Arianespace/Starsem helps boost global connectivity with its latest Soyuz mission at the service of OneWeb

February 7, 2020

Thirty-four satellites are now on their way to join OneWeb’s next-generation constellation following Arianespace/Starsem’s successful Soyuz launch from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakstan.

The cluster of spacecraft – produced by the OneWeb Satellites joint venture of OneWeb and Airbus – was deployed into a circular low Earth orbit on February 7 during a flight lasting 3 hours and 45 minutes from liftoff to final payload separation.

After an initial powered phase of Soyuz’ three lower stages, the flight – designated ST27 – included two burns of the Fregat upper stage to place its passengers at their targeted deployment points. Total lift performance was estimated at 5,504 kg.

Arianespace is to perform 19 more Soyuz launches – along with the first launch of Ariane 62 – for OneWeb, from three different space centers.

Bridging the digital divide with OneWeb

Flight ST27 was Arianespace’s second launch on behalf of the global satellite operator – following the February 2019 Soyuz mission from French Guiana that successfully orbited OneWeb’s first six satellites. OneWeb’s initial constellation is based on approximately 650 satellites and will scale to more than 900 as it grows to meet demand around the world.

OneWeb’s constellation supports a wide range of markets, including aeronautics, maritime, backhaul services, community Wi-Fi, emergency response services and more. The operator also is focused on connecting unconnected schools and working to “bridge the digital divide” for people everywhere.

See Arianespace/Starsem's ST27 mission activities: