SES has completed its O3b mPOWER constellation after successfully launching its 11th, 12th and 13th satellites, expanding its second-generation medium Earth orbit (MEO) system. The satellites were launched at 2:49 p.m. local time aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
The three satellites will join 10 O3b mPOWER spacecraft already in operation, bringing the constellation to 13 satellites. The system provides connectivity services to enterprise, government, mobility and telecom customers, particularly in underserved and remote areas.
SES CEO, Adel Al-Saleh, described the launch as a major milestone for the company, saying it completes the O3b mPOWER constellation and strengthens its MEO capabilities.
Once operational by mid-2027, the newly launched satellites are expected to increase connectivity capacity and improve resilience and flexibility across the O3b mPOWER system.
SES said the satellites will also support its next-generation MEO network strategy, including sovereign and secure communications, space data relay and hosted payloads.
The O3b mPOWER system offers capacity ranging from tens of Mbps to multiple gigabits per second and is designed to provide connectivity to locations with demanding or limited access to communications services.