Will Perform 39 Satellite Launches For The Hopeful Internet Provider

Virgin Galactic has signed a contract with OneWeb Ltd. to serve as one of its inaugural satellite launch providers. Under the terms of the Launch Services Agreement, Virgin Galactic’s LauncherOne rocket will perform 39 satellite launches for OneWeb. Beyond the firm contract, the agreement provides OneWeb with options for 100 additional launches.

OneWeb, which on Wednesday announced new investment of $500 million backed by a group of equity partners, is building a global communications system it says will enable affordable broadband access around the world including in areas currently unserved or underserved by terrestrial providers.
 
“Virgin Galactic is hard at work to provide responsive launch capability to support OneWeb’s historic constellation," said Virgin Galactic CEO George Whitesides. "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.”
 
Virgin Galactic’s LauncherOne will enable a quick launch and replenishment capability for OneWeb. LauncherOne is designed to orbit for small satellites, with the flight rates and performance capabilities to support OneWeb and other customers. 

(LauncherOne image from file)

FMI: www.virgingalactic.com