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O3b mPOWER

This article is about the 2nd generation O3b satellites. For the 1st generation satellites, see O3b.

O3b mPOWER is a communications satellite system owned and operated by SES. The system uses high-throughput and low-latency satellites in a medium Earth orbit (MEO), along with ground infrastructure and intelligent software, to provide multiple terabits of global broadband connectivity for applications including cellular backhaul and international IP trunking, cruise line connectivity, disaster recovery, and military communications. The first O3b mPOWER satellites were launched in December 2022 and the system became operational in April 2024 with 6 satellites. The system's capacity will be increased by a further 7 satellites launched by 2026.[2][3][4][5]

O3b mPOWER
Desktop model of an O3b mPOWER satellite
Mission typeCommunications
OperatorSES
Mission duration12 years (planned)
Spacecraft properties
Spacecraft typeAll-electric propulsion
BusBSS-702X
ManufacturerBoeing
Launch mass1700 kg
Start of mission
Launch date16 December 2022[1]
RocketFalcon 9 Block 5
Launch siteCape Canaveral, SLC-40
ContractorSpaceX
Orbital parameters
Reference systemGeocentric orbit
RegimeMedium Earth orbit
Altitude8,000 km (5,000 mi)

The O3b mPOWER satellites use fully shapable and steerable spot beams that can be shifted and scaled in real time to suit individual users. The satellites join SES' existing constellation of 20 first-generation O3b satellites in MEO and they can be used in conjunction with them, with the SES's fleet of geostationary satellites, and with SpaceX's Starlink low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation, providing full multi-orbit capability.[6][7][8][9]

Satellites

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The O3b mPOWER satellites are based on Boeing's multi-orbit BSS-702X satellite bus with an all-electric propulsion system and a payload that can be reprogrammed from the ground to reallocate resources "on the fly".[10][6]

The electronically steered phased array antennas can provide up to 5000 spot beams per satellite each shaped and pointed as required to specifically distribute power and bandwidth to individual user's terminals and, using the full Ka-band spectrum, enable uncontended speeds from 50 Mbit/s up to 10 Gbit/s.[4][11]

With frequency reuse, each O3b mPOWER satellite can deliver hundreds of gigabits in capacity, with multi-terabit capabilities across the full constellation.[2] SES' Adaptive Resource Control (ARC) software and digital payload processing systems synchronise space and ground system resources to electronically control routing, power levels, throughput, and frequency allocation dynamically, in real time.[4][12][13]

When the first four satellite were in orbit, and the fifth and sixth about to be launched, it was discovered that they were afflicted with electrical issues that reduce their operational life and broadband capacity. Satellites 5 and 6 were nevertheless launched in November 2023, to maintain the initial service start date. To achieve the performance originally expected from the whole system, modifications will be made to satellites 7-11, under construction by Boeing, and two additional craft added to the constellation.[14]

Coverage

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From MEO, the O3b mPOWER satellite constellation can deliver high-bandwidth connectivity between latitudes 50° N and 50° S (covering 96% of the global population) to mobile and/or remote terminals of 0.3 m to 5.5 m, and is finding application in the following markets:[4][15]

  • Mobility: cruise, commercial shipping, aero
  • Telecom: telco, mobile network operators, cloud providers
  • Government: military, government agencies, non-governmental organisations
  • Enterprise: oil and gas, mining

Proposed additional satellites operating in a second medium earth orbit at an inclination of 70° would give near-complete global coverage.[6]

History

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In September 2017, SES announced Boeing would build seven "super-powered" medium earth orbit satellites for launch in 2021 to provide flexible and scalable, low-latency satellite-based networks with terabits of throughput, hugely expanding the capacity of the existing constellation of 12 (now 20) first-generation O3b satellites.[16][17]

In March 2018, SES announced partnerships with Alcan Systems, Isotropic Systems and Viasat to develop compact, high-throughput user terminals for the O3b mPOWER system.[18]

In September 2019, SES announced it had partnered with satellite payload and network management systems developer, Kythera Space Solutions to develop the ARC (Adaptive Resource Control) software to enable the dynamic control and optimisation of power, throughput, beams and frequency allocation on O3b mPOWER and other future high-throughput satellites (such as the geostationary SES-17, launched in October 2021; in position and fully operational in June 2022).[19][8]

