One Web Satellites
One Web Satellites FAL Outside. Credit: One web satellites.

The OneWeb Satellites joint venture (JV) between OneWeb and Airbus has officially opened a satellite production facility in Florida, US.

The 105,500ft² production facility is equipped with industrial-scale mass production techniques to achieve faster production rates at reduced costs. Featuring two production lines, it is expected to deliver one satellite in a single production shift or two units a day.

OneWeb Satellites will utilise the Florida facility to produce high-performance communication satellites, enabling high-speed internet access across industry verticals.

The production facility will also help the JV to enhance its capabilities as OneWeb plans to launch 650 satellites over the next two years.

OneWeb Satellites CEO Tony Gingiss said: “OneWeb Satellites and its partners are transforming the satellite and space industry.

“By producing high-quality satellites at a fraction of the cost and schedule of traditional manufacturers, we are not only enabling OneWeb to connect the planet; we are also making space dramatically more accessible to everyone.”

The site is expected to create 250 new high-tech jobs and support 3,000 indirect employments through the supply chain.

Airbus Americas Chairman and CEO C. Jeffrey Knittel said: “Airbus is manufacturing products in the US from all of our business divisions – commercial aircraft, helicopters and now satellites.

“We take seriously our partnerships in the communities where we do business, and we’re proud to contribute our aerospace manufacturing expertise to the Space Coast with 250 new high-tech jobs in Florida.”

In March, OneWeb raised $1.25bn in funding to start mass production of satellites and support the development of the first global communications network by 2021.