Eutelsat reports that its OneWeb low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network has been used to provide onboard connectivity for Project Kaundinya, a historic maritime voyage undertaken by the Indian Navy aboard the traditional sailing vessel INSV Kaundinya.
Project Kaundinya retraces ancient Indian maritime trade routes using a stitched-plank sailing vessel inspired by early Indian shipbuilding techniques. The voyage is intended to showcase India’s seafaring heritage.
According to Eutelsat, OneWeb’s LEO connectivity was deployed as the sole communications link onboard the vessel, due to the lack of conventional communications infrastructure that could be installed due to the ship’s traditional design.
The system enabled real-time communications between the crew and shore-based teams throughout the voyage, supporting operational updates, live feeds and crew morale during extended periods at sea.
“Throughout the voyage, having reliable satellite connectivity from Eutelsat’s OneWeb has been invaluable for the crew,” said Sanjeev Sanyal, Member of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council (EAC-PM) and a core member of the crew of Kaundinya.
“It has allowed us to stay connected with shore-based teams, supporting communication, live feeds, and above all morale during long and sometimes challenging periods at sea.”
