OneWeb launched 36 satellites into orbit using a Russian Soyuz-2.1b rocket at the Bostochny Cosmodrome, the satellites will link up with its existing broadband satellites that are already in use.
OneWeb’s launch of 36 satellites marks the inaugural commercial launch at the Vostochny Cosmodrome facility. The company is attempting to create a network of satellites that will orbit low-earth to provide high bandwidth connections to users. OneWeb has a goal of putting 648 satellites into orbit by 2022. Reaching that goal will allow the company to offer global broadband coverage.
Last March the company had filed for bankruptcy protection and was subsequently able to overcome that in July. OneWeb was able to recover due in part to a deal with the United Kingdom government.
Broadband Satellite Launches
OneWeb Launched 36 Satellites into Orbit to Improve Its Network
Trend Themes
1. Low-earth Orbit Satellites - The launch of 36 satellites by OneWeb demonstrates the trend towards using low-earth orbit satellites to provide high bandwidth connections.
2. Global Broadband Coverage - OneWeb's goal of putting 648 satellites into orbit by 2022 opens up opportunities for achieving global broadband coverage.
3. Government-backed Satellite Projects - OneWeb's recovery with the help of a deal with the United Kingdom government highlights the trend of government support for satellite projects.
Industry Implications
1. Telecommunications - The use of low-earth orbit satellites for broadband connections presents disruptive innovation opportunities in the telecommunications industry.
2. Space Exploration - The growing trend of launching large constellations of satellites into low-earth orbit creates disruptive innovation opportunities in the space exploration industry.
3. Government Services - Government-backed satellite projects, such as the one with OneWeb, offer disruptive innovation opportunities in the government services industry.