OneWeb is prepared to compete against Starlink in the internet-from-space race

Photo Credit: Yahoo With its own internet-from-space service, OneWeb is prepared to compete with SpaceX's Starlink. During the weekend, the U.K.-based OneWeb company successfully launched another 36 satellites, and a short while afterward it was determined they were performing as intended. OneWeb launched its 18th and third mission on Sunday, growing its constellation to 618 satellites. As a result of the deployment, OneWeb now has enough satellites to provide worldwide broadband service. Also Read: One Web has “moved on” from its satellites that are hijacked by Russia. Nevertheless, the launch of global services won't happen until later this year since OneWeb must complete the construction of the ground stations, which are an essential component of the system. OneWeb, which launched its first satellites in 2019, currently only provides a very restricted service in areas north of 50 degrees latitude. Sunil Bharti Mittal, executive chairman of OneWeb, commented on Sunday's historic mission: "In my work, I have witnessed the ability of connection to provide advantages to people, wherever they are. But, only 50% of the world's population has access to quick, dependable connectivity. With today's debut, the digital divide is one step closer to being bridged. The worldwide constellation of OneWeb will be crucial in making this goal a reality. Photo Credit: Outlook India But SpaceX's Starlink, which now serves more than a million subscribers globally via a system of more than 3,000 satellites, presents OneWeb with fierce competition. Moreover, Project Kuiper, supported by internet giant Amazon, plans to establish a broadband service in 2024 after launching its first two prototype satellites in May. But, not everyone is pleased with the widespread satellite deployments. Because sunlight bouncing off the gleaming surfaces of the satellites can obstruct their observations of deep space, astronomers are growing more concerned about the impact on their job.