EL SEGUNDO, California: Boeing has successfully delivered the ninth and tenth satellites of the groundbreaking O3b mPOWER constellation to global content and network provider SES, marking a major milestone in expanding next-generation satellite internet coverage worldwide. These advanced satellites, equipped with Boeing’s fully software-defined payload technology, are now en route to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida for a planned launch later this summer.
“The O3b mPOWER spacecraft are the most capable and flexible commercial satellites ever operated in space,” said Michelle Parker, Vice President of Boeing Space Mission Systems. “Many users have struggled with unreliable internet while traveling on airplanes or cruise ships. Our software-defined payload technology enables SES to deliver high-speed, reliable connectivity that adapts in real time to user demand. This is a true game changer, and the first eight satellites already in orbit are proving just how powerful this technology is.”
Revolutionizing Connectivity with O3b mPOWER’s Advanced Technology
The O3b mPOWER system is SES’s second-generation satellite constellation operating in medium Earth orbit (MEO) at approximately 8,000 kilometers above Earth’s surface. Unlike traditional geostationary satellites, O3b mPOWER satellites deliver terabit-level capacity, ultra-low latency, and unmatched service availability, designed to transform connectivity across industries such as maritime, aviation, energy, government, and remote communications.
Each satellite is based on Boeing’s multi-orbit BSS-702X platform featuring an all-electric propulsion system and a fully software-defined digital payload. This payload can be reprogrammed from the ground to dynamically allocate power, bandwidth, and routing “on the fly,” enabling the satellites to generate up to 5,000 steerable spot beams per satellite. These beams can be shaped and directed in real time to meet individual user needs, delivering uncontended speeds ranging from 50 Mbps up to 10 Gbps.
SES’s proprietary Adaptive Resource Control (ARC) software synchronizes space and ground systems to electronically manage power levels, frequency allocation, and throughput, optimizing network efficiency and user experience worldwide.
Expanding the Constellation and Enhancing Network Capacity
The newly delivered ninth and tenth satellites will join the existing eight O3b mPOWER satellites already in orbit, significantly boosting SES’s global coverage and network capacity. Boeing is simultaneously manufacturing an additional three satellites to support SES’s ambitious launch schedule through 2026.
“The performance of the first eight satellites has exceeded expectations, and we are excited to continue evolving this technology for SES and other customers,” added Parker. “Our software-defined payload is also being hardened for military applications, including Boeing’s Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS)-11 and WGS-12 satellites for the U.S. Space Force, ensuring secure and resilient connectivity even in contested environments.”
Transforming Global Communications and Bridging the Digital Divide
The O3b mPOWER constellation is uniquely positioned to address the growing global demand for high-speed, reliable internet connectivity in challenging environments. Whether enabling seamless broadband on commercial aircraft and cruise ships or providing critical communications for remote communities and disaster recovery operations, O3b mPOWER’s flexible, high-throughput capabilities are redefining what’s possible in satellite communications.
By operating in MEO, the system achieves a balance between extensive coverage and low latency, reducing jitter and packet loss compared to traditional geostationary satellites. This makes it ideal for latency-sensitive applications such as video conferencing, cloud computing, and real-time data transfer.
Boeing’s Legacy of Innovation and Commitment to Connectivity
Boeing has a longstanding partnership with SES, having built 12 satellites for the operator since 1990. The O3b mPOWER program represents the latest evolution in this collaboration, combining Boeing’s cutting-edge satellite technology with SES’s global network expertise.
As a leading aerospace company and top U.S. exporter, Boeing continues to drive innovation in commercial and defense space systems, delivering solutions that connect people, businesses, and governments worldwide.
