The OneWeb Satellite System

Abstract

The majority of the world still does not have access to the Internet, and this “digital divide” is not only an issue in developing countries. Unconnected populations exist in every country, and it is important to find ways to provide universal access to the Internet. Furthermore, the demand for connectivity (Internet and data) is growing exponentially, and existing terrestrial solutions likely will be insufficient. OneWeb is building the world’s first global communications network in space to deliver high-throughput, high-speed services capable of connecting everywhere to everyone with new satellite technology and meaningful solutions with low latency. OneWeb, by launching the first large-scale mass-produced constellation of satellites in low Earth orbit at 1,200 km altitude, is committed to the sustainable values that will shape the world to help bridge the digital divides that exist so nobody gets left behind.

This large OneWeb constellation of about 650 satellites was scaled down to 288 satellites to restructure its capital financing in 2019, but after having launched 74 satellites it filed for bankruptcy in May 2020. New financing as of July 2020, to be provided by the UK Government and by the Indian mobile network operator Bharti Global, of $1 billion, will apparently allow this system to recover from bankruptcy and still be deployed. The 2021 start of service date mentioned in this article has been delayed due to the bankruptcy.