Eutelsat has joined forces with the Indian Navy's INSV Kaundinya team to deliver high-speed satellite connectivity through its OneWeb constellation. This partnership supports Project Kaundinya, a significant maritime heritage voyage.
Historic Voyage Gets Modern Connectivity
The collaboration brings OneWeb's Low Earth Orbit satellite services onboard a traditionally built sailing vessel. This vessel recently completed a historic ocean journey from Porbandar to Muscat. Eutelsat announced this development on Wednesday.
Blending Ancient Traditions with Modern Technology
Project Kaundinya operates aboard INSV Kaundinya, a stitched-plank sailing vessel inspired by ancient Indian shipbuilding methods. The expedition retraces historic maritime trade routes. It highlights India's rich seafaring history while combining heritage with contemporary maritime capabilities.
Given the vessel's traditional design and lack of modern communication infrastructure, OneWeb's LEO satellite network serves as the sole communication link for the journey. The system has remained fully operational throughout. It enables real-time connectivity for the crew during extended periods at sea.
Critical Role of Satellite Connectivity
Sajeev Sanyal, a member of the Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council and core crew member, emphasized the central role of reliable satellite connectivity during the voyage. It allowed the team to maintain contact with shore-based support. The connectivity enabled live updates and helped sustain morale during challenging phases of the expedition.
The voyage is being documented along its route with live feeds and updates supported by OneWeb's satellite network. Eutelsat stated this deployment demonstrates the resilience and adaptability of its LEO connectivity in demanding maritime environments. This includes relevance for crew wellbeing, maritime security, and strategic communications.
Convergence of Heritage and Innovation
Neha Idnani, Regional Vice President for APAC at Eutelsat and Board Director of OneWeb India, described the project as a convergence of maritime heritage, national ambition, and technological innovation. This partnership showcases how modern satellite technology can support traditional maritime endeavors.
The successful implementation of satellite connectivity on a traditionally built vessel opens new possibilities for maritime operations. It proves that even heritage projects can benefit from cutting-edge technological solutions. This initiative sets a precedent for future collaborations between technology providers and maritime heritage projects.
