. 24/7 Space News .
SPACEMART
RUAG Space delivered key products for Airbus OneWeb satellite launch
by Staff Writers
Zurich, Switzerland (SPX) Mar 24, 2020

Stock image of the OneWeb satellite production line.

When 34 Airbus OneWeb Satellites (OneWeb) launched onboard a Soyuz rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, on March 21 RUAG Space had critical mission products onboard that were customized for the mega satellite constellation.

This launch was the second time that OneWeb launched 34 of its satellites. In February 2020 the first 34 satellites have been launched and now on Saturday, 21 March, the next 34 satellites. In February 2019, OneWeb successfully launched the first six broadband satellites. OneWeb is building a communications network with a constellation of low-Earth-orbit satellites that will provide connectivity to people around the world.

Dispenser is tailored to the need of a constellation
As a key OneWeb supplier, RUAG Space built the satellite dispenser, which functions as an interface between the Soyuz rocket and satellites. The dispenser is tailored to the need of a constellation like OneWeb, being able to deposit up to 36 satellites safely into space. "Our dispenser is super-light and includes state-of the art technology to safely place the satellites in orbit", says RUAG Space Executive Vice President Peter Guggenbach. "With our products we are contributing to this important project, which will enhance communication around the world."

The RUAG built OneWeb dispenser includes a conical top structure, a "hat", that has the capability to host up to four additional OneWeb satellites per mission. With its extensive know how RUAG has developed a unique and cost effective solution that enables OneWeb to maximize the number of satellites per Soyuz launch. The top structure was developed within the contract with Arianespace for the OneWeb program.

RUAG dispensers, produced in Sweden, are especially suitable for spacecraft constellations such as OneWeb, where a high number of spacecraft need to be placed in orbit within a short time frame. At its lower interface the dispenser structure is bolted to the launch vehicle upper stage. Each satellite is attached to the dispenser in separation nodes. The RUAG dispenser provides a stiff connection in each node during launch, a safe release and an accurate separation provided by the four separation nuts and spring units.

Structures for satellites
RUAG Space manufactures the satellite panels used by OneWeb Satellites in Titusville, Florida. The OneWeb structures (satellite back-bone) are manufactured using the Automated Potting Process (APM). The APM process-developed by RUAG Space-is a revolutionary production method that uses a pick and place machine to rapidly position special inserts filled with adhesive into the satellite structure's sandwich panels.

Thermal protection for OneWeb satellites
In Austria, RUAG Space produced the multi-layer thermal insulation which protects the OneWeb satellites against the cold and heat in space from approx. minus 150 C to plus 150 C (-238 degrees F to 302 degrees F). The insulation consists of several layers of metal-evaporated polyimide film. RUAG Space in Austria also built handle equipment and containers that OneWeb uses to transport the assembled satellites to the different launch sites as well as the corresponding handling at the launch sites. The high-tech, custom satellite containers are used to transport the satellites to the worldwide rocket launch centers. The containers are equipped with a specifically designed damping systems and climate-control.

When fully operational, OneWeb will aid the nearly four billion people around the world who currently have no access to reliable internet. The OneWeb project will allow people-particularly in developing and newly industrialized nations-tremendous new opportunities for information, education and economic growth.


Related Links
RUAG Space
The latest information about the Commercial Satellite Industry


Thanks for being there;
We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain.

With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords.

Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year.

If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter
$5+ Billed Monthly


paypal only
SpaceDaily Contributor
$5 Billed Once


credit card or paypal


SPACEMART
OneWeb launches 34 communications satellites from Kazakhstan
Washington DC (UPI) Mar 21, 2020
A Soyuz rocket carried 34 satellites toward orbit from Kazakhstan on time at 1:06 p.m. EDT Saturday in the third such launch for OneWeb spacecraft made in Florida. The launch will boost OneWeb's global network of satellites to 74 as it strives to provide high-speed Internet access to remote areas. OneWeb previously launched 40 satellites from space centers in Kazakhstan and South America. Saturday's launch came from Russia's Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on a Soyuz rocket purchased t ... read more

Comment using your Disqus, Facebook, Google or Twitter login.



Share this article via these popular social media networks
del.icio.usdel.icio.us DiggDigg RedditReddit GoogleGoogle

SPACEMART
NASA leadership assessing mission impacts of coronavirus

How Space Station research is helping NASA's plans to explore the Moon and Beyond

New Spinoff publication shares how NASA innovations benefit life on Earth

Mission Control adjusts to coronavirus conditions

SPACEMART
SpaceX plans first manned flight to space station in May

NASA's mobile moon rocket tower 44% over budget, IG says

NASA, SpaceX plan return to human spaceflight from U.S. soil in mid-May

Spacex Falcon 9 launches sixth batch of Starlink satellites

SPACEMART
NASA's Curiosity Mars rover takes a new selfie before record climb

NASA's Mars Perseverance Rover Gets Its Sample Handling System

Waves in thin Martian air with wide effects

ExoMars to take off for the Red Planet in 2022

SPACEMART
China's Long March-7A carrier rocket fails in maiden flight

China's Yuanwang-5 sails to Pacific Ocean for space monitoring mission

Construction of China's space station begins with start of LM-5B launch campaign

China Prepares to Launch Unknown Satellite Aboard Long March 7A Rocket

SPACEMART
Soyuz to launch another batch of OneWeb constellation satellites

SpaceX launches Starlink mission from Florida

OneWeb launches 34 communications satellites from Kazakhstan

NewSpace Book on 10 Years of Commercial Space and Children's Book on Space Released

SPACEMART
Europlanet launches 10 million euro research infrastructure supporting planetary science

Raytheon completes first tests of radar for anti-hypersonic sensor

Crowdsourced virtual supercomputer revs up virus research

L3Harris Technologies introduces new reflector antenna tailored for smallsat missions

SPACEMART
Snapping A Space Shot

The Strange Orbits of 'Tatooine' Planetary Disks

Salmon parasite is world's first non-oxygen breathing animal

Observed: An exoplanet where it rains iron

SPACEMART
Jupiter's Great Red Spot shrinking in size, not thickness

Researchers find new minor planets beyond Neptune

Ultraviolet instrument delivered for ESA's Jupiter mission

One Step Closer to the Edge of the Solar System









The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2024 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. All articles labeled "by Staff Writers" include reports supplied to Space Media Network by industry news wires, PR agencies, corporate press officers and the like. Such articles are individually curated and edited by Space Media Network staff on the basis of the report's information value to our industry and professional readership. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Statement Our advertisers use various cookies and the like to deliver the best ad banner available at one time. All network advertising suppliers have GDPR policies (Legitimate Interest) that conform with EU regulations for data collection. By using our websites you consent to cookie based advertising. If you do not agree with this then you must stop using the websites from May 25, 2018. Privacy Statement. Additional information can be found here at About Us.