Also in September 2019, SpaceX was contracted to launch the first seven O3b mPOWER satellites using Falcon 9 rockets with two launches of four and three satellites planned for 2021.[20]

In February 2020, Princess Cruises announced a partnership with SES for early access to the O3b mPOWER system, using a hybrid network of both MEO and geostationary satellites to provide connectivity to its fleet at sea.[21] Also in February 2020, Orange, a user of the first generation O3b system in Africa and the Middle East since 2017, announced it would be the first telco to adopt the O3b mPOWER system, to extend its consumer and business broadband services in Africa, providing connectivity to remote locations, starting in the Central African Republic.[22]

In August 2020, the order for an additional four O3b mPOWER satellites, also from Boeing, was announced. These satellites will be more powerful than the original seven, increasing the total throughput of the entire O3b mPOWER constellation by 90%. The expected launch pattern for the whole O3b mPOWER constellation was also changed, with SpaceX contracted to provide two further launches on Falcon 9 rockets, each rocket carrying a maximum of three satellites, and the first three satellites expected to launch late in 2021, six more on two launches in 2022, and the final two in 2024.[5][23]

In September 2020, SES and Microsoft announced that SES was the medium Earth orbit connectivity partner for the Microsoft Azure Orbital ground station service that enables network operators to control their satellite operations and capacity from within the Azure cloud computing service. Under their agreement, SES and Microsoft will jointly invest in Azure Orbital ground stations for the MEO and Earth Observation segments, initially in the United States, which will be installed and managed by SES. Also, satellite telemetry, tracking and control systems and data ground stations for the O3b mPOWER satellites will be located with Microsoft's Azure edge sites to provide O3b mPOWER customers with "one-hop" access to Azure cloud services.[24][25]

In November 2020, SES announced that Gilat and ST Engineering iDirect are developing the modem platforms and ground infrastructure for the O3b mPOWER communications system.[26] In December 2020, SES agreed with Australian telco, Pivotel Group Pty to build a new ground station at Pivotel's teleport in Dubbo, New South Wales to use the O3b mPOWER system to provide high-speed, low-latency connectivity across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.[27]

In February 2021, SES announced that four of the five top cruise companies have contracted connectivity services using the O3b mPOWER system ahead of the satellites' launch and with the majority extending beyond 2025.[28]

In August 2021, Microsoft became the first cloud computing provider customer for the O3b satellite system, with Microsoft buying managed satellite connectivity services from SES for the Microsoft Azure cloud service. Microsoft is initially using the existing first generation O3b satellites, before upgrading to the faster broadband speeds from O3b mPOWER satellites when they come into operation in 2022.[29]

In February 2022, SES formed a joint venture with India's biggest telco, Jio Platforms (JPL). The newly formed Jio Space Technology Limited will deliver broadband services in India of up to 100 Gbps capacity, using both the O3b mPOWER constellation and SES's SES-12 high-throughput geostationary satellite, to extend JPL’s terrestrial network, enhancing access to digital services in unconnected areas within India and the region. JPL and SES will own 51% and 49% equity stake respectively in the new company.[30]

In February 2022, Orange announced that, along with SES, it will deploy and manage the first O3b mPOWER gateway in Africa, to provide high-speed, low-latency, and cloud-optimised connectivity services across Africa, and to support telemetry, tracking and command functions for the O3b mPOWER satellites. The gateway will be located at the Sonatel teleport in Gandoul, Senegal.[31]

In March 2022, SES announced the acquisition of DRS Global Enterprise Solutions (GES), a US-based subsidiary of defence contractor, Leonardo DRS which provides managed satcom services to the US Defence Department and other government agencies. When the transaction is concluded (expected towards the end of 2022 after regulatory approvals) the business will be combined with SES subsidiary, SES Government Solutions (now SES Space & Defense), greatly expanding market access for the O3b mPOWER system at the time it is planned to begin operations.[32]

In May 2022, SES announced that the revised launch schedule for the O3b mPOWER satellites would see the first six satellites carried two at a time on three launches in the third quarter of 2022, the next three on one rocket in Q4 2022 and the final two in 2024. The start of service for the O3b mPOWER system remains unchanged as the beginning of 2023.[33] This schedule was subsequently changed in August 2022.

