OneWeb 1st pvt Satcom Firm To Get Regulatory Nod

Relevance: GS3 - Science and Technology, Awareness in the fields of Space

(Source: PTI, 22/11/2023 )

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Why in the news?

• Bharti Group-backed OneWeb India has received the necessary authorisations from the Indian space regulator IN-SPACe.
• It also obtained in-principle approval to establish and operate two gateways in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu to deliver the services.
• OneWeb India is the first organization to be granted this authorisation.

What is Satellite broadband:

• Satellite internet provides an online connection powered by satellites in space.
• These satellites send and receive signals that route to the internet service provider and then to the receiver’s internet modem.
• Internet service providers (ISPs) launch multiple satellites into space that orbit around the Earth (low-earth orbit or high-earth orbit) to ensure this communication.
• Example: Star link (SpaceX), Amazon Kupier, LeoSat.

OneWeb Satellite broadband :

• It is a satellite-based network to provide high-speed, low-latency internet connectivity worldwide.
• Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and NewSpace India Ltd(NSIL) in partnering with UK-based OneWeb Group launched this.

• Operates using OneWeb Constellations which was launched On 23-10-22.

Potential benefits of Satellite broadband:

• Low Latency: Low earth orbit satellites 1,000km from earth - compared to 35,000km for GEO satellites - significantly increase bandwidth and reduce latency in space to around 50-70ms.
• High Speeds: It expects to provide an upload speed of 30-70 Mbps and a download speed of up to 150 Mbps, which is suitable for most applications.
• Redundancy: In areas without traditional broadband, space-based systems offer a redundant connection, critical for emergency situations.
• IoT and Machine-to-Machine Communication: Supporting the growth of IoT devices and enabling machine-to-machine communication, particularly in agriculture, transportation, and logistics.
• Low Cost: LEO antennas require less power and a smaller antenna size for a reliable link, and are substantially easier and less expensive to deploy, bridging the digital divide with affordable internet.
• Disaster Response: Swift deployment of space-based systems facilitates emergency communication during natural disasters, enhancing life-saving efforts and relief coordination.
• Scalability: These systems can quickly scale to meet rising demand, crucial in areas experiencing rapid population growth or sudden surges due to emergencies.
• Global Coverage: Space-based broadband ensures coverage even in the most remote areas, a challenge for traditional ground-based systems.
• Improved Connectivity for Travel: The low latency and high-speed capabilities enhance connectivity for air and sea travel, improving safety and ensuring passengers stay connected during their journey.

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FAQs

MCQs

Question: With reference to India’s satellite launch vehicles, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2018)

1. PSLVs launch the satellites useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites.
2. Satellites launched by PSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth.
3. GSLV Mk III is a four-staged launch vehicle with the first and third stages using solid rocket motors; and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3

(c) 1 and 2

(d) 3 only