Microsoft will increase Azure Orbital multi-orbit capacity with the new MEO O3b mPOWER constellation from SES

Microsoft plans to leverage high-performance connectivity services in medium Earth orbit (MEO) to enhance its Azure Orbital solutions that integrate satellite connectivity with Azure services. To do this, it will use the current MEO constellation of SES migrating to the new O3b mPower next year.

William Chappell, vice president of Azure Global, Microsoft, comments, "Using SES's medium-Earth orbit system enhances the power of Azure Orbital and allows us to deliver greater resiliency and comprehensive satellite connectivity solutions for our customers. Our collaboration with SES is key to delivering on our vision of multi-orbit, cloud-enabled capability to meet critical industry needs."

For his part, JP Hemingway, CEO of SES Networks, emphasizes that “Microsoft's deployment of our innovative O3b mPower system is another step in our collaboration to bring high-performance, low-latency Azure cloud services to customers around the world.”

“O3b mPower will introduce new levels of cloud-scale satellite connectivity, intelligent automation and managed services that expand the reach and unleash the capabilities of cloud players like never before,” he added.

In addition to Microsoft Azure as the first cloud provider, other O3b mPower customers will be Orange, which will improve its business and mobile networks and some of the main mega-cruise operators such as Carnival and Virgin Voyages.