Powering Global Connectivity: Airbus Awards Rocket Lab Contract for Next-Gen OneWeb Satellites
- Key Takeaways:
- Rocket Lab awarded contract by Airbus to provide solar panels for 100 next-generation OneWeb satellites.
- This deal expands on a previous successful partnership between Rocket Lab and Airbus for the first OneWeb constellation.
- Rocket Lab will supply 200 high-efficiency solar panels, manufactured in their Albuquerque facility.
- The panels will generate approximately 80kW of power, essential for the OneWeb LEO constellation’s mission of global internet access.
In a significant move for the space industry, Rocket Lab USA, Inc. has been awarded a major contract by Airbus Constellation Satellites to power the next generation of OneWeb satellites for Eutelsat Group . This contract signifies a continued vote of confidence in Rocket Lab’s space technology and reinforces its position as a key player in the burgeoning space systems market. The agreement will see Rocket Lab provide state-of-the-art solar panels for 100 Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, crucial components in OneWeb’s mission to deliver high-speed, low-latency internet to underserved regions globally.
Building on a Successful Partnership: Rocket Lab and Airbus Collaboration Deepens
This new contract is an extension of a well-established relationship between Rocket Lab and Airbus. Back in 2021, Rocket Lab provided over 450 shipsets of solar array panels for Airbus to equip the first generation of OneWeb satellites. This prior collaboration highlights Airbus’s trust in Rocket Lab’s capabilities and the quality of their space-grade solar solutions. The selection of Rocket Lab for this next phase underscores the dependability and effectiveness of their technology in demanding space environments.
High-Efficiency Solar Power: Fueling Global Internet Access from Orbit
Under the newly awarded contract, Rocket Lab is set to deliver 200 solar panels, encompassing carbon composite panel substrates, advanced solar cells, and complete photovoltaic assemblies. Manufacturing will take place at Rocket Lab’s dedicated 150,000 square-foot space solar production facility located in Albuquerque, New Mexico. These high-efficiency panels are engineered to provide approximately 80 kilowatts (kW) of power for the expansive LEO constellation. To put this into perspective, 80kW is enough energy to power 16 Hubble-sized space telescopes, illustrating the considerable scale of energy generation required for a modern satellite constellation like OneWeb.
Expert Insight: Enhancing Global Connectivity with Cutting-Edge Solutions
Brad Clevenger, Vice President of Space Systems at Rocket Lab, emphasized the significance of the contract: “We’re thrilled to extend our partnership with Airbus by providing our world-leading space solar panels to power Eutelsat’s next-gen OneWeb constellation. This collaboration will see 100 more satellites equipped with Rocket Lab technology, ensuring dependable, cutting-edge solutions that advance global connectivity.”
This partnership directly supports Eutelsat Group’s OneWeb constellation, designed to bridge the digital divide by offering high-speed, low-latency internet access to remote and underserved communities around the world. Reliable and efficient power generation in space is paramount for the success of this mission, and Rocket Lab’s solar panels are poised to play a critical role.
Rocket Lab: Beyond Launch Services – A Full-Spectrum Space Company
While widely recognized for its Electron launch vehicle and reliable launch services, Rocket Lab’s contract with Airbus highlights its broader capabilities as an end-to-end space company. Founded in 2006, Rocket Lab has steadily expanded its offerings to include satellite manufacturing, spacecraft components, and comprehensive on-orbit management solutions. Beyond solar panels, Rocket Lab is actively developing the larger Neutron launch vehicle, designed for constellation deployment, and boasts a portfolio of spacecraft platforms supporting missions to the Moon and Mars, demonstrating its diverse expertise within the space sector. With multiple launch pads across New Zealand and the United States, Rocket Lab’s footprint and influence in the space industry continue to grow.
Looking Ahead: Powering the Future of Global Communication
The contract between Airbus and Rocket Lab represents more than just a business deal; it’s a crucial step in advancing global communication infrastructure. As OneWeb’s next-generation constellation takes shape, powered by Rocket Lab’s solar technology, the promise of accessible, high-speed internet for even the most remote corners of the globe moves closer to reality. For azat.tv’s audience, this signifies the continuous evolution of technology shaping our world, and the pivotal role companies like Rocket Lab are playing in it.