O3b delays crucial launch
September 12, 2013
Jersey-based O3b is the new satellite constellation designed to bring connectivity and broadband to the world’s ‘other 3 billion’ people currently not served, or under-served, by terrestrial suppliers. Google, SES and Liberty Global are amongst the system’s backers. However, there are problems.
Two of the four satellites, launched in June, have suffered minor power anomalies. This has meant that O3b will now delay the launch of the next 4 satellites, initially due later this month on an Ariane rocket, until the power problems have been investigated and remedied.
CEO Steve Collar, speaking at Euroconsult’s Paris satellite conference, said the problems on the satellites in space will have no effect on the craft’s performance and may be of no consequence.
The satellites were built by Thales Alenia Space, and the system cannot be brought into operation until 8 satellites are orbiting.
Other posts by Chris Forrester:
- Bank trims ProSiebenSat.1 guidance
- Spaceport Cornwall updates status
- ESA to choose SpaceX as launch gap-filler?
- Bank: “Nordic Noir helps Viaplay”
- Analyst trims WBD expectations
- Satellite operators talk merger, and lose billions
- Judge confirms Kevin Spacey $31m penalty
- Biden’s $52bn for chipset production