Photo: Eutelsat OneWeb

Introducing a strategic partnership aiming to transform space communications as we know it. Through expertise and a purposeful approach, SSC and Eutelsat OneWeb have jointly propelled the successful deployment of numerous ground stations for the OneWeb constellation development.

In one corner, the industry leader in satellite telecommunications Eutelsat OneWeb, on a mission to help reduce the digital divide and improve the world’s access to information. Put simply, they enable a more sustainable future by connecting the world.  

In the other corner, leading ground service supplier Swedish Space Corporation (SSC), known to provide a global multi-mission ground station network that enhances the capabilities of satellite operators. The services range from space-to-ground connectivity categories to hosting services, via SSC sites or third-party sites.

“Together we have a shared commitment to reliability and service excellence which has played a significant role in shaping our partnership. Working with SSC, a formidable global collaborator with advanced technological capabilities and a dedication to sustainability, aligns seamlessly with Eutelsat OneWeb’s mission”

But how did Eutelsat OneWeb, the second largest constellation of telecom satellites, efficiently build their ground sites?

Embracing an outsourcing-strategy
With a vision that encompasses both short-term objectives and a forward-looking perspective on procurement and space operations, Eutelsat OneWeb were on a quest that needed an experienced site establishment partner. 

With everything from site design to site establishment and antenna installation, SSC were trusted to take on the task. And the long experience from advising satellite operators in their planning of ground segment architecture would prove to be important. 

As Eutelsat OneWeb’s LEO satellite constellation started its roll-out, it was imperative to deploy their advanced and widespread ground infrastructure at a rapid pace. This infrastructure is essential to ensure seamless connectivity to customers in various sectors. 

SSC began its support to the project by working on the first site in Florida – an initial piece of the project – to assess the suitability of SSC as a partner for potential further collaboration. Thanks to early successes at the Florida establishment, more of Eutelsat OneWeb’s sites around the globe were gradually added, deepening the collaboration and scope of the SSC project support. 

“We are proud that Eutelsat OneWeb found our expertise aligned with their requirement specification, and that we now have a longstanding partnership spanning over multiple site development projects,” says Dan Narey, Business Development Director at SSC.

To this day, SSC has successfully completed site and/or antenna installations at twelve ground station sites, also known as Satellite Network Portals or SNPs, in various locations including Florida (U.S.), Santiago (Chile), Toluca (Mexico), Yellowknife (Canada), Alaska (U.S.), Hawaii (U.S.), California (U.S.), Connecticut (U.S.), Arica (Chile), Cali (Colombia), and Tahiti (French Polynesia). Moving forward, SSC will continue to operate the hosting parts of the first four sites’ systems.   

Additionally, SSC actively supports Eutelsat OneWeb’s systems hosting end-user terminals at two SSC ground station sites in Sweden: Stockholm Teleport and Esrange Space Center. This support plays a crucial role in monitoring the service, and highlights SSC’s essential role in supporting the satellite operator’s operational efficiency. 

“Despite facing difficulties such as wildfires, harsh weather conditions, supply chain delays, and local support issues, the team persevered and successfully completed the twelve site and antenna installations. This demonstrates the joint commitment between our two companies,” says Dan Narey, Business Development Director at SSC. 

So, what made the collaboration so successful?  

Sharing ground station sites and experience 
Over the course of the project, SSC opened its ground station sites for Eutelsat OneWeb to host their equipment, and also worked at third-party sites for Eutelsat OneWeb, where the two companies shared expertise and global experience in ground station site operations. 

“Together we have a shared commitment to reliability and service excellence which has played a significant role in shaping our partnership. Working with SSC, a formidable global collaborator with advanced technological capabilities and a dedication to sustainability, aligns seamlessly with Eutelsat OneWeb’s mission,” said Joe White, Director for SNP Transition at Eutelsat Group. 

“Our partnership is a testament to the mutual trust and fruitful collaboration built along the way. We have seamlessly integrated our expertise into the global expansion of Eutelsat OneWeb, and the excitement of supporting such a groundbreaking venture resonates within us,” says Dan Narey, Business Development Director at SSC.  

With a shared commitment to revolutionizing global connectivity, SSC continues to strengthen and broaden its collaboration with Eutelsat OneWeb – working together to connect the world. 

Read more about Eutelsat OneWeb’s network at https://oneweb.net/our-network