Two additional O3b mPOWER satellites, built by Boeing, have successfully entered operation in space, marking another milestone in the development of SES’s advanced satellite constellation. The satellites launched from Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 5:26 p.m., onboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Approximately two hours after liftoff, the satellites separated from the rocket and began sending and receiving signals. They will soon integrate with the six O3b mPOWER satellites already in orbit to enhance SES’s capabilities in delivering high-speed, reliable connectivity worldwide.
These satellites are the most advanced commercial communications satellites we’ve built to date, said Michelle Parker, Boeing Space Mission Systems vice president. It’s exciting to work with SES to bring these cutting-edge systems into operation.
The O3b mPOWER system is SES’s second-generation medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellite constellation, designed to deliver groundbreaking performance. The system offers terabit-level capacity, latency under 150 milliseconds, and unparalleled service availability, enabling industries to transform their connectivity capabilities.
O3b mPOWER is our most powerful, technically advanced, and flexible satellite constellation to date, said Adel Al-Saleh, CEO of SES. “By increasing the number of satellites in our constellation, we exponentially boost the capacity and efficiency of our network. Since the service began earlier this year, O3b mPOWER has become a vital component of our customers’ connectivity experience. We’ve learned a great deal since its debut and have used these insights to enhance our innovation journey. This allows us to scale our services to meet even the most sophisticated needs of our customers.”
Advancing Connectivity Capabilities
The newly launched satellites are equipped with over 5,000 digitally formed beams. These advanced features allow the satellites to handle dynamic, high-density demands in air, sea, and land environments, enabling SES to support a wide range of applications for governments and enterprises worldwide. By pairing the O3b mPOWER satellites with a robust ground infrastructure, SES is able to offer a highly flexible, software-driven connectivity system that addresses both current and future needs.
The integration of these additional satellites expands SES’s capacity to deliver reliable, high-speed internet to underserved and remote regions, enhancing global communication networks. The advanced technology enables customers to benefit from low-latency, high-throughput connectivity, supporting applications such as video conferencing, cloud computing, and real-time data processing across various sectors.
Testing and Handover
Boeing will oversee the in-orbit testing of the two satellites over the next four months to ensure they meet operational specifications. Following successful testing, the satellites will be handed over to SES for integration into their growing constellation.
From concept to reality, designing and delivering this first-of-its-kind technology to SES has been remarkable, said Parker.
This milestone underscores Boeing’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of satellite technology. The partnership between Boeing and SES continues to deliver innovative solutions that redefine the possibilities of satellite communications, addressing the growing demand for connectivity across air, sea, and land sectors.
Driving Innovation and Sustainability
Boeing’s role in developing the O3b mPOWER system highlights the company’s leadership in aerospace innovation. As a top U.S. exporter, Boeing designs and manufactures commercial airplanes, defense products, and space systems for customers in over 150 countries. The company leverages a global supplier base to drive economic growth, promote sustainability, and make a positive impact on communities worldwide.
With a strong commitment to safety, quality, and integrity, Boeing continues to innovate for the future. The company’s dedication to sustainability and advanced technology aligns with the increasing demand for robust connectivity solutions that can support both commercial and governmental applications.
