OneWeb is one of the most unique projects in the history of space travel, as well as one of the biggest satellite constellations to date, according to Ruag Space. Its goal is to launch 900 satellites into low Earth orbit at an altitude of around 1,200 kilometres. These will offer broadband internet with up to 50 megabits per second. Primarily benefiting from this will be the four billion people who currently have no access to fast internet.
By the end of 2019, Ruag Space will build 900 satellite structures for the project. This will be the largest mass production of satellites in history, revealed Ruag Space. The company in Zurich has signed a contract with OneWeb Satellites, which is responsible for constructing the OneWeb satellites.
OneWeb is a privately financed major project. Among its investors are companies including Coca-Cola, Virgin Galactic, Qualcomm, Intelsat and Hughes Network. The company OneWeb Satellites is a joint venture between the OneWeb consortium and Airbus Defence and Space, Europe’s largest satellite builder.
“The aerospace industry is undergoing a disruptive transformation,” commented Peter Guggenbach, CEO of RUAG Space. He added: “In what’s known as new space, innovative start-ups and private investors are developing new commercial business models for aerospace applications.” Ruag Space wants to play a key role in this field.
