ISRO tests its heaviest rocket engine, will help launch OneWeb satellites
ISRO's heaviest rocket engine The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has conducted an important test of its heaviest rocket engine CE-20. This will help London-based satellite communications company OneWeb launch satellites early next year.
Staff Editor 
The flight acceptance hot test of the CE-20 engine has been conducted at the High Altitude Test Facility of ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) at Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu. The Indian Space Research Organization said the engine has been assigned to the LVM3-M3 mission identified for launching the next 36 OneWeb India-1 satellites.
OneWeb satellites to be launched next year
The satellites of London-based satellite communications company OneWeb are expected to be launched early next year on LVM3 by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), the commercial arm of ISRO, sources said. Friday's flight acceptance test comes within days of the launch of the first set of 36 OneWeb satellites by NSIL from the Satish Dhawan Space Center (SDSC- SHAR) in Sriharikota on October 23.
Access to difficult areas will be possible
According to OneWeb, NSIL and its partnership with ISRO demonstrated its commitment to provide pan-India connectivity by 2023. From Ladakh to Kanyakumari and Gujarat to Arunachal Pradesh, OneWeb will bring secure solutions not only to enterprises but also to towns, villages, municipalities and schools, including those in hard-to-reach areas across the country.
OneWeb gets Bharti Global's support
"OneWeb's commitment to enhancing connectivity in India is backed by Bharti Global, its largest investor," the company said. At the same time, Radhakrishnan D, Chairman-cum-Managing Director, NSIL had said, "We look forward to strengthen our partnership with OneWeb and deliver broadband services across India by harnessing the potential of LEO connectivity."
NSIL signs agreement with OneWeb
According to the National Space Agency, last Sunday's launch marked the rocket's entry into the global commercial launch services market. NSIL, a Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Department of Space, had earlier signed two launch service contracts with Network Access Associated Limited (OneWeb) to launch a total of 72 OneWeb LEO (Low Earth Orbit) satellites on ISRO's LVM3.
What is LVM3?
LVM3, ISRO's heaviest rocket, is capable of launching a four-tonne class satellite into the Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit. The LVM3 (Launch Vehicle Mark 3) is a three-stage vehicle, consisting of two solid motor strap-ons, a liquid propellant core stage and a cryogenic stage.
