OneWeb, the low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite internet constellation operated by Eutelsat, experienced a 48-hour outage beginning on December 31, 2024. The disruption, confirmed by Eutelsat, stemmed from a software issue within the ground segment, specifically related to the 2024 leap year. The failure to account for the extra day in the year disrupted the constellation’s software, leading to the temporary service interruption.
Leap Year Bug Grounds Global Internet Service
Eutelsat’s OneWeb constellation, comprising over 630 satellites, aims to provide high-speed internet across the globe. The recent outage highlights the challenges of managing complex satellite networks and the unforeseen consequences of seemingly minor software oversights. The leap year bug impacted OneWeb’s service across its coverage area, affecting internet service providers (ISPs) and business clients who rely on the constellation for connectivity.
OneWeb’s Rocky Road to Global Coverage
Eutelsat’s journey with OneWeb hasn’t been without its hurdles. Initially reliant on Russia’s Soyuz rocket for launches, the company faced significant setbacks following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine and subsequent sanctions. Roscosmos’ refusal to launch OneWeb satellites without certain demands forced the company to seek alternative launch providers, including SpaceX and the Indian Space Research Organization.
Launch Delays and Infrastructure Challenges
Despite launching its final batch of satellites in March 2023, OneWeb has faced delays in securing approval for ground-based infrastructure in several key countries, limiting its global reach. Currently, OneWeb’s services are available in the Americas, and parts of Europe and Asia, with plans to expand coverage in 2025.
OneWeb vs. Starlink: A Different Approach
Unlike SpaceX’s Starlink, which serves end-users directly, OneWeb focuses on providing infrastructure for ISPs and business clients. This business model positions OneWeb as a key player in the evolving landscape of global internet connectivity.
Future of OneWeb: Constellation Renewal and Leap Year Lessons
Eutelsat recently ordered 100 new broadband satellites from Airbus to begin updating its constellation, anticipating the end of its current satellites’ lifespan between 2027 and 2028. The recent leap year glitch underscores the importance of rigorous software testing and the need to anticipate potential issues in complex systems. The company is determined to learn from this experience and ensure the smooth operation of its network in the future.
Ensuring Reliability and Expansion
With the leap year issue resolved, OneWeb can focus on expanding its global coverage and solidifying its position as a leading provider of LEO satellite internet services. The lessons learned from this incident will undoubtedly contribute to the development of more robust and reliable satellite internet infrastructure.
