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The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) successfully launched the LVM3-M3/OneWeb India-2 mission on March 26, 2023, marking another milestone in India’s space exploration efforts. The mission involved the deployment of 36 OneWeb satellites into low Earth orbit using the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) Mark III rocket, also known as the LVM3.
The LVM3-M3/OneWeb India-2 mission was launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, at 10:45 AM local time. The launch was conducted by ISRO’s launch vehicle division and was the eighth mission for the LVM3 rocket.
The LVM3 is India’s most powerful rocket, capable of carrying payloads up to 8 tons to geostationary transfer orbit (GTO) and 10 tons to low Earth orbit (LEO). The rocket stands at a height of 43 meters and has a diameter of 4 meters. It consists of two solid strap-on boosters, a liquid core stage, and a cryogenic upper stage engine.
The OneWeb satellites that were deployed in this mission are part of a constellation of 648 satellites that are designed to provide global internet connectivity. The satellites are manufactured by OneWeb Satellites, a joint venture between OneWeb and Airbus Defence and Space. Each satellite weighs around 150 kg and has a lifespan of around 5 years.
The satellites were deployed in a circular low Earth orbit at an altitude of 1,200 km and an inclination of 87.9 degrees. The deployment was carried out using the rocket’s cryogenic upper stage engine, which provides a precise and controlled release of the satellites into their designated orbits.
The successful deployment of the OneWeb satellites is a significant achievement for ISRO and marks a step forward in India’s space exploration efforts. The mission also highlights the growing importance of satellite-based internet connectivity in today’s world.
In a statement following the launch, ISRO Chairman K. Sivan said, “Today’s successful launch of the LVM3-M3/OneWeb India-2 mission is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire ISRO team. We are proud to have contributed to the global effort to provide internet connectivity to all, and we look forward to more such missions in the future.”
The OneWeb satellite constellation is being built to provide high-speed, low-latency internet connectivity to users around the world, particularly in remote areas where traditional internet infrastructure is not available or is unreliable. The constellation will operate in LEO, allowing for faster and more efficient communication compared to traditional geostationary satellites.
The LVM3-M3/OneWeb India-2 mission is the second such mission launched by ISRO for the OneWeb constellation. The first mission, launched in December 2022, deployed 36 satellites into orbit. With the successful launch of the LVM3-M3/OneWeb India-2 mission, the OneWeb constellation now has a total of 72 satellites in orbit.
The OneWeb constellation is expected to begin commercial operations by the end of 2023. The company has already signed agreements with several partners, including BT Group in the UK and Alaska Communications in the US, to provide internet connectivity to their customers.
The successful launch of the LVM3-M3/OneWeb India-2 mission is a significant achievement for ISRO, which has been steadily increasing its capabilities in space exploration. In recent years, the agency has launched a number of successful missions, including the Chandrayaan-2 lunar mission and the Mars Orbiter Mission.
ISRO is also currently working on several other projects, including the Gaganyaan manned space mission and the Aditya-L1 solar mission. The agency has set ambitious goals for India’s space exploration program, with plans to establish a permanent space station by 2030 and a manned mission to the moon by 2024.
The successful deployment of the OneWeb satellites in the LVM3-M3/OneWeb India-2 mission is a significant step towards achieving these goals and establishing India as a leading player in the global space industry.
The OneWeb satellite constellation is a key part of the company’s vision to bridge the digital divide and connect people around the world to the internet. The constellation will provide high-speed, low-latency internet connectivity to users in remote areas, including those in developing countries. This will have significant implications for education, healthcare, and other key areas, as well as providing new opportunities for businesses and individuals.
The successful launch of the LVM3-M3/OneWeb India-2 mission is also a testament to the growing partnership between India and the United Kingdom in the space industry. OneWeb is a UK-based company, and the satellites deployed in this mission were manufactured by OneWeb Satellites, a joint venture between OneWeb and Airbus Defence and Space.
The partnership between India and the UK in the space industry has been growing in recent years, with several joint projects and collaborations between the two countries. In 2020, ISRO and the UK Space Agency signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on a range of activities, including space exploration, satellite technology, and earth observation.
The successful deployment of the OneWeb satellites in the LVM3-M3/OneWeb India-2 mission is a significant milestone in this partnership and highlights the potential for further collaboration in the future.
In conclusion, the successful launch of the LVM3-M3/OneWeb India-2 mission marks another important achievement for ISRO and India’s space exploration program. The deployment of the OneWeb satellites is a significant step towards providing global internet connectivity and bridging the digital divide. It also highlights the growing partnership between India and the UK in the space industry and the potential for further collaboration in the future.
