SpaceX is set to launch 20 Eutelsat OneWeb broadband satellites to space on October 20th, further expanding the company’s global internet connectivity. This launch comes after previous successful missions, where SpaceX has deployed over 600 satellites for OneWeb. The partnership between the two companies highlights the growing demand for satellite broadband solutions, which aim to provide internet access to underserved regions around the world.
Expanding Global Connectivity with Eutelsat OneWeb Satellites
The upcoming SpaceX launch on October 20th will mark a significant milestone in the partnership between the two companies. SpaceX will be sending the last batch of Eutelsat OneWeb’s V1 satellites to orbit, further strengthening the company’s global broadband network.
The launch is scheduled to take place from California’s Vandenberg Space Force Base, with the Falcon 9 rocket lifting off at 1:13 a.m. EDT (0513 GMT; 10:13 p.m. on Oct. 19 local California time). Viewers can tune in to the live broadcast on SpaceX’s stream on X, formerly known as Twitter.
After the successful launch, the Falcon 9’s first stage will return to Earth, landing at Vandenberg’s Landing Zone 4 about eight minutes after takeoff. This reusability of the rocket’s first stage is a hallmark of SpaceX’s operations, helping to reduce the cost of space missions.
Eutelsat OneWeb’s Constellation Expansion and Global Coverage
The latest launch of 20 satellites will bring Eutelsat OneWeb’s constellation to a total of 654 satellites, a significant step towards their goal of providing global internet coverage.
In May 2023, the company’s previous launch with SpaceX added 16 satellites to the network, bringing the total to 634 at the time. Eutelsat OneWeb officials stated that the new batch of satellites would be enough to take their services global.
“OneWeb is on track to deliver global coverage this year and is already in the process of scaling services for customers around the world,” the company said in a statement after the May 2023 launch.
Prior to the Eutelsat merger, OneWeb had already been working with SpaceX to launch their internet satellites, with three sets of 40 spacecraft each being sent to orbit by the Falcon 9 rocket.
The partnership between SpaceX and Eutelsat OneWeb has been crucial, especially after the latter company had to pivot away from its previous agreement to use Russian-built Soyuz rockets through the French company Arianespace. This decision was made in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The Significance of Satellite Broadband in Bridging the Digital Divide
The expansion of Eutelsat OneWeb’s satellite constellation, facilitated by SpaceX’s launch capabilities, is a significant step towards bridging the digital divide and providing internet access to underserved regions around the world.
Satellite broadband has the potential to reach areas that are difficult or costly to serve with traditional terrestrial infrastructure, such as remote or rural communities. By deploying a network of satellites in orbit, Eutelsat OneWeb aims to deliver high-speed, reliable internet connectivity to a wide range of customers, including governments, enterprises, and individual users.
The successful partnership between SpaceX and Eutelsat OneWeb also demonstrates the growing importance of private-sector collaboration in the space industry. As the demand for global connectivity continues to rise, companies are working together to develop innovative solutions that can make a real difference in people’s lives.
