SpaceX‘s Falcon 9 has propelled the OneWeb Launch 16 mission to orbit from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
This launch is OneWeb’s 16th to date and its second with SpaceX following a successful launch in December, keeping the company on track to deliver global coverage in 2023.
The launch has added another 40 satellites to OneWeb’s LEO satellite fleet, over 80% of its first-generation constellation that will deliver global wholesale connectivity for its partners. This milestone mission marks OneWeb’s second time launching from Florida, where its satellites are also produced by OneWeb Satellites – a joint venture between OneWeb and Airbus.
OneWeb is assembling a network of 648 satellites that will provide internet service to customers around the world. The 40 satellites on-board the Falcon 9 rocket brought the total number of OneWeb spacecraft launched to 544.
The launch will enable the company to continue expanding services around the world as it grows its fleet and seeks to initiate services for more partners across the US, southern Europe, Australia and more. OneWeb’s connectivity solutions are already active in Alaska, Canada, the UK, Greenland and the wider Arctic area, providing internet connectivity to unserved and underserved rural and remote communities and businesses.
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