Boeing-Built O3b mPOWER Satellites Launched by SpaceX to Boost SES’s Global MEO Internet Network

Two Boeing-built O3b mPOWER satellites were successfully launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, adding more strength to SES’s growing Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellite network.

The launch took place at 5:12 p.m. EDT, and after traveling nearly two hours, both satellites smoothly separated from the rocket. These are the 9th and 10th satellites in the O3b mPOWER series and are now on a 130-day journey to reach their orbit approximately 8,000 kilometers above Earth. Once in position, they’ll join eight other satellites already delivering commercial services.

From El Segundo, California, engineers at Boeing’s mission control—part of the world’s largest satellite factory—are carefully monitoring the satellites' health and performance.

What Do These Satellites Do?

The O3b mPOWER system, operated by SES, is designed to deliver high-speed, low-latency internet services to remote and underserved parts of the world. These satellites use digitally steerable beams, which means they can change their focus in real-time to match where users need internet most—like ships at sea, rural villages, or even disaster zones.

Each new satellite in the system adds more capacity, better performance, and stronger reliability, thanks to advanced software and technology developed by Boeing. With these capabilities, the satellites can reach nearly 95% of the world’s population and offer internet services that feel as fast and stable as land-based broadband.

Michelle Parker, Vice President at Boeing Space Mission Systems, explained:

“We designed O3b mPOWER so each additional satellite beyond the first six boosts capacity, performance, and resilience.”

Built for the Future—and for Defense

These satellites aren’t just for civilians. Boeing has also adapted the technology for military use, making them secure and resistant to jamming. This same tech is being built into the U.S. Space Force’s Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS-11 & WGS-12) and Evolved Strategic SATCOM (ESS) programs.

Adel Al-Saleh, CEO of SES, emphasized the global impact:

“With this launch, we continue adding incremental capacity to our O3b mPOWER constellation… delivering high-throughput, predictable low-latency services at scale.”

The success of these satellites shows how space-based internet is becoming a powerful alternative to traditional cables and towers, especially in areas that are difficult to reach. O3b mPOWER is part of SES’s vision to build a truly global internet backbone in space, helping to connect the unconnected and support high-demand industries like aviation, maritime, and emergency response.

With every new launch, SES is moving closer to a world where fast, reliable internet is not limited by geography—and Boeing’s cutting-edge satellite technology is making that possible.