BENGALURU: Eutelsat has partnered with the Indian Navy’s INSV Kaundinya team to provide high-speed satellite connectivity through its OneWeb constellation of satellites for Project Kaundinya, a maritime heritage voyageOne. “The collaboration brings OneWeb’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite services onboard a traditionally built sailing vessel that undertook a historic ocean voyage from Porbandar to Muscat,” Eutelsat said Wednesday.Project Kaundinya is being carried out aboard INSV Kaundinya, a stitched-plank sailing vessel inspired by ancient Indian shipbuilding traditions. The expedition retraces historic maritime trade routes, highlighting India’s seafaring past while blending heritage with contemporary maritime capability.“Given the vessel’s traditional design and the absence of modern communication infrastructure, OneWeb’s LEO satellite network has been deployed as the sole communication link for the journey. The system has remained operational throughout, enabling real-time connectivity for the crew during extended periods at sea,” the firm said.Sajeev Sanyal, member of the PM’s Economic Advisory Council and a core member of the crew, said reliable satellite connectivity played a central role during the voyage. It allowed the team to remain in touch with shore-based support, 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 said the deployment demonstrates the resilience and adaptability of its LEO connectivity in demanding maritime environments, including its relevance for crew wellbeing, maritime security, and strategic communications,” the firm added.Neha Idnani, regional vice president (APAC), Eutelsat and board director of OneWeb India, described the project as a convergence of maritime heritage, national ambition, and technological innovation.
