consortium of investors that includes the UK government, SoftBank Group Corp., and Bharti Enterprises.

Benefits of OneWeb

OneWeb’s broadband service offers a number of benefits over traditional satellite internet services, including:

• Faster speeds: OneWeb’s satellites are designed to provide speeds of up to 100 Mbps, which is significantly faster than traditional satellite internet services.
• Lower latency: OneWeb’s satellites are also designed to have lower latency, which means that there is less delay between when you send a message and when it is received. This can be important for applications such as online gaming and video conferencing.
• Global coverage: OneWeb’s satellites will provide global coverage, meaning that you can access the internet from anywhere in the world.
• Affordable pricing: OneWeb plans to offer its broadband service at an affordable price, making it accessible to people in unserved and underserved areas.

Conclusion

The launch of the final batch of GEN1 satellites and Joey-Sat prototype is a significant milestone for OneWeb. The company is now one step closer to completing its global network and providing high-speed, low-latency broadband internet access to people around the world.

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