SpaceX has launched two communications satellites made by Boeing into space. Photo: SpaceX
On 18 December, the US company SpaceX launched two O3b mPOWER 7 and 8 communications satellites for the Luxembourg-based SES. According to Space.com, the launch took place from Cape Canaveral, Florida, using a Falcon 9 rocket.
Details of the launch
The satellites are aimed at medium Earth orbit (MEO), which is located at an altitude of about 8,000 km above the Earth. The first stage of the Falcon 9 successfully landed on the unmanned vessel Just Read the Instructions in the Atlantic Ocean 8.5 minutes after launch.
The satellites were scheduled to deploy in orbit 113 minutes after launch for the first satellite and another 7 minutes for the second.
Satellite features
- Manufacturer: Boeing
- Weight of each satellite: approximately 1,700 kg
- Purpose: to extend the O3b mPOWER communications constellation in MEO, which provides high-speed Internet and communications services to customers around the world.
At the time of launch, the SES communications network already included six satellites launched between December 2022 and November 2023. After the successful completion of the mission, the total number of satellites in the constellation will increase to eight, and in the future will reach 11. All O3b mPOWER satellites are launched by Falcon 9.
Strategic importance
This mission underlines the importance of cooperation between aerospace industry leaders: SpaceX, which provides reliable launches, and Boeing, which creates advanced technologies for space infrastructure. With the expansion of the O3b mPOWER network, Luxembourg-based SES will be able to improve its global internet coverage and meet the growing demand for stable connectivity.
This launch once again demonstrates the reliability and efficiency of the Falcon 9 rocket, which remains a key tool for complex space missions.
