Rendering of the two initial NGSO satellites that Thales Alenia Space plans to develop for Omnispace. Photo: Omnispace

Exolaunch signed a launch agreement with Omnispace to deliver two satellites into orbit, the companies revealed Nov. 10. Exolaunch will provide launch, mission management, integration, and deployment services for these 2 Omnispace satellites, which are being built by Thales Alenia Space. Satellites will be delivered as part of SpaceX rideshare missions, with launch targeted for 2022.

The greater Omnispace network will be deployed in phases, beginning in 2022. The network will support 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) and 5G telecommunications standards with the satellite component operating in S-band. Additionally, Omnispace aims to set new standards for global connectivity solutions for the Internet of Things (IoT), mobile satellite, and mobile broadband markets.

“Omnispace is rethinking how communications networks operate. The launch of these satellites will enable the first phase of implementation towards delivering our world-class hybrid network, bringing the power of 5G from space to mobile networks, anywhere around the world,” said Ram Viswanathan, CEO, Omnispace LLC. “Exolaunch was chosen to launch these first next-generation satellites for its proven experience deploying systems into orbit and the flexibility they afford us in executing our program.”