At 1703 GMT on 4 April, four O3b satellites for the European SES satellite operator were launched by a Soyuz 2-1B rocket from the “European Space Port’s” Sinnamary launch site near Kourou in French Guiana. The rocket was operated by Arianespace.
Illustration showing O3b satellites. Courtesy: SES via Arianespace
Built by Thales Alenia Space, the 700 kg spacecraft operate as part of a constellation in an 8,000km Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) offering a Ka-band communications service.
Arianespace operated Soyuz ST-B launches for O3b satellites on flight VS22. Courtesy: Arianespace
