The company has confirmed it intends to launch its satellite in early 2019.
Some background: Last month, Facebook announced the end of its pursuit of developing Aquila, an autonomous drone that provides internet access.
The news: According to emails obtained by Wired from the Federal Communications Commission and a confirmation from the company, Facebook has shifted its focus towards space. It’s developing the Athena satellite for launch next year. The satellite is intended to “efficiently provide broadband access to unserved and underserved areas throughout the world.”
Why it matters: This puts Facebook in with a group of tech companies developing internet satellites that includes SpaceX and OneWeb, a business backed by Softbank. These companies are banking on a space, rather than fiber optic cables, being the key to providing connections to hard to reach areas. Private companies like SpaceX (and its new Block 5 rockets) are providing increased access to satellite launches, making space-based internet a more feasible option.
SOURCE:MIT DOWNLOAD
Some background: Last month, Facebook announced the end of its pursuit of developing Aquila, an autonomous drone that provides internet access.
The news: According to emails obtained by Wired from the Federal Communications Commission and a confirmation from the company, Facebook has shifted its focus towards space. It’s developing the Athena satellite for launch next year. The satellite is intended to “efficiently provide broadband access to unserved and underserved areas throughout the world.”
Why it matters: This puts Facebook in with a group of tech companies developing internet satellites that includes SpaceX and OneWeb, a business backed by Softbank. These companies are banking on a space, rather than fiber optic cables, being the key to providing connections to hard to reach areas. Private companies like SpaceX (and its new Block 5 rockets) are providing increased access to satellite launches, making space-based internet a more feasible option.
SOURCE:MIT DOWNLOAD
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