SES has launched the final three satellites for its O3b mPOWER network, completing the 13-spacecraft medium Earth orbit constellation. The new satellites are expected to enter service by mid-2027 after orbit raising, testing and commissioning.
The O3b mPOWER 11, 12 and 13 satellites lifted off on a SpaceX Falcon 9 from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida at 2:49 p.m. local time on September 13, according to SES. Spaceflight Now independently confirmed the launch and deployment sequence.
Ten O3b mPOWER satellites are already operating. SES said the three additions will increase capacity and resilience for enterprise, government, mobility and telecommunications customers, particularly in remote or difficult-to-serve locations.
Service expansion follows commissioning
The launch completed the spacecraft deployment phase, but the latest satellites are not yet carrying commercial traffic. They must reach their operating orbits and pass technical checks before entering service, a process SES expects to finish around the middle of 2027.
SES said its operational O3b mPOWER network can provide capacity ranging from tens of megabits per second to several gigabits per second for an individual site. Actual service levels depend on customer contracts, terminals, location and network configuration.
The constellation uses software-defined Boeing 702X satellites in medium Earth orbit. Compared with geostationary satellites, the lower orbit can reduce signal travel time. SES markets the system for mobile backhaul, cloud access, maritime and aviation connectivity, remote industrial sites and government communications.
Boeing built the spacecraft, while SpaceX launched all 13 satellites across six Falcon 9 missions beginning in December 2022. Commercial service started in April 2024 with the first six satellites.
Design changes expanded the constellation
SES originally planned an 11-satellite system. The company disclosed in its 2023 results that power-module issues affecting the first four spacecraft could reduce available capacity and operating life. It upgraded satellites seven through 11 and added satellites 12 and 13 within its existing capital expenditure plan.
Spaceflight Now reported that the design changes were introduced before later spacecraft were completed. The publication said the additional satellites were intended to offset the effects of the early electrical issue and strengthen the overall network.
The three new spacecraft bring the constellation to the revised total of 13. SES cautioned that expected capacity, performance and availability remain subject to launch, commissioning and operational risks.
Asia-Pacific service footprint
O3b mPOWER is a global network with existing use in Asia-Pacific. In February 2025, Via Satellite reported that Viasat Energy Services had deployed O3b mPOWER capacity on an offshore production vessel in the region. The service supports operational and crew communications aboard the vessel.
The system has also been linked to connectivity projects serving India, Australia, New Zealand and Pacific markets. The September 13 announcement did not identify new Asia-Pacific customers or allocate a specific share of the added capacity to the region.
SES completed its acquisition of Intelsat in 2025, combining geostationary and medium Earth orbit assets under one operator. The company is developing a broader multi-orbit network strategy, with O3b mPOWER positioned as its high-throughput MEO layer.
Customer access to the final three satellites will begin only after commissioning. SES has not disclosed a more precise in-service date or regional activation schedule.
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