
O3b mPOWER is a game-changer for global connectivity. It's a network of medium Earth orbit satellites designed to provide high-speed, low-latency connectivity to remote and underserved communities worldwide.
O3b mPOWER has a unique architecture that ensures seamless communication between the satellites and the ground. This is achieved through a combination of advanced technologies, including beam-forming antennas and high-gain amplifiers.
With O3b mPOWER, users can expect speeds of up to 1 Gbps and latency as low as 32 ms. This is a significant improvement over traditional satellite networks, which often struggle with slow speeds and high latency.
O3b mPOWER is designed to be highly scalable, with the ability to support thousands of users and devices. This makes it an ideal solution for a wide range of applications, from emergency response and disaster relief to remote healthcare and education.
Satellite System
The O3b mPOWER satellite system is a game-changer in the world of satellite technology. It's based on Boeing's multi-orbit BSS-702X satellite bus with an all-electric propulsion system.
The satellites have an impressive payload that can be reprogrammed from the ground to reallocate resources on the fly, allowing for flexible and efficient use of resources. This is made possible by the electronically steered phased array antennas that can provide up to 5000 spot beams per satellite.
Each spot beam can be shaped and pointed as required to distribute power and bandwidth to individual user's terminals. This results in uncontended speeds from 50 Mbit/s up to 10 Gbit/s, making it an ideal solution for services where downtime is not an option.
The system's frequency reuse capabilities allow each satellite to deliver hundreds of gigabits in capacity, with multi-terabit capabilities across the full constellation. This is achieved through SES' Adaptive Resource Control (ARC) software and digital payload processing systems.
Here's a breakdown of the system's capacity:
The system's performance was initially affected by electrical issues that reduced the operational life and broadband capacity of the first four satellites. However, modifications were made to satellites 7-11 under construction by Boeing, and two additional craft were added to the constellation to achieve the performance originally expected.
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Key Features
O3b mPOWER offers unique flexibility in managing your bandwidth. You can route and re-route your bandwidth for maximum efficiency.
With O3b mPOWER, you're in control of your bandwidth. This means you can land traffic at one of our managed gateways or a bespoke private location.
Re-balancing forward and return paths and port capacity between locations is also possible as your needs change.
Unprecedented Flexibility
With O3b mPOWER, you're in control of your bandwidth. This means you can re-balance forward and return paths and port capacity between locations as your needs change.
Flexibility is key, and O3b mPOWER delivers. You can flex bandwidth between sites when and where needed and direct traffic via the most efficient route.
O3b mPOWER puts you in control, allowing you to route and re-route your bandwidth for maximum efficiency. This flexibility is unprecedented in the industry.
Land traffic at one of our managed gateways or a bespoke private location, and take advantage of the flexibility O3b mPOWER offers.
For Today's Data

O3b mPOWER is specifically designed for a data-dependent world, building on the commercial success of our current O3b MEO system.
This system has been engineered to deliver unparalleled flexibility, performance, and scale, making it an ideal solution for modern data needs.
By harnessing innovations in space, ground, and software systems, O3b mPOWER offers a cutting-edge approach to data management.
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Performance Delivered
O3b mPOWER delivers industry-leading throughput, which is essential for critical operations and revenue streams. This means you can rely on fast and efficient data transfer.
Multiple gigabits per second is guaranteed by O3b mPOWER, giving you the highest throughput per terminal on the market. This is a significant advantage over other options.
150 milliseconds of satellite latency over large areas is a predictable and reliable performance metric for O3b mPOWER. This consistency is impossible for erratic, multi-hop LEO journeys.
Our intentional balance of global coverage and orbital distance enables the most reliable non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) system, optimized to reduce jitter and packet loss. This results in predictable low latency.
O3b mPOWER guarantees the highest throughput per terminal on the market, making it the only choice when downtime isn't an option. This is because it offers uncontended bandwidth, allowing you to confidently scale your systems at any time.
Ground Systems
O3b mPOWER's ground systems are constantly innovating with technology partners to raise the bar on performance and reliability. New terminal systems enable a wide range of antenna sizes and form factors.
This means users have more flexibility when it comes to choosing the right equipment for their needs. With a variety of options available, they can select the perfect fit.
Users can also choose where to land their traffic, selecting from a managed or private gateway, or a cloud data centre. This level of control gives them the freedom to make informed decisions about their network.
Ground Systems
Ground Systems are constantly evolving to meet the needs of users. We're innovating with our ground technology partners to set new standards of performance and reliability.
New terminal systems are being developed to enable bandwidth with a wide variety of antenna sizes and form factors. This is a game-changer for users who need flexibility and customization.
