The GSLV-MkIII, ISRO’s heaviest rocket, will launch the satellites into orbit, making this the company’s 14th launch.
On October 6, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) announced in a tweet that the launch of 36 satellites for the UK-based communications network OneWeb was imminent.
OneWeb is a space-powered global communications network that makes it possible for governments, businesses, and communities to connect. It is putting into action a group of satellites in Low Earth Orbit.OneWeb is owned and heavily invested in by Bharti, an Indian company.
According to ISRO, the launch will occur later this month. The launch will take place as part of the “OneWeb India-1 mission,” which is also called “LVM3 M2.”LVM3’s entry into the global market for commercial launch services will be marked by this satellite launch.
At SHAR’s second launch pad, two solid strap-on boosters and a liquid core stage of LVM3 have been completely integrated. After the health checks were successful, the dispenser unit was able to integrate 36 OneWeb satellites. The integration of the launch vehicle’s cryogenic upper stage and 36-satellite payload fairing will take place in the coming days. Based on the success-oriented schedule for the remaining activities, the launch is nominally envisaged during the 3/4th week of October 2022.
To facilitate the launch, OneWeb has collaborated with NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), the commercial arm of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).
OneWeb said in a statement that with this launch, it will have more than 70% of its planned “Gen 1 LEO constellation” in orbit as it works to provide low-latency, high-speed connectivity services worldwide.
The GSLV-MkIII, the largest ISRO rocket, will launch the satellites from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. This will be the company’s 14th launch overall.
According to a company press release, three more launches are planned for the beginning of next year to complete the constellation.
Bharti Enterprises, a major shareholder and investor in London-based OneWeb, announced a distribution partnership with Hughes Communications India Private Ltd. This year, OneWeb stated that 70% of its Gen 1 LEO constellation would be in orbit, to provide high-speed, low-latency broadband services from space.
“Demonstrating tremendous momentum and progress towards delivering global coverage next year,” the company said of the upcoming launch.
The statement said that “OneWeb resumes its launch programme with leading partners in the Satcom industry” and that the company’s services are already available in Alaska, Canada, the UK, and the Arctic.
Additionally, the space agency has successfully integrated all 36 satellites into the dispenser unit.
Radhakrishnan D, Chairman and Managing Director of NewSpace India Limited, stated that it is a “historic moment” for NSIL and ISRO to launch 36 OneWeb satellites from India on board GSLV-MkIII.
Radhakrishnan went on to say, “We are excited to see the satellites and the ground support equipment arrive in India in preparation for the launch.”
As major players like Jio and OneWeb prepare to compete for a share of the lucrative Indian market for satellite-based broadband services, the stage is set for some high-voltage action. In the country, Nelco and Telesat have also carried out successful LEO demonstrations for the telecom, government, and enterprise sectors.
A K Anil Kumar, a senior scientist at the Indian Space Research Organization, was appointed Vice-President of the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) in September of this year.
In a tweet, ISRO, which has its headquarters in Bengaluru, stated, “It (Anil Kumar’s election) is a recognition of ISRO’s space endeavours that help in promoting international collaboration.”
The Indian space agency’s third major mission this year, the mission’s final launch date has not been disclosed by Isro.
