Microsoft to increase Azure Orbital’s multiorbital capacity with new MEO O3b mPOWER constellation from SES

Microsoft plans to leverage high-performance medium-Earth orbit (MEO) connectivity services to enhance its Azure Orbital solutions that integrate satellite connectivity with Azure services. To do so, it will employ SES’s existing MEO constellation migrating to the new O3b mPower next year.

William Chappell, vice president, Azure Global, Microsoft, comments, “Utilising SES’ medium earth orbit system enhances the power of Azure Orbital and enables us to deliver greater resiliency and comprehensive satellite connectivity solutions for our customres. Our collaboration with SES is key to delivering on our vision of multi-orbit, cloud-enabled capability to meet critical industry needs.”

For his part, JP Hemingway, CEO of SES Networks, stresses that “Microsoft deploying our ground-breaking O3b mPOWER system is yet another step in our collaboration to bring high-performance, low-latency Azure cloud services to customers around the globe.”

“O3b mPOWER will introduce new levels of cloud-scale satellite connectivity, intelligent automation and managed services that extend the reach and unleash the capabilities of cloud players like never before,” he added.

In addition to Microsoft Azure as the first cloud provider, other O3b mPower customers will include Orange, which will enhance its enterprise and mobile networks, and some of the leading mega-cruise operators such as Carnival and Virgin Voyages.