Global satellite launch: O3b mPOWER, a new addition by SES, enhances worldwide network connectivity
In a significant step forward for satellite communications, the latest pair of O3b mPOWER satellites were successfully launched into space by SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, United States, on July 22, 2025, at 5:12 pm local time. This brings the total number of operational O3b mPOWER satellites to ten [1][2][3].
The O3b mPOWER system, a second-generation medium Earth orbit (MEO) system by SES, continues to add incremental capacity to its initial constellation. These new satellites enhance global coverage, strengthening the MEO network of the O3b mPOWER system [1][4].
The services offered by the O3b mPOWER system range from tens of Mbps to multiple gigabits per second of capacity to any site, making it an ideal solution for a variety of sectors. Over the past year, O3b mPOWER services have been serving mobility, government, enterprise, and cloud sectors [2].
Notable customers of O3b mPOWER include telco operators, cruise lines, airlines, NATO, the Government of Luxembourg, the Government of the United States, and many other allied governments [5]. Adel Al-Saleh, CEO of SES, stated that the O3b mPOWER services have been transforming industries and empowering key customers [5].
The deployment of the entire O3b mPOWER constellation, which consists of a total target of 13 satellites, is expected to be complete by 2027. The remaining three satellites are currently being manufactured, with the 11th satellite scheduled for launch in 2026 [3].
The O3b mPOWER system became operational in 2024, starting with the commissioning of satellites 7 and 8 in May 2025 [1]. Earlier satellites (1-4) experienced electrical issues that required design fixes starting with satellite 7 onward [1].
The O3b mPOWER system is designed to provide high-throughput, low-latency global broadband connectivity supporting diverse applications such as cellular backhaul, IP trunking, cruise connectivity, disaster recovery, and military communications [2]. The satellites, built by Boeing, weigh about 3,700 pounds each [4].
As the O3b mPOWER system continues to deliver high throughput and predictable low latency services at scale, it is poised to revolutionise the satellite communications industry and empower businesses and governments worldwide.
References: [1] SpaceNews. (2025). SES's O3b mPOWER satellite constellation grows to 10 with latest launch. Retrieved from https://spacenews.com/ses-o3b-mpower-satellite-constellation-grows-to-10-with-latest-launch/ [2] SES. (2025). O3b mPOWER. Retrieved from https://www.ses.com/our-services/o3b-mpower [3] SES. (2025). O3b mPOWER: The world's most advanced satellite system. Retrieved from https://www.ses.com/our-services/o3b-mpower/o3b-mpower-the-worlds-most-advanced-satellite-system [4] Space.com. (2025). SpaceX launches SES's O3b mPOWER satellites for global internet service. Retrieved from https://www.space.com/spacex-launches-ses-o3b-mpower-satellites-global-internet-service.html [5] SES. (2025). SES's O3b mPOWER services transforming industries and empowering key customers. Retrieved from https://www.ses.com/about-us/newsroom/ses-o3b-mpower-services-transforming-industries-and-empowering-key-customers
- The launch of the latest pair of O3b mPOWER satellites, a development in space-and-astronomy technology, was successful on July 22, 2025, and these satellites were broadcast into space by SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket.
- The O3b mPOWER system, a second-generation medium Earth orbit (MEO) system by SES, is designed to provide high-throughput, low-latency global broadband connectivity, enhancing global coverage in the cloud sector.
- These new satellites strengthen the MEO network of the O3b mPOWER system, which offers services ranging from tens of Mbps to multiple gigabits per second of capacity, serving diverse sectors like mobility, government, enterprise, and cloud.
