OneWeb has been launching satellites into orbit as part of
its plans to deliver global high-speed internet access.
"Launch #12 represents the last in a sequence of eight
launches scheduled in 2021 by OneWeb with launch partners Arianespace,"
the company said on its website. French global launch services company
Arianespace, Oneweb and Russia's space agency Roscosmos all broadcast the
launch.
Earlier this year, OneWeb said a launch from Russia's Far
East would allow it to offer everywhere north of 50 degrees latitude.
OneWeb has listed the United Kingdom, Alaska, Northern
Europe, Greenland, Iceland, continental US, the Arctic Seas and Canada as areas
that should be offered full connectivity.
The Interfax news agency said the satellites, launched
aboard a Soyuz-2.1b rocket, would be separated in stages.
OneWeb resumed flights last December after emerging from
bankruptcy protection with $1 billion in equity investment from a consortium of
the British government and India's Bharti Enterprises, its new owners.
It has also received investment from Japan's Softbank and
Eutelsat Communications, and further financing from Bharti. OneWeb has secured
$2.4 billion in total. - Reuters