Airbus Defence & Space will provide microsatellites to OneWeb.

Airbus Defence and Space, part of European aerospace and defence corporation Airbus Group, has been awarded a contract to build 900 telecom class microsatellites by OneWeb.

The microsatellites will orbit Earth providing space-based Internet access to billions of people in remote areas.

The aerospace company is planning to launch around 700 units of the 150kg satellites in 2018, with the remaining unitsused as a replacement in case the old ones face any problems.

The satellites will have 10 terabits per second of capacity, and will be able to extend the networks of mobile operators and ISP’s to cater to new coverage areas.

Airbus has employed engineers from the Airbus A350 production facilities and teams from Airbus Defence and Space to design the satellites.

The design and production of the first 10 satellites will be carried out at Airbus Defence and Space’s facilities in Toulouse (France).

However, the full series production of the satellites is expected to take place at a dedicated plant located in the US.

OneWeb Space Systems head Brian Holz said: "We have worked with Airbus Space and Defence, to streamline the manufacturing process to the point that several satellites can be produced each day.

"This will redefine the cost structure for satellites, enabling rapid iteration and development of space related technologies.

"Our mission keeps us, Airbus, and all of our other stakeholders and excited supply chain partners focused to drive real progress."