Switzerland-based RUAG Space has opened its new facility in Titusville, Florida, US, which will produce satellite structures for global communications company OneWeb.

Equipped with improved machinery and automated processes, the new manufacturing plant will soon begin its first batch of production.

First delivery from the plant is planned to be carried out in 1.5 months.

RUAG Space CEO Peter Guggenbach said: “This facility reflects RUAG’s readiness to meet the needs of our customers, by locating in proximity to them and keeping a high pace.

“Manufacturing structures for up to three satellites per day is a first for our industry and represents unparalleled speed.

“OneWeb is building a new space based global infrastructure to bring low-latency broadband to the four billion unconnected people around the world.”

“It also shows that we are willing to invest if we strongly believe in a project, along with that region.”

RUAG also announced its intention to expand its collaboration with OneWeb.

Under the proposed collaboration, RUAG Space is expected to develop and manufacture the thermal insulation for OneWeb's satellites.

The 200kg OneWeb satellites measure 1.3m in height and will require thermal insulation to maintain a constant interior temperature, despite the extreme temperature fluctuations in space.

OneWeb founder and executive chairman Greg Wyler said: “OneWeb is building a new space based global infrastructure to bring low-latency broadband to the four billion unconnected people around the world.”

The company is set to launch the first satellites for its global constellation early next year.

Last month, RUAG Space Sweden opened a new production facility at its site in Linköping.

Doubling the site’s capability, the new facility will be involved in the manufacturing of launcher adapters, dispensers and satellite separation systems.

Image: RUAG Space’s new satellite structure production facility in Florida, US. Photo: courtesy of RUAG Group.