Arianespace successfully completed the first of the 21 launches for OneWeb's satellite constellation on 27 February from the Guiana Space Center, Europe’s spaceport in French Guiana. By operating this flight, Arianespace said it contributes to the fulfilment of its customer’s ultimate ambition to provide internet access to everyone, everywhere.
In total, six satellites were put into orbit, and OneWeb plans an eventual constellation of over 650 satellites by 2021. The aim is to provide commercial broadband coverage worldwide with the fleet. OneWeb's satellites are manufactured by OneWeb Satellites, a joint venture between OneWeb and Airbus Defence and Space.
To celebrate OneWeb's first launch, the company is making a commitment to connect six schools in unconnected regions of the world. Under the 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.
