India-UK joint satellite venture's devices arrive in Sriharikota

Andhra Pradesh: Ahead of the planned launch from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, 36 satellites belonging to the India-UK joint venture satellite communications company OneWeb arrived on Tuesday. The launch is expected to be a milestone in an ever-changing global environment.

OneWeb, after the launch, will have over 70% of its planned Gen 1 LEO constellation in orbit. It will deliver high-speed, low-latency connectivity services around the world.

Neil Masterson, CEO of OneWeb, said that the company's dedication to industry collaboration has allowed us to successfully navigate the ever-changing global environment and prepare for yet another milestone launch. OneWeb has partnered with NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), the commercial arm of ISRO, the national space agency of India for the launch. He added that OneWeb's shareholder Bharti Global is also playing a huge role.

The satellites will be put into orbit by the heaviest ISRO rocket the GSLV-MkIII. "One additional launch will take place this year and three more are targeted for early next year to complete the constellation."

Radhakrishnan D, Chairman-cum-Managing Director of NewSpace India Limited, said that undertaking the launch of 36 OneWeb satellites onboard GSLV-MkIII from India is a historic moment for NSIL and ISRO.