On March 25, 2023, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) achieved another milestone in space exploration by successfully launching the OneWeb India 2 Mission Rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. This mission aims to contribute to the development of India’s space capabilities and to support global connectivity through a constellation of low-Earth orbit satellites.
The Launch
The launch of the LVM-3 M3 rocket carrying the OneWeb India 2 mission payload took place at 10:30 pm IST, following a 26-hour countdown. The rocket, standing at a height of 43 meters and weighing 640 tonnes, soared into the night sky with a total thrust of 1,408 kilonewtons generated by its liquid and solid propellant engines. The rocket achieved its desired orbit within 28 minutes of lift-off, and the payload was successfully deployed into space.
The Payload
The OneWeb India 2 mission payload consists of 34 small satellites, each weighing around 150 kilograms, that will operate in low-Earth orbit at an altitude of about 1,200 kilometers. These satellites are designed to provide high-speed internet connectivity to remote and rural areas of India and other parts of the world that lack reliable and affordable internet access.
The OneWeb constellation of satellites, being developed by OneWeb Satellites, a joint venture between OneWeb and Airbus, aims to provide global internet coverage by launching 648 satellites in total. The satellites operate in the Ka-band and Ku-band frequencies and are equipped with advanced features such as steerable beams, optical inter-satellite links, and digital processors to provide seamless connectivity to users on the ground.
The Significance
The successful launch of the OneWeb India 2 mission rocket marks another significant achievement for ISRO in its pursuit of space exploration and satellite technology development. The mission aligns with India’s vision of leveraging space technology for the betterment of society and the economy, and to promote India’s standing as a space-faring nation.
The OneWeb India 2 mission is also a significant step towards achieving global connectivity, which has become increasingly important in today’s digital age. The lack of internet access and connectivity in remote and rural areas has been a significant barrier to social and economic development. The OneWeb constellation of satellites, with its advanced features and capabilities, has the potential to bridge this digital divide and bring the benefits of the internet to those who need it the most.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the successful launch of the OneWeb India 2 mission rocket is a testament to ISRO’s expertise and capabilities in space technology development and launch operations. The mission’s payload of 34 small satellites is a significant step towards providing high-speed internet connectivity to remote and rural areas of India and other parts of the world. The OneWeb constellation of satellites is set to revolutionize global connectivity and help bridge the digital divide, contributing to social and economic development. The mission’s success is a proud moment for India and the global space community, and we look forward to further developments in this exciting field.