In May 2022, SES subsidiary SES Government Solutions (now SES Space & Defense), in partnership with Earth imaging company Planet Labs PBC, was awarded a US$28.96 million contract from NASA’s Communications Services Project for real-time, always-on low-latency connectivity services to NASA spacecraft, using SES's geostationary orbit satellites and medium Earth orbit satellites, including the O3b mPOWER constellation.[34][35]

In June 2022, SES announced that it will provide global connectivity services to MSC Cruises using the O3b mPOWER system. The service will start on the Explora I, the first ship of MSC's forthcoming luxury cruise line Explora Journeys, expected to enter service in Spring 2023.[36]

In August 2022, SES revealed that the O3b mPOWER launch schedule had been revised again. The first six O3b mPOWER satellites would now be carried on three launches in Q4 2022, the fourth launch of O3b mPOWER 7 and 8 would be in 2023 and the fifth, for O3b mPOWER 9, 10 and 11, in 2024. The system was expected to start service in Q2 2023.[37]

In October 2022, SES announced a capacity deal with telco, Claro Brasil (through its Embratel division) to use the O3b mPOWER network to extend its mobile backhaul service serving more than 260,000 inhabitants of the eight cities in the isolated Amazon region. SES already serves other communities in the region with backhaul capacity delivered via its geostationary satellite. The O3b mPOWER network will provide 4 Gbps and will be able to support both 4G and 5G networks.[38]

In November 2022, SES announced further delays to the O3b mPOWER launch schedule. The first two O3b mPOWER satellites would now be launched in mid-December 2022, The next four satellites would be carried on two launches in Q1 2023, two more on another launch later in 2023, and the final three satellites launched in 2024. it will take approximately six months after launch for each satellite to reach its designated orbit and for commissioning, and the O3b mPower service is now expected to start in Q3 2023.[39] In August 2023, the service start date was revised to Q4 2023.[40]

On 16 December 2022, the first two O3b mPOWER satellites were successfully launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida at 5:48 pm local time .[1] The two satellites had been 'mated' and fueled with the Xenon gas for their plasma thrusters at Boeing’s factory in El Segundo, California before delivery to Cape Canaveral, considerably reducing the time required at the spaceport to ready them for launch.[41]

On 28 April 2023, the second pair of O3b mPOWER satellites were successfully launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida at 6:12 pm local time, by which time the first pair of satellites had reached medium Earth orbit and were undergoing in-orbit testing.[42][43]

In May 2023 SES announced an agreement with Istanbul-based Profen Group to provide low-latency high-performance connectivity services to energy companies, government agencies, telco companies and humanitarian aid organisations in Turkey using the O3b mPOWER network, and to build a satellite gateway at the heart of the Profen networks.[44]

In June 2023, the Luxembourg Parliament approved funding of €195m over 10 years for the Medium Earth Orbit Global Services programme to provide capacity on the O3b mPOWER network for defence, security, and disaster recovery, to Luxembourg, its partners and NATO. Previously slated for Q2 2023, the launch of the fifth and sixth O3b mPOWER satellites, to provide the six satellites in orbit required for the service to start in Q3 2023, is now expected in July or later, with further O3b mPOWER satellites 7 and 8 launching together by the end of 2023, and 9, 10 and 11 in 2024.[45][46][47]

In August 2023, SES announced that the combined contract backlog for the O3b mPOWER system, along with the SES-17 high-throughput GEO satellite (launched 2021) is now in excess of US$1 billion (gross $1,025 million, fully protected $835 million).[48]

In September 2023, SES announced that, following the launch of the first two O3b mPOWER satellites, RF end-to-end tests had been carried out successfully, validating key ground and space infrastructure components, and SES’s Adaptive Resource Control (ARC) network configuration software.[49]

