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Why SpaceX is finishing another space-internet system that isn’t Starlink
teslarati.com Sep 13, 2026

Why SpaceX is finishing another space-internet system that isn’t Starlink

Curated by · TechCapsules ·

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 from Cape Canaveral on Sunday at 2:49 p.m. ET, delivering the final three satellites—F11, F12 and F13—to complete SES’s O3b mPower constellation. The medium‑Earth‑orbit (MEO) payload will sit about 5,000 miles above Earth, ten times higher than Starlink’s low‑orbit layer but far below geostationary slots. SES required only 13 satellites to provide enterprise‑grade broadband, a stark contrast to the thousands used for Starlink’s consumer service. The completed network targets airlines, cruise lines, offshore energy firms, telecom backhaul and government users, and can be paired with Starlink for hybrid connectivity on vessels. The launch marked SpaceX’s 29th mission, its 661st successful Falcon 9 booster landing, and underscores the company’s ability to support non‑Starlink customers in the rapidly evolving satellite market.

💡 Why It Matters

  • · By delivering a lean, high‑altitude broadband fleet, SES gives enterprises a low‑latency alternative that complements consumer‑focused constellations, reshaping how critical industries secure connectivity.
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