Two next-generation O3b mPOWER satellites built by Boeing for SES have successfully launched into space, further bolstering the capabilities of SES’ Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellite constellation. The ninth and tenth satellites in the series lifted off aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket at 1712H EDT (0512H PhST of Wednesday) and are now transmitting signals from orbit, according to Boeing engineers.
Roughly two hours after launch, the satellites separated from the rocket and began a series of post-launch health checks, monitored from Boeing’s mission control facility in El Segundo, California — the site of the world’s largest satellite factory. The satellites, equipped with efficient xenon propulsion systems, are now en route to their operational orbit approximately 8,000 kilometers above Earth. Their journey to MEO is expected to take about 130 days.
These new satellites will join the eight already in orbit, which have been providing commercial service since April 2024. Each additional satellite in the O3b mPOWER constellation significantly enhances the network’s overall performance, capacity, and resilience.
“We designed O3b mPOWER so each additional satellite beyond the first six boosts capacity, performance, and resilience. This capability stems from our investments in cutting-edge technology and the enhanced production techniques we’ve refined over the course of the program,” according to Michelle Parker, vice president, Boeing Space Mission Systems.
The O3b mPOWER system delivers fiber-like, high-throughput, low-latency connectivity to a global footprint, covering nearly 95% of the world’s population from MEO. It has already been adopted by major telecom operators, airlines, cruise lines, and government organizations, including NATO, the United States and Luxembourg.
SES CEO Adel Al-Saleh emphasized the importance of the latest launch in scaling connectivity across key industries and global partners. “I’m proud of our SES team and partners for continuously pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in space to bring critical connectivity where it matters most. Over the past year, our O3b mPOWER services have been transforming industries and empowering our key customers including telco operators, cruise lines, airlines, NATO, the Government of Luxembourg, the Government of United States and many other allied governments. With this launch we continue adding incremental capacity to our initial O3b mPOWER constellation, strengthening our MEO network and delivering high throughput and predictable low latency services at scale,” he said.
The satellites use software-defined, digitally formed beams to dynamically meet changing communication demands across regions and customer needs. This secure, resilient technology—originally developed by Boeing for military satellite systems such as WGS-11, WGS-12, and ESS—is designed to resist jamming, interruption, and interception.
As a leader in global aerospace and defense, Boeing continues to develop, manufacture, and support critical space systems used in commercial and government missions worldwide.