Context:
In its second commercial launch, ISRO’s (Indian Space Research Organisation) heaviest launch vehicle LVM-3 (Launch Vehicle Mark 3) will launch a fleet of 36 OneWeb satellites, completing the first generation of the huge broadband constellation.
Relevance:
GS III: Science and Technology
Dimensions of the Article:
- About LVM3-M3/OneWeb India-2 Mission
- About OneWeb Constellation
About LVM3-M3/OneWeb India-2 Mission
- The LVM3-M3/OneWeb India-2 Mission is the 18th launch of OneWeb, a UK-based company, and will add to its existing constellation of 582 satellites.
- The Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) commercial arm, NSIL, had signed a contract with OneWeb to launch 72 satellites in two phases.
- The first set of 36 satellites was launched in the LVM3-M2/OneWeb India-1 mission on October 23, 2022.
- The LVM3-M3/OneWeb India-2 Mission is the second OneWeb fleet that India is launching, marking India’s entry into the commercial heavy lift-off space.
About OneWeb Constellation
- OneWeb Constellation is a network of satellites that operate in a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Polar Orbit.
- The satellites are arranged in 12 rings, or orbital planes, with 49 satellites in each plane.
- The orbital planes are inclined to be near-polar, with an inclination of 87.9 degrees.
- Each satellite is located approximately 1200 km above the Earth’s surface and completes a full trip around the Earth every 109 minutes.
Significance:
- OneWeb Constellation already provides connectivity solutions in various key locations worldwide and continues to expand its network to bring more areas online.
- The high-speed, low-latency solutions offered by OneWeb will help connect communities, businesses, and governments around the world, demonstrating the immense potential of LEO connectivity.
-Source: Indian Express
