SES, the leader in global content connectivity solutions, announced that the first couple of O3b mPOWER satellites had been successfully launched into space by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket out of Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida USA.
O3b mPOWER are 2nd-generation MEO satellites (medium Earth orbit) that are due to enhance global connectivity to users including Princess Cruises’ MedallionNet WiFi making gigabyte connectivity the brand new cruise standard.
For Princess, SES is using its hybrid MEO and GEO (geostationary orbit) network.
Steve Collar (SES' CEO) said much more than just another launch, it marked the next milestone of their MEO journey. Since starting the journey, they had gone on to positively impact millions around the world.
"Today, with our second-generation O3b mPOWER, we are bringing game-changing technology that delivers a unique combination of multiple gigabits per second of throughput at any location, guaranteed reliability and service flexibility that is a first in the industry.
“Whether we are enabling governments to carry out critical missions securely, cruise operators to provide high-speed broadband access to passengers at all times, or mobile network operators to deploy 4G/5G networks in underconnected areas or restore communications networks in down time, O3b mPOWER is the satellite system of choice for applications where performance matters most.”
The O3b mPOWER system is easy to be scaled and comprises an initial eleven powerful satellites, each equipped with 5000+ digitally formed beams, and an extensive O3b mPOWER ground infrastructure.
SES is enabled to address current/future connectivity needs for mobile network operators, energy companies, governments, enterprises, and world-class cruises across the globe. Key clients who have signed up for O3b mPOWER include Claro Brasil, Jio Platforms, Princess Cruises, Marlink, Microsoft, Orange, and the newly-announced Vodafone Cook Islands.