Google’s Project Loon has tried it. Elon Musk’s SpaceX is attempting it. Now Airbus is also getting in on the action.

OneWeb, a collaboration between Virgin and Qualcomm, has tasked Airbus with the design and manufacture of a constellation made up of 900 microsatellites. Once constructed, it will be the world’s biggest satellite constellation capable of beaming internet down to earth.

The launch of the first 700 satellites into low earth orbit is planned for the beginning of 2018. The remaining 200 satellites will be kept on earth as replacements if any of their airborne counterparts fail to perform or become damaged.

“This partnership is a fantastic new chapter in our space story. Teaming with OneWeb with a requirement to produce several small satellites each day has inspired us to develop innovative designs and processes that will dramatically lower the cost in large volumes for high performance space applications,” said François Auque, Head of Space Systems at Airbus Defence and Space.

The first 10 satellites will be made in France at Airbus Defence and Space’s facilities, while the remainder of the order will be manufactured at a dedicated plant in the US. It is said that the project will cost between $1.5 billion and $2 billion.

[Image – Airbus]