SpaceX Delays O3b mPOWER Satellite Launch: New Backup Window Set for Tuesday

SpaceX had a planned launch of two O3b mPOWER satellites. However, just 11 seconds before takeoff, the launch director said, “Hold, hold, hold!” The attempt was scrubbed without giving a reason. They are now aiming for Tuesday, July 22, for the launch from Cape Canaveral.

Earlier on Monday, SpaceX tweeted: “Standing down from today’s launch of the @SES_Satellites O3b mPOWER mission; targeting tomorrow for liftoff. Vehicle and payload remain healthy.” The launch is set for 5:12 p.m. EDT, with deployment planned nearly two hours later.

Weather plays a big role in satellite launches. The forecast showed a 50-50 chance of good weather on Monday, but only a 25% chance for Tuesday due to expected rain and storms. Weather conditions can greatly impact such missions, which need clear skies for successful launches.

A Falcon 9 booster, known as B1090, will handle this mission. This will be its sixth flight. The same booster launched the last pair of O3b satellites in December 2024. If all goes well, B1090 will aim to land on the droneship, “Just Read the Instructions,” marking its 129th landing.

The two satellites were built by Boeing and reached Florida for final processing in early July. Michelle Parker, vice president at Boeing, described the O3b mPOWER spacecraft as the most advanced commercial satellites to operate in space. They offer high-speed, reliable internet and adapt quickly to user demand, providing strong connectivity even in hard-to-reach places like airplanes or cruise ships.

Once launched, these satellites will join eight others already in medium Earth orbit (MEO), positioned around 8,000 kilometers above Earth. SES plans to launch the 11th satellite in summer 2025.

Recent statistics show that SES has seen growth, with an 8.4% increase year-over-year, boosting its service offerings. The first four O3b mPOWER satellites faced some issues that required fixes as the newer ones were prepared for launch. The operational status of satellites seven and eight began in May 2025. Adel Al-Saleh, SES’s CEO, noted that the addition of new satellites allows them to meet customer demands effectively while managing expenses.

Boeing is also using lessons learned here for military applications. They are working on the Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) satellites for the U.S. Space Force, taking the base capabilities of the mPOWER satellites and enhancing them for defense applications.

This ongoing development highlights how satellite technology continues to improve, benefitting both commercial and military sectors. With the launch of the next batch of mPOWER satellites, SES aims to solidify its position as a leader in providing critical connectivity solutions.

For more information on SES, visit [SES Satellite Solutions](https://www.ses.com). The evolution of satellite technology is not only shaping how we communicate but is also paving the way for new ways to connect globally.

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