In September 2023, SES announced a satellite internet service for cruise lines using both O3b mPOWER MEO satellites and SpaceX's Starlink low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation. Integrated, sold and delivered by SES, the SES Cruise mPOWERED + Starlink service claims to combine the best features of LEO and MEO orbits to provide high-speed, secure connectivity at up to 3 Gbps per ship, to cruise ships anywhere in the world. Subsequently, in February 2024, SES announced that Virgin Voyages will be the first cruise line to deploy the service.[50][51][52]

In October, SES announced that the launch of satellites 5 and 6 would be in early November 2023, and the start of commercial service of the O3b mPOWER system was expected in Q2 2024; the delays caused by power module problems in the first four satellites already in orbit. SES said that satellites 7 and 8 (to launch H2 2024) and 9-11 (to launch 2025) would be upgraded and two further satellites (12-13) added to the constellation to mitigate the problem.[53] SES has a claim with insurers for $472 million relating to satellites 1-4.[54]

On 12 November 2023, the fifth and sixth O3b mPOWER satellites were successfully launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida by SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The two satellites will join O3b mPOWER 1 and 2 (launched in December 2022) and O3b mPOWER 3 and 4 (launched in April 2023) in medium Earth orbit (MEO) and enable the start of the service in February 2024.[55]

In November 2023, the US Department of Defense awarded SES a blanket purchase agreement worth up to US$270 million over five years for global HTS managed services on the O3b system.[56]

In May 2024, SES announced the Open Orbits Inflight Connectivity Network which combines SES's Ka-band GEO satellite network and the O3b mPOWER network with independent satellite networks of regional operators, including NEO Space Group, AeroSat Link, and Hughes Communications India, to enable inflight video and data connectivity to seamlessly move between operators as an aircraft traverses the globe.[57] In October 2024, national airlines, Thai Airways and Turkish Airlines selected SES Open Orbits for aircraft across their fleets.[58]

In September 2024, the NATO Support and Procurement Agency awarded its first contract for MEO satellite services to SES, to provide NATO members with capacity on the O3b mPOWER network for secure naval, air, and ground communications missions around the globe.[59]

List of satellites

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Name NORAD ID Int'l Code Launch Date Launch Vehicle Orbital apsis Inclination Period (min) Status
O3b mPOWER 1 (O3b FM21) 54755 2022-174A 2022-12-16 Falcon 9 Block 5 8067.0 km × 8079.2 km 0.043° 288 Operational
O3b mPOWER 2 (O3b FM22) 54756 2022-174B 2022-12-16 Falcon 9 Block 5 8064.8 km × 8081.3 km 0.045° 288 Operational
O3b mPOWER 3 (O3b FM23) 56368 2023-059B 2023-04-28 Falcon 9 Block 5 7522.0 km × 8567.5 km 0.057° 287 Operational
O3b mPOWER 4 (O3b FM24) 56367 2023-059A 2023-04-28 Falcon 9 Block 5 8063.0 km × 8077.7 km 0.17° 288 Operational
O3b mPOWER 5 (O3b FM25) 58346 2023-175A 2023-11-12 Falcon 9 Block 5 Operational
O3b mPOWER 6 (O3b FM26) 58347 2023-175B 2023-11-12 Falcon 9 Block 5 Operational
O3b mPOWER 7 (O3b FM27) H2 2024[60] Falcon 9 Block 5 Planned
O3b mPOWER 8 (O3b FM28) H2 2024[60] Falcon 9 Block 5 Planned
O3b mPOWER 9 (O3b FM29) 2025[60] Falcon 9 Block 5 Planned
O3b mPOWER 10 (O3b FM30) 2025[60] Falcon 9 Block 5 Planned
O3b mPOWER 11 (O3b FM31) 2025[60] Falcon 9 Block 5 Planned
O3b mPOWER 12 (O3b FM32) 2026[60] Falcon 9 Block 5 Planned
O3b mPOWER 13 (O3b FM33) 2026[60] Falcon 9 Block 5 Planned

