Digital rendering of a OneWeb SmallSat. Photo: OneWeb

[Via Satellite 06-15-2015] OneWeb has selected Airbus Defence and Space to be its industrial partner for a constellation of 900 microsatellites to deliver global broadband. Each satellite will have a mass of less than 150 kilograms, with first launches into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) beginning in 2018.

Airbus Defence and Space will build the first 10 satellites at its Toulouse, France facilities. Full series production will take place at a dedicated plant located in the United States.

“Teaming with OneWeb with a requirement to produce several small satellites each day has inspired us to develop innovative designs and processes that will dramatically lower the cost in large volumes for high performance space applications,” said François Auque, head of space systems at Airbus Defence and Space. “Without doubt, this program is challenging but we’re ready for it because we have leveraged resources and expertise across the entire Airbus Group.”