The launch of a rocket carrying two satellites from Luxembourg-based company SES has been postponed due to unfavorable weather conditions at Cape Canaveral, with a new launch date expected soon.

SES has stated that such delays are common, with launch dates typically being more of an estimated timeframe rather than a fixed schedule. A new launch date is expected to be set in the coming days.
 
The satellites will eventually be launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. These two satellites are part of the "O3b Mpower" program, which has seen six satellites launched since December 2022. The upcoming launch will place the seventh and eighth satellites into Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) at an altitude of 8,000 kilometres. A total of 13 satellites are planned for the programme.

According to SES, once operational, the satellites will provide coverage to 96% of the global population, offering high-speed internet access even in remote areas without fiber optic infrastructure. These satellites will support a variety of sectors, including telecommunications, military operations, cruise ships, disaster relief, and industries like oil and gas extraction. Key clients include organisations such as NATO, Microsoft, and Orange.

Controllable and more precise satellites

The new generation of satellites is designed to be lighter and more flexible than traditional models. Weighing just 1.9 tons – compared to the 3.75 tons of conventional satellites – they also have fewer components.

Unlike traditional satellites with fixed coverage areas, these new satellites can adjust their signals via software, offering greater adaptability and the ability to target specific locations where connectivity is most needed.