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b SpaceX launches first pair of O3b mPower satellites SpaceNews. 16 December 2022. Accessed 17 December 2022
  2. ^ a b SES building a 10-terabit O3b mPower constellation, SpaceNews, 11 September 2017, Accessed 25 April 2024
  3. ^ SES’ O3b mPOWER MEO System is Now Operational, Service Rollout to Follow Via Satellite. 24 April 2024. Accessed 25 April 2024
  4. ^ a b c d "Boeing to Build Four Additional 702X Satellites for SES's O3b mPOWER Fleet" (Press release). Boeing. 7 August 2020. Retrieved 25 April 2024.
  5. ^ a b SES orders four more O3b mPower satellites from Boeing, SpaceNews, 7 August 2020, Accessed 25 April 2024
  6. ^ a b c O3b mPower 1, ..., 11 (O3b 21, ..., 31) Gunter's Space Page, Accessed 25 April 2024.
  7. ^ SES: building the multi-orbit network of the future Orange. Accessed 25 April 2024
  8. ^ a b "SES to Enhance and Expand O3b mPOWER System Capabilities with Dynamic Software Innovation" (Press release). SES. 5 September 2019. Retrieved 25 April 2024.
  9. ^ SES and Starlink have established an unusual partnership but it could be the first of many of its kind AnalysysMason. 30 November 2023. Accessed 29 September 2024
  10. ^ 702X: The more cost-effective software defined satellite , Boeing, Accessed 27 August 2020
  11. ^ "Boeing to Design and Build Seven Medium Earth Orbit Satellites for SES" (Press release). Boeing. 11 September 2017. Retrieved 27 August 2020.
  12. ^ Space Systems, SES, Accessed 29 March 2021
  13. ^ SES to Extend O3b mPower Capabilities With Software Innovation, Broadband World News, 5 September 2019, Accessed 18 September 2020
  14. ^ SES says O3b mPower electrical issues are worse than thought SpaceNews 31 October 2023. Accessed 27 November 2023
  15. ^ O3b mPOWER Press Factsheet, SES, August 2020, Accessed 26 August 2020
  16. ^ "SES opens new era in global connectivity with O3b mPOWER" (Press release). SES. 11 September 2017. Retrieved 27 August 2020.
  17. ^ SES orders seven satellites from Boeing to help meet growing broadband demand, Spaceflight Now, 12 September 2017, Accessed 20 August 2020
  18. ^ "SES Networks Announces Partnerships for Groundbreaking O3b mPOWER Customer Edge Terminals" (Press release). SES. 8 March 2018. Retrieved 18 September 2020.
  19. ^ SES-17 Ka-Band Satellite is Now Operational Via Satellite. 16 June 2022. Accessed 27 June 2022
  20. ^ SpaceX to launch SES's O3b mPOWER constellation on two Falcon 9 rockets, SpaceNews, 9 September 2020, Accessed 27 August 2020
  21. ^ Princess Cruises extends partnership with SES for O3b mPOWER network, Satellite Pro Middle East, 4 February 2020, Accessed 27 August 2020
  22. ^ African Teleco Orange Adopts SES's O3b mPOWER, Satellite Today, 27 February 2020, Accessed 28 August 2020
  23. ^ SES taps SpaceX for two additional Falcon 9 launches, SpaceNews, 20 August 2020, Accessed 26 August 2020
  24. ^ Introducing Azure Orbital: Process satellite data at cloud-scale, Microsoft, 22 September 2020, Accessed 28 October 2020
  25. ^ "SES Becomes Microsoft Azure Orbital Founding Connectivity Partner" (Press release). 22 September 2020. Retrieved 30 October 2020.
  26. ^ "SES Expands O3b mPOWER Technology Ecosystem with Modem Platform Partnerships" (Press release). 3 November 2020. Retrieved 1 January 2021.
  27. ^ Dubbo Gateway to boost regional APAC connectivity, Capacity Media, 16 December 2020, Accessed 31 January 2021
  28. ^ SES Networks Transforms Cruise Market Again as Leading Cruise Companies Choose O3b mPOWER for Enhanced Connected Guest Experiences Business Wire. 23 February 2021. Accessed 23 February 2021
