In March 2023, Eutelsat OneWeb successfully deployed its final 36 satellites which complete the 648 (Low Earth Orbit low earth orbit satellite constellation that will provide the new low-latency connectivity service. AST launch ‘try before you buy’ offer ready for the maritime industry to adopt and benefit from this next-generation technology.
Following the successful launch of Eutelsat OneWeb’s 18th satellite deployment, Applied Satellite Technology Networks (AST Networks) Ltd is delighted to bring to market an exciting opportunity for maritime organisations to ‘try before you buy’ the new low earth orbit satellite OneWeb service.
AST Networks is enabling maritime users across Europe, the Mediterranean and 50 degrees North to get connected to the fast, reliable, and affordable OneWeb service with the additional benefit of AST Networks' exclusive bandwidth management solution INTEGRA Control, the only data management software offering real-time, application-level control.
Eutelsat OneWeb’s LEO (Low Earth Orbit) constellation is revolutionising communication and connectivity for remote regions around the world. Industries, such as maritime, offshore, and mining, which operate in the world’s most remote locations, will for the first time, be able to access 4G-like connectivity anywhere in the world – opening up enhanced solution for operational comms, crew welfare, as well as increasing the opportunity for automated solutions such as autonomous vessels and remote management.
In 2021, AST Networks were chosen as Eutelsat OneWeb’s first commercial maritime partner and have supported the satellite launches, trialled the solution and hardware, and will be one of the first to market this technology in 50 degrees North, the Mediterranean and Europe.
"AST Networks is beyond proud to be the first commercial maritime partner for Eutelsat OneWeb – our shared belief that connectivity at sea should be as seamless and simple as it is onshore has led to this moment where the final piece of the jigsaw is in site, as we’re the first to bring the service to market for our customers. AST is beyond proud to be the first commercial maritime partner for OneWeb – our shared belief that connectivity at sea should be as seamless and simple as it is onshore has led to this moment where the final piece of the jigsaw is in sight, as we’re the first to bring the service to market for our customers."
"Myself, and my team at AST Networks are so excited to bring Eutelsat OneWeb opportunities to market for our customers – we watched in anticipation as the final launch of the satellites were deployed at the end of March and look forward to seeing it in full operation all over the globe. Myself, and my team at AST Networks are so excited to bring OneWeb low earth orbit satellite opportunities to market for our customers – we watched in anticipation as the final launch of the satellites were deployed at the end of March and look forward to seeing it in full operation all over the globe"
“We’re proud to work with AST Networks, not just because of the strength of its market insight, reach and capabilities, but because of our shared belief that remote, faultless connectivity is essential to delivering operational excellence”
Low Earth orbit, or LEO, refers to the region of space relatively close to our planet, typically extending up to an altitude of 2,000 kilometres. This zone is a bustling hub of human activity in space, hosting a vast array of satellites that serve numerous purposes.
Due to their proximity to Earth, low earth orbit satellites offer several advantages, such as requiring less energy to launch and providing higher-resolution Earth observation. You'll find the International Space Station residing within LEO, along with countless communication satellites that facilitate global connectivity.
However, operating in LEO also presents unique challenges. Atmospheric drag can affect the orbits of these satellites, necessitating periodic adjustments to maintain their positions. Furthermore, the increasing amount of space debris in LEO poses a significant collision risk, demanding careful tracking and mitigation efforts. Despite these hurdles, low earth orbit satellite's potential for communication, scientific research, and Earth observation continues to drive its growth, making it a critical area for both commercial and governmental space endeavours.