Photo is courtesy of Boeing.
Boeing [NYSE: BA] has delivered the third and fourth O3b mPOWER satellites to SES, with the duo embarking for Cape Canaveral, Florida. The pair will launch to MEO to provide fiber-like broadband connectivity to people around the world, joining the first two satellites on-orbit.
Boeing is contracted to deliver 11, O3b mPOWER satellites to SES; however, only six satellites are needed in equatorial MEO to provide global, connectivity services. The O3b mPOWER satellites are all-digital with a 702X software-driven payload, providing customers the flexibility and unique advantage to change services and markets to meet data demands.
With seven more satellites in production, Boeing teams are introducing efficiencies into the manufacturing process. The team has reduced the bus module build time by more than 50 percent, and delivered similar efficiency improvements for payload integration and test, demonstrating the benefits of the highly integrated 702X architecture.
The first two O3b mPOWER satellites launched in December 2022.
“As we get ready to launch the next pair of O3b mPOWER satellites in the coming weeks, we are excited to have them join the first two satellites which are currently undergoing rigorous testing as they arrive at their target Medium Earth Orbit. The early indications from our test program are that the O3b mPOWER system will more than fulfill the expectations of our customers. We will be delivering networks that offer the industry’s best throughput, high availability and predictable performance that are essential for our customers’ critical applications and creating new business opportunities for SES.” — Ruy Pinto, Chief Technology Officer at SES
“We are proud to have successfully delivered the third and fourth O3b mPOWER satellites and are looking forward to delivering the remaining satellites in the constellation.” — Michelle Parker, vice president of Space Mission Systems at Boeing Defense, Space & Security.