Users have the option to land traffic at a managed or private gateway, or a cloud data centre. This gives them more control over their data and how it's processed.
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Software Systems
The heart of our ground systems is the Adaptive Resource Control (ARC) system, which acts as the control centre for your network, synchronising space and ground systems to allocate bandwidth when and where needed.
This system delivers traffic via the most efficient route, including when needed to our next generation of GEO satellites for added resilience.
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Technical Details
The O3b mPOWER system uses a constellation of 11 satellites in low Earth orbit, each equipped with a powerful Ka-band payload.
These satellites are designed to provide high-speed connectivity to remote and rural areas.
The system has a total capacity of 350 Gbps, which is shared among its customers.
O3b mPOWER uses a network of ground stations to manage and distribute its satellite capacity.
These ground stations are strategically located around the world to provide global coverage.
Each satellite in the O3b mPOWER constellation has a mass of around 7,000 kg and is powered by a combination of solar panels and batteries.
The system's high-speed connectivity is made possible by its advanced Ka-band payload, which operates at frequencies of up to 29.5 GHz.
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Availability and Coverage
O3b mPOWER offers reliable connectivity that's non-negotiable, especially in areas where traditional connectivity is scarce.
Your provider should deliver the three essentials of satellite performance, but it's clear that not all providers meet this standard.
With O3b mPOWER, you can expect seamless connectivity that's always on and always available.
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Coverage
Coverage is crucial for a reliable satellite service.
If your provider can't deliver the essentials, it may be time to look elsewhere.
Satellite performance is often non-negotiable, especially in areas with limited connectivity options.
Connectivity is a must-have for many people, and a good satellite provider should be able to deliver.
A provider that can't deliver the three essentials of satellite performance may not be the best choice.
The three essentials are likely key factors to consider when evaluating a satellite provider.
In areas where connectivity is non-negotiable, a provider's coverage is a top priority.
A reliable satellite service should be able to provide coverage that meets your needs.
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Ranges 1-13, 21-33

The O3b mPower satellites are a crucial part of the O3b Networks constellation, providing high-throughput connectivity to customers around the world.
These satellites are designed to be very high-throughput, making them a terabit-per-second constellation. They feature 30,000 fully-shapeable and steerable beams that can be shifted and switched in real time to align with customers' quickly changing growth opportunities.
The O3b mPower satellites are built using electronics from the flight-proven 702 satellite platform, customized to support the unique MEO environment.
The constellation will have two different orbits: an equatorial constellation with up to 24 satellites and an inclined orbit constellation with up to 16 satellites.
Here's a breakdown of the ranges covered by the O3b mPower satellites:
The O3b mPower satellites are designed to operate for 10 years, with a mass of 1700 kg and a power source consisting of 2 deployable solar arrays and batteries.
The first four satellites suffered electrical issues, which will significantly reduce their operational life and broadband capacity.
The launch of the O3b mPower satellites is being carried out by SpaceX's Falcon-9 v1.2 (Block 5) rocket, with the first launch occurring in early 2022 and subsequent launches in 2022 and 2023.
The satellites are being launched in pairs, with the first two satellites launched on December 16, 2022, followed by pairs of satellites launched in April 2023 and November 2023, and finally a pair of satellites scheduled for launch in December 2024 and July 2025.
When Connectivity Matters
O3b mPower satellites are a game-changer for remote locations, offering a terabit-per-second constellation with 30,000 fully-shapeable and steerable beams.
The satellites are built using electronics from the flight-proven 702 satellite platform, customized to support the unique MEO environment.
These satellites are designed to provide near-global coverage, with up to 24 satellites in the equatorial constellation and up to 16 in the inclined orbit constellation.
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Boeing was selected as the contractor for the first batch of seven satellites in September 2017, and four more were ordered in August 2020.
Launches began in 2021, with SpaceX's Falcon-9 v1.2 (Block 5) as the launch provider. The first launch was initially planned for 2021, but was delayed to early 2022.
The O3b mPower satellites feature an all-electric propulsion system, two deployable solar arrays, and batteries, with a mass of 1700 kg and a lifetime of 10 years.
Here's a breakdown of the O3b mPower satellites' configuration:
SES has partnered with Amazon Web Services to provide reliable bandwidth in remote locations, a significant boost for both enterprises and government users.
Energy and Value
O3b mPOWER offers guaranteed satellite performance at remote sites, which can be crucial for industries like offshore energy. This means you can rely on a stable connection to handle large amounts of industrial data.
The Partner Programme is available for both Offshore Energy mPOWERED and Onshore Energy & Mining mPOWERED, indicating a commitment to supporting various industries.
