SpaceX successfully launched 20 spare satellites for OneWeb on October 20, bolstering the resilience of its low Earth orbit (LEO) broadband network.
The launch took place at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California and Eutelsat, the French operator overseeing OneWeb's constellation, confirmed successful contact with each satellite. This launch brings Eutelsat's OneWeb constellation to a total of 654 satellites in orbit.
Despite facing delays due to ground infrastructure issues, Eutelsat remains on track to begin global services in the spring. The newly launched satellites are identical to those in OneWeb's first-generation constellation, manufactured by Airbus U.S. Space & Defense.
Eutelsat operates a fleet of 36 geostationary satellites and has plans for next-generation LEO spacecraft. The company anticipates beginning the de-orbiting process for its first-generation OneWeb satellites in the coming years.
SpaceX's recent launch adds to its impressive track record, with the Falcon 9's first-stage booster successfully landing back at Vandenberg. SpaceX has deployed over 7,000 broadband satellites for its Starlink LEO network and recently surpassed four million subscribers.
The competition in the satellite broadband sector is intensifying, with Eutelsat and other operators striving to adapt to the dynamic landscape shaped by SpaceX's Starlink. Eutelsat's strategic initiatives, including the launch of additional satellites and exploration of next-generation technologies, are critical for its competitiveness.
The ability to provide reliable and high-speed internet access will be crucial in the evolving satellite communications market.