OneWeb signs with Virgin Galactic for 39 satellite launches
Under the terms of the Launch Services Agreement, Virgin Galactic’s LauncherOne rocket will perform 39 satellite launches for OneWeb – one of the largest commercial procurements of launches in history. Beyond the firm contract, the agreement provides OneWeb with options for 100 additional launches.
OneWeb — which recently announced new investment of $500m backed by equity partners including Airbus Group, Bharti Enterprises, Grupo Salinas, Hughes Network Systems, (Hughes), a subsidiary of EchoStar Corp. Intelsat, Qualcomm Incorporated, The Coca-Cola Company and Virgin Group — is building a global communications system that will enable affordable broadband access around the world including in areas currently unserved or underserved by terrestrial providers.
Virgin Galactic CEO George Whitesides said: “Virgin Galactic is hard at work to provide responsive launch capability to support OneWeb’s historic constellation. The scale of this order will drive our manufacturing rates to achieve unprecedented cost reductions for small satellite launch. We are excited to support OneWeb and its partners as they harness the potential of small satellites to create new opportunities for all.”
To achieve its goal of connecting the planet, OneWeb required a means of launching its satellites that is both affordable and flexible. Virgin Galactic’s LauncherOne will enable an unprecedented quick launch and replenishment capability for OneWeb. LauncherOne is an affordable, flexible, and dedicated ride to orbit for small satellites, with the flight rates and performance capabilities to support OneWeb and other customers. Virgin Galactic’s LauncherOne programme is being developed by a staff of 120 engineers and technicians working from a new 150,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Long Beach, California, with rocket engine testing performed at the company’s facilities in Mojave, California.
