O3b Networks

Arianespace has integrated O3b Networks’ four-satellite payload on its Soyuz launcher’s Fregat upper stage, in preparation for launch on 18 December.

The move marks a key milestone for the mission at the Kourou spaceport in French Guiana.

The satellites were previously installed on a tube-shaped dispenser system.

Now, the Fregat stage and satellites will be encapsulated in a protective payload fairing, to create an upper composite unit which will be placed on top the medium-lift vehicle after it rolls out to the launch zone.

Arianespace said: "Arianespace’s upcoming Soyuz flight is the tenth from French Guiana since this launcher’s introduction at the Spaceport in October 2011, as well as its third at the service of O3b Networks."

"The satellites weigh 700kg each and are designed to operate in circular orbit at altitudes of 8,062km."

The company has successfully lifted four spacecraft on each of two missions for O3b Networks in July 2014 and June 2013.

The latest flight is named Flight VS10.

Built by Thales Alenia Space, the satellites weigh 700kg each and are designed to operate in circular orbit at altitudes of 8,062km.

The cluster of spacecraft allows O3b Networks to provide its customers with low-latency, high-bandwidth connectivity across Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Australia.

The company has started commercial service on its constellation in September this year, and has already delivered more than 4Gbps of connectivity to customers worldwide.

Image: The dispenser with four spacecraft and the Soyuz Fregat upper stage. Photo: courtesy of Arianespace.

Defence Technology