A Soyuz ST-B /Fregat MT launch vehicle has successfully put four O3b spacecraft into orbit following its launch from the Sinnamary launch site in French Guiana. The third batch of four spacecraft named O3b FM9 – 12, was launched at 1837 GMT on 18 December 2014. The Thales Alenia Space-built spacecraft on flight VS10 were being launched into O3b Networks constellation to provide high speed mobile internet services.
The 2 hour 22-minute mission began with the initial launch into orbit by Soyuz three stage launch vehicle followed by multiple burns of its Fregat MT upper stage. O3b Networks’ four satellites were released in two phases from a dispenser system atop the Fregat stage. The launch had a total payload lift performance of more than 3,180 kg and was the third Arianespace Soyuz mission carry 03b satellites. Previous flights occurred in in July 2014 and June 2013 though the first four satellites were later found to have a technical fault which resulted in an expected insurance pay out for loss of US$328 million.
