OneWeb Satellites

OneWeb has submitted a modification request to the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to increase the number of satellites in its constellation up to 48,000 satellites. To date, OneWeb has successfully launched 74 satellites and developed a significant portion of its ground network, as part of its initial constellation of 650 LEO satellites, with plans to expand the constellation to a final 900 LEO satellites.

The move comes as the company continues the restructuring and sale process under its Chapter 11 Bankruptcy filing.

If successful, the larger OneWeb constellation will allow for greater flexibility to meet soaring global connectivity demands.

This new modification application, triggered in part by the FCC’s announcement of a Second Processing Round for Ku/Ka-band systems, seeks to update OneWeb’s existing US authorisation to match the latest system specifications, while also requesting an increase in satellites for the constellation.

Adrian Steckel, CEO of OneWeb said: “We have always believed that LEO satellites must be part of converged broadband network strategies to enable forward-thinking governments and businesses to deliver much-needed reliable connectivity, create more pathways to 5G and connect to the IoT future everywhere on earth. This significant increase in the size of the OneWeb constellation enables long-term flexibility and ensures we will be ready for the demand, future growth, and technology changes to come.”

The satellites will be designed and manufactured by OneWeb Satellites, the joint venture between Airbus and OneWeb formed for the purpose, and which is unaffected by the Chapter 11 filing.

Leave a Reply