CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida: Boeing engineers have confirmed that the ninth and tenth satellites of the O3b mPOWER constellation, developed for the global space solutions provider SES, successfully launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The rocket lifted off at 5:12 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, marking a significant milestone in the expansion of SES’s medium Earth orbit (MEO) communications system.
Approximately two hours post-liftoff, the newly launched satellites separated from the Falcon 9 rocket and began comprehensive health checks overseen by the Boeing operations team based in El Segundo, California—home to Boeing’s satellite factory and mission control. This facility plays a critical role in managing the complex deployment and commissioning processes of Boeing-built satellites.
Extended Mission to Medium Earth Orbit
The new satellites are equipped with advanced xenon thrusters that enable them to navigate the 130-day transit to their operational altitude of around 8,000 kilometers above Earth. Once fully deployed, they will join the existing eight O3b mPOWER satellites currently orbiting in MEO, which collectively provide high-throughput, low-latency connectivity to SES customers worldwide.
Boeing’s Michelle Parker, Vice President of Space Mission Systems, emphasized the design philosophy behind the O3b mPOWER series: “Each additional satellite beyond the initial six enhances the constellation’s capacity, performance, and resilience.” This reflects Boeing’s focus on cutting-edge manufacturing techniques and technology investments made throughout the program.
O3b mPOWER: High-Performance Connectivity at Scale
The O3b mPOWER constellation began commercial operation in April 2024. The system delivers connectivity that rivals traditional internet in terms of speed and reliability but with much greater geographic flexibility, covering nearly 95% of the global population. It supports a wide range of sectors and use cases, from telecom operators and cruise lines to airlines and government clients including NATO, the U.S. Government, and the Government of Luxembourg.
SES CEO Adel Al-Saleh praised the collaborative efforts behind the project: “Our O3b mPOWER services are transforming industries and empowering key customers globally. With this launch, we are adding incremental capacity to the initial constellation, strengthening our MEO network, and delivering high throughput with predictable low latency at scale.”
Advanced Technology for Secure and Adaptive Communication
The satellite system employs digitally formed beams that provide dynamic, software-defined coverage tailored to evolving geographic and customer needs. This technology offers enhanced security, ensuring connectivity is resistant to jamming, interception, or interruptions. Boeing has adapted this technology for military use in projects such as the Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) satellites and the Evolved Strategic SATCOM (ESS) system supporting U.S. Space Force communications.
Looking Ahead: Full Constellation Deployment by 2027
Following this latest launch, three additional O3b mPOWER satellites are under manufacture and slated for launch in 2026. The completion of the full constellation by 2027 will nearly triple the capacity currently available, enabling SES to meet growing demands for data and connectivity worldwide. This expansion solidifies SES’s position as a leader in MEO-based connectivity solutions.
SES, with its recent acquisition of Intelsat, combines over a century of global leadership in delivering innovative space-based communications solutions. Its multi-orbit satellite fleet and terrestrial infrastructure extend resilient, seamless connectivity and premium video content to a diverse customer base worldwide.
This launch marks a significant advancement in global satellite communications, providing critical infrastructure to support increasing connectivity demands across government, enterprise, and mobility sectors with unmatched coverage, speed, and reliability.
