OneWeb has confirmed that the 36 satellites that NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) successfully launched from Sriharikota, India's Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC- SHAR), have successfully been placed into orbit. The first LVM3 rocket launch by ISRO and NSIL is also one of the largest commercial orders ever placed by India's leading space agency.
On Sunday, October 23, 2022, at 00:07, the liftoff took place. Signal acquisition on all 36 of OneWeb's satellites was confirmed after the satellites successfully dispersed from the rocket over the course of 9 phases in 1 hour and 15 minutes.
OneWeb has launched 14 times, with this being the second launch of 2018. OneWeb's constellation now totals 462 satellites, which is more than 70% of its intended 648 Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite fleet that will provide high-speed, low-latency connectivity throughout the world.
OneWeb is still on track to activate global coverage by 2023 with just four more launches, and its connectivity solutions are already operational in areas north of 50 degrees latitude.
Celebrating the launch of 36 OneWeb satellites from Sriharikota are Sunil Bharti Mittal, Executive Chairman of OneWeb, Shri. Somanath S, Secretary of the Department of Space and Chairman of ISRO, and Radhakrishnan D, Chairman-cum-Managing Director of NewSpace India Limited.
OneWeb's dedication to delivering connectivity throughout all of India by 2023 is demonstrated by this collaboration with NSIL and ISRO. OneWeb will bring secure solutions to towns, villages, municipalities, and schools across the nation, including the most difficult-to-reach regions, from Ladakh to Kanyakumari and Gujarat to Arunachal Pradesh.
OneWeb's commitment to improving connectivity in India is supported by Bharti Global, the company's largest investor.
Four consecutive successful missions, including the crucial Chandrayaan-2 mission, were carried out by the LVM3 launch vehicle, which was developed using entirely indigenous technology.
As part of the human rating process for the Gaganyaan programme, the vehicle underwent a number of rigorous tests.
To meet the needs of the customer, who wanted to inject satellites precisely and with a gap to prevent collision, the cryo stage was specially created to orient and reorient in orthogonal directions. The vehicle was developed quickly to meet the user's timeline on a demand-driven basis.
"NSIL, the commercial division of ISRO, entered into this contract and swiftly carried it out. This will open the door for more launches of this type in the future.
OneWeb's executive chairman, Sunil Bharti Mittal, stated: "Today's launch is a significant milestone for OneWeb. In addition to expanding our global coverage, this new phase of our launch programme from India moves us one step closer to providing connectivity in South Asia and India, especially to the communities that most need it.
With this launch by ISRO and NSIL, India's space industry is now open, with the potential for massive foreign investment.
According to Shri. Somanath S, Secretary of the Department of Space and Chairman of ISRO, the mission is essential for meeting the customer's demand to precisely launch 36 satellites over the course of nine phases. The mission's design called for the C25 stage to manage this task using internally developed inertial navigation systems.
"We worked closely with the OneWeb team to support this milestone launch which has been accomplished in a record time of few months, while also illustrating the opportunities for satellite connectivity in India," added Radhakrishnan D, Chairman-cum-Managing Director of NewSpace India Limited. We look forward to growing our collaboration with OneWeb and utilising LEO connectivity's potential to spread broadband access throughout India.
OneWeb will continue to concentrate on the launch programme over the upcoming months and will also work with important distribution partners and clients to roll out connectivity solutions where its services are already live.
In order to support the rollout of its coverage solutions, OneWeb will advance creative strategic partnerships with top communications companies and sign agreements in the coming months.
OneWeb's CEO, Neil Masterson, said: "Our strategy to expand our global coverage network is based on the spirit of collaboration exemplified by this international effort. OneWeb is steadfastly committed to breaking down connectivity barriers so that we can serve customers and communities everywhere.
Source: geospatialworld.net (OGW PRIME)
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