OneWeb Satellites, a joint venture of OneWeb and Airbus, officially opened the world’s first high-volume, high-speed advanced satellite production facility in Exploration Park on Florida’s Space Coast. This is the next step in advancing the company’s investment on Florida’s Space Coast, which was first announced in 2016 by the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast’s (EDC) after a highly competitive site selection process. This state-of-the-art facility will employ 250 new high-tech workers and create an additional 3,000 indirect jobs through the supply chain.
The OneWeb Satellites facility is the first to employ industrial-scale mass production techniques for satellites, enabling dramatic cost savings and reduced production times. The company plans to deliver one satellite per production shift or two a day, significantly expanding internet connectivity and making space technology far more accessible.
The EDC’s President and CEO Lynda Weatherman joined government officials including U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, U.S. Senator Rick Scott, U.S. Rep. Bill Posey, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, Assistant Secretary of State for Economic and Business Affairs Manisha Singh, in celebrating the opening of the 105,500 square foot production facility.
“OneWeb is making a difference across the globe with its mission of connectivity for all and the EDC is honored to celebrate today’s milestone,” said Lynda Weatherman. “OneWeb’s selection of Brevard County demonstrates the Space Coast’s leadership in high-tech talent and innovation, furthering our region as the leader in the next generation of space related activities.”
“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 making space dramatically more accessible to everyone,” said Tony Gingiss, CEO of OneWeb Satellites.
“This is a defining moment in the history of OneWeb, and the space industry. With today’s opening, we are one step closer to connecting the unconnected for the benefit of societies all over the world,” said Adrian Steckel, CEO of OneWeb. “As we gear up for more satellite launches at the end of the year, this facility will ensure we can begin delivering global connectivity in some areas as early as next year and globally in 2021.”