OneWeb has confirmed the successful deployment of 40 satellites launched by SpaceX from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on the 9th of January. The deployment marks OneWeb’s 16th satellite launch to-date, with only two more launches remaining until its first-generation constellation is complete, enabling global connectivity in 2023.
Lift-off took place at 11:50pm ET, with OneWeb’s satellites then separating from the rocket and dispensed in three phases over a period of 95 minutes, with signal acquisition on all 40 satellites confirmed.
OneWeb now has 542 satellites now in orbit, representing more than 80% of its first-generation constellation. With this launch, OneWeb now begins its ‘Countdown to Global Connectivity’ campaign, leading up to the final two launches that will complete its first-generation LEO satellite constellation.
Launchpad #6. Photo: SpaceX
OneWeb now has connectivity active today with its distribution partners in Alaska, Canada, the UK, Greenland and wider Arctic area, with expanded services due to come online soon across the USA, southern Europe, Australia, Middle East and more regions.
Neil Masterson, CEO of OneWeb, said the 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… 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.”
