- Launch of first six satellites is the first step on the path to 
delivering true global connectivity and bridging the digital divide
    - Launch signals the beginning of the largest satellite launch campaign in 
history and the transition from successful proof-of-concept to the 
commercialization of OneWeb 

    OneWeb, a global communications company with a mission to bring 
connectivity to everyone, everywhere, today announced the successful launch of 
its first six broadband satellites aboard a Soyuz launch vehicle from the 
Guiana Space Center in Kourou, French Guiana.

 (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/828475/OneWeb_Logo.jpg ) 

    Lift-off occurred on February 27th at 21:37 pm UTC. The six OneWeb 
satellites separated from the rocket in two batches. Signal acquisition has 
been confirmed for all six satellites. OneWeb's satellites are manufactured by 
OneWeb Satellites, a joint venture between OneWeb and Airbus Defence and Space.

    This launch marks both the beginning of the largest satellite launch 
campaign in history and the transition from successful proof-of-concept to the 
commercialization of OneWeb. Launching more than 30 satellites per rocket, 
OneWeb's monthly launch program will grow its constellation to more than 650 
satellites to allow customer demos in 2020 and provide full global commercial 
coverage by 2021.

    The OneWeb network will provide a unique combination of high data 
throughput, low latency, true global coverage to the poles, and a range of user 
terminals for multiple markets. OneWeb's satellites will communicate with Earth 
via the Ka and Ku spectrum bands. The Ka-band will be used for communication 
between the Ground Network (which connects the OneWeb system to the Internet) 
and the satellites; while the Ku band will be used for communication between 
the satellites and the user terminals that will deliver Internet connectivity 
to consumers.

    OneWeb announced yesterday the signing of its first two customers, 
highlighting the demand for global coverage solutions. OneWeb's business model 
allows OneWeb to provide service indirectly through reseller partners, or 
directly to the end customer, in the case of airlines or vessel operators, for 
example.

    Adrian Steckel, CEO of OneWeb, said: "This successful launch is a historic 
milestone for OneWeb, and marks the start of a new phase for our company as we 
begin scaling our satellite constellation in preparation to start full 
commercial services. I am also proud that we were able to announce the signing 
of our first two customers, demonstrating demand for OneWeb's services.

    "OneWeb was founded to make access possible for everyone, everywhere, and 
this launch is the first step towards making our goal a reality and bringing 
much-needed Internet access to people no matter where they are."

    Adrian Steckel continued: "Our system will be able to offer significantly 
lower latency and faster speeds. We designed our system to create a coverage 
footprint over the entire planet - including previously unconnected rural 
areas, seas, and airspaces.

    "Our world is increasingly connected, and we do not want to leave anyone 
behind. Our constellation will level the playing field and connect the 
communities, areas, and industries that have until now been excluded from fast, 
reliable Internet access. What we are undertaking here is a project of 
ambitious scale, and I'm enormously proud of the team for getting us to this 
important milestone."

    To celebrate OneWeb's first launch and in keeping with the mission and 
vision of the company, OneWeb is making a commitment to connect six schools in 
six unconnected regions of the world. A campaign called #EmpowerHumanity, 
OneWeb will connect a school in: Alaska, Ecuador, Honduras, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, 
and Rwanda. Each school has in turn chosen a name for OneWeb's first six 
satellites.  Members of the OneWeb team have travelled to these schools to meet 
with the students and to teach them about satellites and space. You can learn 
more about the Empower Humanity campaign and see more about the schools 
themselves by visiting the OneWeb [http://www.oneweb.world ] website or through 
our social media channels: Twitter [https://twitter.com/OneWeb ], Instagram 
[https://www.instagram.com/_oneweb_/?hl=en ] and YouTube 
[https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzs-1EA5e6MRHXK8NKyqzcw/featured ].

    About OneWeb

    OneWeb's mission is to enable Internet access for everyone, everywhere. 
OneWeb is building a communications network with a constellation of Low Earth 
Orbit satellites that will provide connectivity to billions of people around 
the world. Its high speed, low latency network will offer game-changing 
mobility solutions to industries that rely on global connectivity. 
http://www.oneweb.world


SOURCE: OneWeb