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Manila Bulletin devider Technews devider SES expands satellite capabilities with O3b mPOWER launch and completion of Intelsat acquisition

SES expands satellite capabilities with O3b mPOWER launch and completion of Intelsat acquisition

Published Jul 28, 2025 08:25 am  |  Updated Jul 28, 2025 02:01 pm
SES has marked two major milestones in its mission to deliver next-generation global connectivity, successfully launching two new O3b mPOWER satellites and finalizing its strategic acquisition of Intelsat. These developments not only bolster SES’ Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellite constellation but also establish the company as a global leader in multi-orbit satellite communications.
July 23, Wednesday, SES and Boeing announced the successful deployment of the ninth and tenth O3b mPOWER satellites aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Liftoff occurred at 5:12 a.m. Philippine time, and just two hours later, the satellites had separated from the launch vehicle and begun health checks. Controlled from Boeing’s mission facility in El Segundo, California, the satellites are equipped with Xenon propulsion systems and will reach their operational orbit 8,000 kilometers above Earth in approximately 130 days.
These newly launched satellites will join the existing eight O3b mPOWER satellites already delivering commercial service since April 2024. Designed with software-defined beams and military-grade anti-jamming technologies, the O3b mPOWER system offers high-throughput, low-latency, fiber-like connectivity to nearly 95% of the global population, supporting a wide array of users, including telecom providers, airlines, cruise operators, and governments such as NATO and the U.S.
Coinciding with the successful satellite launch, SES also announced the completion of its high-value acquisition of Intelsat. This strategic merger creates a powerhouse with a combined fleet of 120 satellites spanning Geostationary (GEO), MEO, and strategic access to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) systems. The integrated infrastructure will provide expanded capacity and tailored solutions for critical industries, including mobility, cloud services, defense, and broadcast.
“Today, we’re not just merging two companies — we’re creating a stronger company, built for the future. I want to extend a warm welcome to all new employees, customers, and partners. In this new chapter, we are bringing together a powerful mix of talented people, network infrastructure, spectrum, innovation, and global relationships that will allow us to deliver next-generation connectivity and space-enabled services in smarter and quicker ways,” according to Adel Al-Saleh, CEO of SES.
The combined entity boasts a pro forma revenue of €3.7 billion with expected growth through 2028, supported by €8 billion in contracted backlog. SES plans to invest €600–€650 million annually from 2025 to 2028 in initiatives like IoT, direct-to-device communications, and quantum key distribution. The company anticipates €2.4 billion in net present value synergies, with a €370 million annual run rate, 70% of which will be realized within three years.
With operations continuing from its global headquarters in Luxembourg and a strong U.S. presence in Virginia, SES is well-positioned to lead the next chapter in global satellite connectivity.
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