SES has announced the launch of its second-generation MEO system, the O3b mPOWER satellite, which builds on the success of its first-generation O3b system, a commercially proven non-geostationary satellite orbit (NGSO) constellation.

The O3b mPOWER communications system comprises an initial constellation of 11 high-throughput and low-latency satellites as well as extensive ground infrastructure. The global terabit-level scalable constellation will begin providing services in the third quarter of 2023.

Designed to enable the delivery of high-throughput in the most flexible manner, O3b mPOWER will offer uncontended low-latency (roundtrip latency of fewer than 150 milliseconds) connectivity services ranging from 50Mbps to multiple gigabits per second to the telecommunications, maritime, aeronautical, and energy sectors, as well as to governments and institutions across the world.

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O3b mPOWER is backed by an ecosystem of technology partners and is designed for mobility, telecom, government, and enterprise customers that require much throughput for their cloud-based applications or real-time tools. Even before the launch date, O3b mPOWER has achieved development and delivery milestones and has already announced major customer wins.

GEO satellites

SES satellites carry around 8,000 channels and have a reach of 366 million households, delivering managed video services for both linear and non-linear content.

SES operates the world’s only multi-orbit constellation of satellites with over 55 geostationary (GEO) satellites and 20 O3b Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellites currently in orbit, providing a unique combination of global coverage and high-performance, including the commercially proven, low-latency O3b MEO system.

With over 70 satellites in two different orbits, SES serves 7 out of the top 10 global telecom companies, connecting to 5 out of the world’s 6 major cruise liners and supporting 58 government organizations across 29 countries with connectivity solutions.

Expected to launch in the Philippines and other Asia Pacific markets in 2023, O3b mPOWER will help to further bridge the digital divide in previously unconnected areas in the country by delivering high-quality connectivity in remote areas or where geography makes communications infrastructure expensive to build. O3b mPOWER will also support 4G and 5G mobile deployments in these areas, ultimately driving digital transformation, cloud adoption, and digital services for businesses and individuals here. Lastly, O3b mPOWER will provide instant bulletproof recovery solutions in case of natural disasters by ensuring uninterrupted connectivity.