Navigating a large satellite constellation in the new space era: An operational perspective

Abstract

With the success of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) rocket launch on March 26, 2023, Oneweb has made significant progress toward completing its low-Earth orbit (LEO) constellation. Since October 2022, an additional 156 satellites have been added to its constellation, bringing the total number of space assets to 620. This achievement signifies a 98 % completion of the planned OneWeb Gen-1 constellation, that enables high speed and low latency connectivity to high latitude regions worldwide. The full deployment of the constellation is expected to be finalized by mid 2023. As the second world's largest satellite fleet owner and operator, OneWeb prioritizes space safety and sustainability best practices to ensure harmonious co-existence with other space operators within the ever-evolving space environment. Given the substantial increase in the number of space objects over the past two years and the occurrence of fragmentation events, OneWeb aims to share its operational experience and safe navigation methodology of a large satellite fleet from orbit injection to service orbit altitude amid challenges posed by changes in the space environment. The discussion in this paper encompasses various aspects of satellite fleet operations, such as conjunction data management, implementation of space sustainability best practices, and the feasibility and versatility of low thrust electric propulsion systems in satellite maneuverability, environmental pollution reduction and effective collision avoidance efforts.