OneWeb, a low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite communications company, will now target its launch of 40 satellites with SpaceX for no earlier than Thursday, December 8, 2022 to allow for additional pre-launch checks. This launch, taking place from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, will be OneWeb’s 15th to-date and its second since resuming its campaign with a successful launch from India in October, putting the company on track to deliver global coverage in 2023.

This launch will add another 40 satellites to OneWeb’s 648 LEO satellite fleet, almost 80 percent of its first-generation constellation that will deliver global wholesale connectivity for its partners. This milestone mission marks OneWeb’s first time launching from Florida, where its satellites are also produced by OneWeb Satellites—a joint venture between OneWeb and Airbus. 

The launch will enable the company to significantly expand service and initiate additional connectivity solutions soon for partners across the U.S., Europe and much of the Middle East and Asia, representing all points north of the 35th parallel. The expansion of the OneWeb fleet will also enable coverage between the South Pole and the 35th parallel south, opening up connectivity services in Southern Australia, South Africa and parts of South America.

OneWeb’s connectivity solutions are already active in Alaska, Canada, the U.K., Greenland and wider Arctic area to provide internet connectivity to unserved and underserved rural and remote communities and businesses.