Reliance Jio eyes September 2027 test flight for 1,600-satellite LEO network

New Delhi: Reliance Jio is aiming for a test flight in September next year for the low earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation it’s planning, said people aware of the matter. As part of the test flight, the company will send a few satellites into space to check hardware, software and functioning of other technologies before mass deployment begins in early 2028.

Jio plans a 1,600-strong LEO network for its satcom business. “The Jio application has been filed with the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) for securing orbit slots. It is looking to deploy 400-450 satellites by 2030 and complete the constellation by 2035,” said one of the persons.