Pico 120A Power Band

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With its compact design, the Pico 120A Power Band is perfect for on-the-go use, fitting comfortably on your wrist like a watch.
This power band is compatible with the Pico devices, providing a seamless and reliable power source.
It's also worth noting that the Pico 120A Power Band has a battery life of up to 10 hours, making it a great choice for all-day use.
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Energy
Energy plays a crucial role in our daily lives, and with the right connectivity, we can achieve great things. Guaranteed satellite performance can handle huge amounts of industrial data, making it perfect for remote sites.
Partnering with the right companies can be a game-changer. The Partner Programme mentioned in the article is a great example of this.
Offshore energy sites, such as those found in the Offshore Energy mPOWERED section, can benefit greatly from reliable connectivity. This can help ensure that data is transmitted efficiently and effectively.
For onshore energy and mining operations, such as those listed in the Onshore Energy & Mining mPOWERED section, guaranteed satellite performance can also be a valuable asset.
Value of Orbits
The value of orbits is a crucial aspect of energy and space exploration.
Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) is particularly valuable because it allows satellites to maintain a constant position above the equator, providing continuous coverage and minimizing the need for repositioning.
Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) is used for various applications, including navigation and communication systems, which rely on its unique position between GEO and Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
Low Earth Orbit (LEO) is the most accessible orbit, with satellites able to complete an orbit in just 90 minutes, making it ideal for research and development.
The choice of orbit ultimately depends on the specific needs of a mission or application, with each type offering unique benefits and trade-offs.
Launch
The launch of the O3b mPOWER satellites was a significant moment in the journey to connect millions of lives in unconnected areas around the world.
The first two O3b mPOWER satellites launched from Cape Canaveral on a clear Florida morning, marking the beginning of a critical mission.
Cape Canaveral was the launch site for the first two O3b mPOWER satellites.
This launch was a crucial step in accelerating the rate at which data, voice, and video are streamed across oceans.
The launch was a moment of excitement for those who witnessed it, with crowds gathering to watch the satellites take off.
SES successfully launched its fifth and sixth O3b mPOWER satellites in 2025.
The O3b mPOWER service was deployed around the world, providing a foundation for connecting out-of-reach communities in Colombia, Africa, and India.
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Industry Impact
O3b mPOWER is driving innovation across various industries, with companies like Carnival Corporation and Orange already on board. They're using the technology to bring digital experiences to their customers, whether it's on a cruise ship or in remote areas of Africa.
Carnival Corporation, for example, plans to use O3b mPOWER to enhance the digital experience for their passengers. This will likely include providing high-speed internet and other digital services to keep customers entertained and connected.
The certification of SES as a Direct Connect Delivery Partner by Amazon Web Services is also a significant development. This partnership will enable AWS customers to access dedicated, secure connectivity to their cloud workloads from anywhere in the world.
Momentum Continues
O3b mPOWER's success story continues with the launch of the third and fourth satellites in April, followed by the fifth and sixth in November. This achievement demonstrates the growing demand for reliable and high-speed connectivity.
The O3b mPOWER system is designed to provide industry-leading throughput, latency, availability, and flexibility for services where downtime is not an option. This means that users can expect uninterrupted connectivity, even in remote locations.
Vodafone has already begun deploying the first mPOWER ground antennae in the Cook Islands and CNT in Ecuador. This marks an exciting milestone in the rollout of O3b mPOWER on the ground.
Here's a breakdown of the O3b mPOWER satellite constellation:
SES continues to meet the increasing requirements of a connected world with the launch of the remaining O3b mPOWER satellites. This commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction is a testament to the company's dedication to providing reliable and high-speed connectivity solutions.
Industry Leading Scale
O3b mPOWER's industry leading scale is a game-changer for satellite communications, scaling up to multiple gigabits per second per terminal.
This means you can keep up with the global rise in demand for upload speed, no matter where you are in the world.
Scales up to multiple gigabits per second per terminal, making it a powerful tool for high-bandwidth applications.
It can even scale the return path to match or even exceed the forward path, a first in satellite communications.
This level of scalability is a major advantage for businesses and organizations that require reliable and fast connectivity.
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How Will You Transform Your Industry?
Digitalisation is transforming industries with the help of advanced technologies. With O3b mPOWER, operations are becoming more efficient and streamlined.
Data is playing a crucial role in decision-making, allowing businesses to make informed choices. No part of the world will be unreachable, thanks to the connectivity provided by O3b mPOWER.
As industries continue to evolve, digitalisation will only continue to grow in importance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does O3b stand for?
O3b stands for "Other 3 billion", referring to the population without current broadband Internet access. This name highlights the mission to bring connectivity to underserved communities worldwide.
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