Fri. Dec 8th, 2023
SpaceX to Launch SES O3b mPOWER Mission

SpaceX is preparing to send two satellites into space on Sunday afternoon for a European telecommunications company. The launch, known as the SES O3b mPOWER mission, is scheduled for 4:08 p.m. ET from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

According to the 45th Weather Squadron, there is a 70% chance of favorable launch conditions, with the only concern being the cumulus cloud rule. Low-topped cumulus clouds ahead of a weak front could potentially violate flight-through constraints. If the conditions are not suitable on Sunday, the next launch attempt will be on Monday with a lower probability of 40% favorable weather.

The first-stage booster for this mission, named B1076, has an impressive track record, having completed eight flights prior to this launch. Its previous missions include supporting the CRS-26, OneWeb Flight 16, and various Starlink missions.

After the separation of the stages, the first-stage booster is expected to return and land on the droneship A Shortfall of Gravitas, located in the Atlantic Ocean.

The SES O3b mPOWER mission aims to provide broadband internet services over a large portion of the Earth’s surface. The satellites, built by Boeing, will be positioned in a medium-Earth orbit ranging from 1,243 miles to 22,236 miles above sea level.

Luxembourg-based telecommunications company SES is the owner of these satellites. Despite attempts to reach out for further comments on the launch, SES has not responded as of yet.

With the upcoming launch, SpaceX continues to contribute to advancements in global telecommunications and satellite technology.