SES Launches Innovative MEO Deployment with K2 Space Partnership

SES has announced plans to deploy a new satellite, co-developed with startup K2 Space, in early 2024. This initiative, revealed on September 16, 2023, marks a significant shift towards a more iterative approach in upgrading its medium Earth orbit (MEO) broadband constellation. The Luxembourg-based operator is introducing the concept of meoSphere, a modular and software-defined network aimed at rapid innovation cycles rather than traditional large-scale deployments.

Adapting to Market Demands

The meoSphere initiative is designed to be both backward and forward compatible, allowing SES to incorporate new features seamlessly while ensuring that existing services remain uninterrupted. SES CEO Adel Al-Saleh stated, “Our future MEO network will evolve through agile innovation cycles.” He emphasized the value of collaboration with K2 Space and other innovative partners to create a flexible network that adapts to customer requirements.

While SES did not confirm whether Boeing will be involved in future partnerships, the aerospace giant is currently building the last three of 13 O3b mPower MEO satellites for SES. These satellites are expected to deliver over ten times the throughput compared to the operator’s first-generation fleet.

The deployment strategy will encompass both Europe and the United States, where K2 Space is based. SES plans to develop and launch new MEO satellites annually, linking investments directly to market demand and customer needs. This shift aims to eliminate the large capital expenditure peaks typically associated with traditional “waterfall” development cycles, providing greater flexibility regarding the number of satellites deployed.

Enhanced Connectivity and Future Capabilities

The upcoming meoSphere satellites are poised to enhance connectivity for various industries, offering real-time aircraft connectivity, reliable maritime communications, and robust backhaul solutions for remote enterprise locations. Additionally, government partners will have the capability to operate sovereign solutions through localized gateways.

SES also plans to support multi-mission applications, including hosted payloads, space situational awareness, and satellite data relay. Under a contract with the European Commission for its sovereign IRIS2 multi-orbit broadband network, SES is committed to developing 18 additional MEO satellites in collaboration with established suppliers while leveraging newer entrants like K2 Space for further evolution of the network.

K2 Space, which raised $110 million in Series B funding earlier this year, aims to expedite the production of its “Mega” class satellite buses. The company asserts that these satellites can be manufactured for under $15 million each, with lead times of less than three months. Earlier this year, K2 conducted its first in-space demonstration mission and is set to launch its inaugural government mission in early 2026 in partnership with the U.S. Space Force.

In a separate announcement on September 15, 2023, SES revealed a partnership with French optical ground station developer Cailabs. This collaboration will test laser communications technology, potentially supporting future satellites with faster and more secure data links.

As SES embarks on this new strategy, the emphasis on iterative deployment and collaboration with innovative partners positions the company to meet evolving market needs and enhance its broadband capabilities in the MEO sector.