The question is how do they get them into space and how much each to launch. F9 is a no go based on some tweets I've read.Given the volume of launches required current and future LVs list prices for single launches a not valid.For example buy 20 Vega and their $30m should come down to <$20m. Not only will build cost of LV drop also there will be large reduction in profit per launch eg from $10m to $5m.
With three solid motors plus AVUM, does Vega/AVUM have the capability to deliver a cluster of 6-8 sats? Not sure what maneuver(s) required between dispensing the sats.
Does this announcement mean that the project is funded?
Is there a reason not to launch 30 satellites into the same orbital plane at once?
Peter B. de Selding @pbdes 9m9 minutes agoArianespace: We'll be launching OneWeb sats on Soyuz from Baikonur as well as from Europe's spaceport. 21-launch firm order plus options.
Peter B. de Selding @pbdes 15m15 minutes agoHughes Network Systems: We're investing in OneWeb and will be ground system provider.
Peter B. de Selding @pbdes 4m4 minutes agoIntelsat investing $25M in OneWeb for improved maritime/aero delivery and will let OneWeb customers use Intelsat sats at equator if needed.
Peter B. de Selding @pbdes 28m28 minutes agoArianespace: 1 Soyuz lifts 32 OneWeb sats. >50% of our 21 OneWeb launches 2017-2019 to be frm Baikonur. 1st 10 pilot sats frm Europe's port.
Arianespace CEO: OneWeb 21-launch Soyuz deal is firm. We'll now order 20+ additional Soyuz rockets from Russia's Roscosmos agency by Sept.
Arianespace CEO: We'll sign separate contract soon w/ OneWeb to design/build adaptor to carry/deploy the sats for Soyuz launches.
21 Soyuz rocketshttp://www.federalspace.ru/21549/