O3b’s first four satellites were successfully launched by an Arianespace Soyuz rocket from the Guiana Space Center.
O3b is deploying a network of 12 satellites to deliver broadband connectivity to billions of people across emerging markets who have never had access to this level of connectivity before.
Thales Alenia Space produced the Ka-band relay platform.
A second group of four O3b satellites will be launched in September, completing the first phase in O3b’s constellation and ahead of the launch of the company’s service later in the year.
O3b Networks’ investors include SES, Google, Liberty Global, HSBC Principal Investments, Northbridge Venture Partners, Allen & Company, Development Bank of Southern Africa, Sofina, Satya Capital and Luxempart. O3b Networks is headquartered in St. Helier, Jersey, Channel Islands.
This mission marked the fifth Soyuz launch from the Guiana Space Center (CSG).