  29. ^ O3b mPOWER get first cloud customer, on track for launch even as COVID-19 issues loom SpaceNews. 17 August 2021. Accessed 1 September 2021
  30. ^ Jio and SES forge joint venture for satellite-based broadband services across India Computer Weekly. 14 February 2022. Accessed 30 April 2022
  31. ^ "Orange, Sonatel and SES to deploy first African O3b mPOWER gateway in Senegal" (Press release). 16 February 2022. Retrieved 28 February 2022.
  32. ^ SES to acquire Leonardo DRS satcom business for $450 million SpaceNews. 22 March 2022. Accessed 28 March 2022
  33. ^ "SES Q1 2022 Results" (PDF). SES. 5 May 2022. p. 3. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
  34. ^ NASA, Industry to Collaborate on Space Communications by 2025 NASA. 20 April 2022. Accessed 29 May 2022
  35. ^ SES wins NASA contract Advanced Television. 10 May 2022. Accessed 29 May 2022
  36. ^ SES Signs Cruise Connectivity Deal With Explora Journeys Via Satellite. 29 July 2022. Accessed 1 August 2022
  37. ^ SES: Further delays to mPOWER fleet Advanced Television. 4 August 2022. Accessed 23 August 2022
  38. ^ Claro Brasil to Extend 4G and 5G-Ready Mobile Services With SES O3b mPOWER Via Satellite. 27 October 2022. Accessed 30 October 2022
  39. ^ SES eagerly awaiting the flexibility O3b mPower promises Space News. 11 November 2022. Accessed 3 December 2022
  40. ^ SES H1 2023 Results SES 3 August 2023. Accessed 28 August 2023
  41. ^ First O3b mPOWER broadband satellites set for liftoff after quick launch campaign Spaceflight Now. 15 December 2022. Accessed 30 January 2023
  42. ^ SpaceX launches second pair of O3b mPower satellites SpaceNews. 28 April 2023. Accessed 1 May 2023
  43. ^ "SES's Third and Fourth O3b mPOWER Satellites Successfully Launched" (Press release). SES. 28 April 2023. Retrieved 1 May 2023.
  44. ^ SES signs distribution deal of O3b mPOWER with Profen Satellite Pro ME. 4 May 2023. Accessed 1 June 2023
  45. ^ Boeing preparing to ship milestone O3b mPower satellites for launch Space News. 4 May 2023. Accessed 29 June 2023
  46. ^ Luxembourg approves program to give NATO O3b mPower access Space News. 15 June 2023. Accessed 29 June 2023
  47. ^ Launches SES. Accessed 29 June 2023
  48. ^ SES H1: Revenue rises 10% Advanced Television. 3 August 2023. Accessed 29 August 2023
  49. ^ O3b mPOWER Advances with Successful End-to-End RF Testing BusinessCom. 14 September 2023. Accessed 29 September 2023
  50. ^ SES Teams Up with Starlink to Package Connectivity for the Cruise Segment Via Satellite. 13 September 2023. Accessed 27 February 2024
  51. ^ "SES Introduces Cruise Industry's First Integrated MEO-LEO Service with Starlink" (Press release). SES. 13 September 2023. Retrieved 27 February 2024.
  52. ^ Virgin Voyages Rolls Out New Improved Internet Package with SES Cruise Industry News. 26 February 2024. Accessed 27 February 2024
  53. ^ SES YTD 2023 Results SES 31 October 2023. Accessed 31 October 2023
  54. ^ H1 2024 Results SES. 1 August 2024. Accessed 30 August 2024
  55. ^ SpaceX launches final pair of O3b mPower satellites needed for commercial services SpaceNews 12 November 2023. Accessed 27 November 2023
  56. ^ DoD Signs a Blanket Purchase Agreement for SES’s O3b System Via Satellite. 8 November 2023. Accessed 1 December 2023
  57. ^ SES Launches SES Open Orbits Inflight Connectivity Network Digital TV Europe. 29 May 2024. Accessed 30 May 2024
  58. ^ Neo Space Group details Thai Airways IFC deal; talks growth plans Runway Girl Network. 29 October 2024. Accessed 30 October 2024
  59. ^ NATO Awards SES Contract for MEO Services for US, Luxembourg Via Satellite. 11 September 2024. Accessed 30 October 2024
  60. ^ a b c d e f g Launches SES. Accessed 28 March 2024
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