Two Boeing-Built O3b mPOWER Satellites Successfully Launch, Enhancing SES Constellation

Rhea-AI Summary

Boeing (NYSE: BA) has successfully launched two additional O3b mPOWER satellites for SES aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The satellites, representing the 9th and 10th units of the constellation, are currently undergoing health checks and will begin their 130-day journey to Medium Earth Orbit (MEO).

The O3b mPOWER constellation, which entered commercial service in April 2024, provides high-throughput, low-latency connectivity to nearly 95% of the world's population. The satellites feature digitally formed beams and xenon thrusters, incorporating technology also used in military applications. These new additions will enhance the constellation's capacity, performance, and resilience beyond the initial six satellites.

Positive

• Successful launch expands Boeing's satellite delivery capabilities for SES constellation
• Technology provides coverage to 95% of world's population
• Leverages advanced military-grade communication technology for enhanced security
• Additional satellites boost overall constellation capacity and performance

Negative

• None.

Insights

Aerospace Industry Analyst

Boeing successfully launches two more satellites for SES, strengthening its space systems business with advanced technology demonstration.

Boeing has confirmed the successful launch of the 9th and 10th O3b mPOWER satellites built for SES, marking another achievement for the company's space systems division. The satellites, launched via SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, have begun transmitting signals and will now undertake a 130-day journey to medium Earth orbit (MEO) at approximately 8,000 kilometers from Earth.

What's technically significant is the satellites' design incorporating digitally formed beams that can dynamically address evolving communication needs—technology Boeing has hardened for military applications in its Wideband Global SATCOM and Evolved Strategic SATCOM programs for the U.S. Space Force. This software-defined capability enables more secure connectivity resistant to jamming or interception, representing valuable intellectual property and technical expertise.

The O3b mPOWER constellation entered commercial service in April 2024 and provides coverage to nearly 95% of the world's population. The constellation's architecture allows each additional satellite beyond the first six to incrementally boost capacity, performance, and resilience. This modular approach demonstrates Boeing's strategic satellite platform design that enables scaling services without completely redesigning the system.

For Boeing investors, this successful launch reinforces the company's capabilities in the high-margin space systems sector, showcasing both manufacturing execution and technological innovation beyond its commercial aviation business. The ongoing relationship with SES also signals continued revenue potential in the space segment, which remains an important diversification area for Boeing amid its challenges in commercial aviation.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla., July 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] engineers have confirmed the 9th and 10th O3b mPOWER satellites, built for leading space solutions company SES, have successfully launched and are transmitting signals from space after lifting off aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket at 5:12 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time.

Approximately two hours after liftoff, the satellites separated from the launch vehicle, initiating a series of comprehensive health checks by Boeing team members in El Segundo, Calif., home to Boeing's mission control facility and the world's largest satellite factory.

Leveraging highly efficient xenon thrusters to maneuver in space, the satellites will continue their 130-day journey to MEO, approximately 8,000 kilometers from the Earth's surface. They will join the first eight satellites currently providing high-performance connectivity services to SES users worldwide.

"We designed O3b mPOWER so each additional satellite beyond the first six boosts capacity, performance, and resilience," said Michelle Parker, vice president, Boeing Space Mission Systems. "This capability stems from our investments in cutting-edge technology and the enhanced production techniques we've refined over the course of the program."

The O3b mPOWER constellation entered commercial service in April 2024, providing high-throughput, low latency connectivity that mimics the speed and reliability of traditional internet connections, but with virtually unlimited geographic flexibility. From MEO, the satellites provide coverage to nearly 95% of the world's population.

"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," said Adel Al-Saleh, CEO of SES. "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."

The satellites leverage digitally formed beams to dynamically address evolving communication needs across geographies and customer bases. Boeing hardened this technology for military use on the Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS)-11 and WGS-12 and Evolved Strategic SATCOM (ESS) nuclear command and control satellites the company is building for the U.S. Space Force. This software-defined technology allows for more secure and reliable connectivity resistant to attempts of jamming, interruption or interception.

A leading global aerospace company and top U.S. exporter, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. Our U.S. and global workforce and supplier base drive innovation, economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing is committed to fostering a culture based on our core values of safety, quality and integrity.  

Contact

Zeyad Maasarani
Boeing Communications
+1-562-400-5533
zeyad.maasarani@boeing.com 

Boeing Media Relations
media@boeing.com

Suzanne Ong
SES Communications
+352 710 725 500
suzanne.ong@ses.com 

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SOURCE Boeing

FAQ

When did Boeing launch the latest O3b mPOWER satellites for SES?

Boeing launched the 9th and 10th O3b mPOWER satellites on July 22, 2025, at 5:12 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.

How long will it take for Boeing's new O3b mPOWER satellites to reach their operational orbit?

The satellites will take 130 days to reach their Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) position, approximately 8,000 kilometers from Earth's surface.

What is the coverage area of Boeing's O3b mPOWER satellite constellation?

The O3b mPOWER constellation provides high-throughput, low-latency connectivity coverage to nearly 95% of the world's population.

Who are the main customers using Boeing's O3b mPOWER satellite services?

Key customers include telco operators, cruise lines, airlines, NATO, the Government of Luxembourg, the Government of United States, and many other allied governments.

When did Boeing's O3b mPOWER constellation begin commercial service?

The O3b mPOWER constellation entered commercial service in April 2024.