Arianespace launches O3b Networks’ first four telecommunication satellites

European commercial launch services provider Arianespace has launched O3b Networks’ initial four telecommunication satellites from the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.

Flight VS05 was carried out over two hours, 22 minutes by a Soyuz-STB/Fregat-MT launcher, a Soyuz-2-1b, which is designed for commercial launches. The total payload lift performance for the mission was 3,204kg.

The flight started with the propulsion of Soyuz’s basic three-stage launch vehicle, and was followed by four burns of its Fregat upper-stage.

O3b Networks’ four satellites were released from a dispenser system in two phases, on top of the Fregat stage for operation in medium Earth orbit.

The satellites feature Ka-band relay platforms, which have a liftoff mass of approximately 700kg each, and are manufactured by prime contractor Thales Alenia Space.

The launch marks the first phase in O3b’s construction of an innovative telecommunications and internet services network over Asia, Africa, South America, Australia and the Middle East, which combines the global reach of satellite coverage with the speed of a fibre-optic network.

The launch is a part of O3b Networks’ strategy to provide consumers and businesses in 180 countries worldwide with low-cost, high-speed, low latency internet and mobile connectivity.

Arianespace stated that O3b Networks was the 33rd new entrant in the satellite telecommunications business to select the company for launches and have started operations.

A total of 12 O3b Networks satellites are to be deployed by Arianespace in groups of four, with the next mission planned for later this year, followed by a further set of four in 2014.

The next Arianespace mission is scheduled for 25 July, aboard a heavy-lift Ariane 5 to orbit the Alphasat and INSAT-3D satellites.

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Image: The launch marks the first phase in O3b’s construction of a novel telecommunications and internet services network. Photo: courtesy of Arianespace.