Having raised US$460 million in financing, the satellite operator O3b Networks has declared that it has ordered eight new satellites for its constellation from Thales Alenia Space. The exact price paid has not been revealed but is thought to be circa US$350 million. Subsequently, Arianespace revealed that it has received a firm launch order and one option for two Soyuz launches in 2018 to carry two sets of four O3b satellites.
Artwork showing O3b spacecraft. Courtesy: Thales Alenia Space