OneWeb set to launch first satellites in quest to provide global internet coverage from space

<em>An artistic rendering of what one of OneWeb’s satellites might look like in space</em>

This afternoon, six fridge-sized satellites will launch into space from South America on board a European rocket. The flight will spark the beginning of a planned mega-constellation that will total 650 satellites aimed at creating global internet coverage from space.

The satellites belong to Virginia-based company OneWeb, which has been developing this mega-constellation for the last five years. The company’s vision is to use these satellites to provide internet connectivity practically anywhere in the world, with very minimal delay in signal. It’s a dream that has yet to be realized. Current satellites that provide internet from space are situated over the equator, 22,000 miles high — a long distance that makes transmission and...

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