# OneWeb satellite constellation

> satellite constellation

**Wikidata**: [Q17184117](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q17184117)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OneWeb_satellite_constellation)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/oneweb-satellite-constellation

## Summary
The OneWeb satellite constellation is a spacecraft constellation designed to provide broadband Internet and satellite Internet access. Operated by Eutelsat OneWeb, the system utilizes a network of communications satellites in low Earth and polar orbits. The constellation began service entry in 2020 and comprises 632 active satellites as of October 2023.

## Key Facts
- **Operator:** Eutelsat OneWeb
- **Active Satellites:** 632 (as of October 23, 2023)
- **Service Entry:** 2020
- **Inception:** 2012
- **Manufacturer:** Airbus Defence and Space
- **Satellite Mass:** 147.7 kilograms per unit
- **Capital Cost:** 3 billion United States dollars
- **Orbit Type:** Low Earth orbit, polar orbit
- **Function:** Broadband Internet access, satellite Internet access
- **Classification:** Satellite internet constellation, spacecraft constellation

## FAQs
### Q: Who operates the OneWeb satellite constellation?
A: The constellation is operated by Eutelsat OneWeb.

### Q: How many satellites are currently active in the OneWeb constellation?
A: As of October 23, 2023, there are 632 active artificial satellites in the constellation.

### Q: When did the OneWeb constellation begin service?
A: The constellation entered service in 2020.

### Q: What is the primary use of the OneWeb satellite constellation?
A: The constellation is used for broadband Internet access and satellite Internet access.

## Why It Matters
The OneWeb satellite constellation represents a significant infrastructure development in global telecommunications, distinguished by a capital cost of 3 billion United States dollars. By deploying a "high throughput satellite" network in low Earth orbit (LEO), the system moves beyond the limitations of traditional geostationary satellites to provide broadband Internet access. This constellation is a critical competitor in the field of satellite internet constellations, aiming to bridge connectivity gaps. Its scale, with over 600 active units as of late 2023, makes it one of the largest and most substantial deployments in the modern space industry.

## Notable For
- **Scale of Deployment:** Managing 632 active satellites as of October 2023.
- **High Throughput Technology:** The constellation consists of high throughput satellites designed for efficient data transfer.
- **Significant Investment:** The project entails a capital cost of 3 billion USD.
- **Manufacturing Partnership:** Satellites are manufactured by Airbus Defence and Space.
- **Orbital Arrangement:** Utilizes 12 orbital planes to maintain its polar and low Earth orbit coverage.

## Body

### Technical Specifications
The OneWeb satellite constellation is classified as a satellite internet constellation and a subclass of communications satellite. The individual units are manufactured by Airbus Defence and Space. Each satellite has a mass of 147.7 kilograms. The system operates in low Earth orbit and polar orbit, utilizing 12 orbital planes to deliver its coverage.

### Operational Status and Timeline
The project inception dates back to 2012. Following development and deployment phases, the constellation achieved a service entry date in 2020. As of October 23, 2023, the system comprises 632 active artificial satellites.

### Corporate and Financial Structure
The constellation is currently operated by Eutelsat OneWeb. The development and deployment of the network involved a capital cost of 3 billion United States dollars. The project is also known by the alias "WorldVu satellite constellation."

### Classification and Identifiers
- **Instance of:** Spacecraft constellation, Satellite internet constellation.
- **Wikidata ID:** Q20003674 (implied by structured data context).
- **BBC News Topic ID:** clxk87xzjlxt.
- **Website:** https://oneweb.net/

## References

1. [Source](https://oneweb.net/resources/corporate-branding/oneweb-logo-files)
2. CelesTrak