SES has completed the launch of two additional O3b mPOWER satellites, using a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, US.
With the fifth and sixth O3b mPOWER satellites launched, the company now has enough medium earth orbit (MEO) satellites required to run the planned network in orbit, though SES announced last month that it will add two more Boeing-built satellites to the constellation, bringing the total number of satellites to 13 (including original first-generation O3b satellites).
The first four O3b mPOWER satellites launched over the last year are already at their target orbital positions and are undergoing in-orbit checks, including system validation tests encompassing both space and ground components.
“With the fifth and sixth O3b mPOWER satellites launched and going operational in the next few months, we are gearing up to deliver the high-performance connectivity services our customers need,” said Ruy Pinto, CEO of SES.
“By building resiliency into the network, we are confident our customers will be able to depend on us to deliver the reliable and secure connectivity required to run their operations.”
O3b mPOWER commercial service is expected to begin during the second quarter of 2024.
