SES’s O3b mPOWER System Receives Platinum Space Sustainability Rating
June 3, 2025 | BUSINESS WIREEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
O3b mPOWER, SES’s second-generation medium earth orbit (MEO) system, has been awarded the Platinum badge by the Space Sustainability Rating (SSR) Association. This is the highest possible SSR rating tier, and has been awarded to the O3b mPOWER constellation of 13 high-throughput and low-latency satellites, eight of which are already in orbit.
The O3b mPOWER mission was assessed across all phases: deployment, operations, and end-of-life disposal. The Platinum rating for O3b mPOWER was based on an in-depth analysis of more than 65 parameters, including: satellite count, orbital region, collision avoidance strategies, adherence to recognised design and operational standards, and SES’s overall approach to data sharing and transparency. SES is the second operator to receive a Platinum rating from the SSR, and the sixth to be officially rated.
Rather than evaluating individual satellites in isolation, the SSR assesses the aggregate sustainability impact of the entire constellation and considers how satellites interact, operate collectively, and contribute to the broader space environment. This recognition indicates that the O3b mPOWER constellation demonstrates minimal impact on the orbital environment beyond what is necessary for mission success and reflects SES’s strong commitment to sustainable space operations and adherence to internationally accepted best practices in space sustainability.
Prof. Jean-Paul Kneib, President of the SSR Association, Academic Director of EPFL Space Center and Head of the Laboratory of Astrophysics (LASTRO), said, "The Space Sustainability Rating provides an independent benchmark to encourage transparency among space actors, promote best practices in space missions, and support the long-term preservation of the orbital environment. The Platinum rating awarded to the O3b mPOWER constellation reflects SES’s strong alignment with the SSR’s criteria across the full mission lifecycle. We celebrate this recognition for the O3b mPOWER constellation and SES’s contribution to a safer, more responsible, and resilient satellite ecosystem. As the SSR continues to evolve, it aims to drive positive change across the space sector by highlighting leadership in space sustainability—such as that demonstrated by SES—and to encourage the global space community to make informed, sustainability-focused decisions."
Milton Torres, Chief Technology Officer of SES, said, “For 40 years, SES has been driving responsible best practices and developing new technologies, partnerships and solutions contributing to sustainable space. This Platinum badge not only highlights our leadership in sustainable space operations but also reinforces our commitment to responsible and innovative practices in the space industry, while supporting long-term space sustainability for all spacecraft operators.”
Suggested Items
Elma Electronic Bolsters Quality Management Company-wide with Added AS9100:D and ISO9001:2015 Certifications
06/02/2025 | Elma ElectronicElma Electronic now includes AS9100:D and ISO 9001:2015 certifications at its Horsham, Pa. manufacturing facility, earning the company a multiple site accreditation designation.
Maxar Space Systems Selected to Build High-Power EchoStar XXVI Satellite Share
06/02/2025 | BUSINESS WIREMaxar Space Systems, a trusted partner in satellite design and manufacturing, today announced it has been awarded a contract by EchoStar Corporation to manufacture EchoStar XXVI, a high-power geostationary communications satellite based on the Maxar 1300™ platform.
ispace Completes Success 8 of Mission 2 Milestones
06/02/2025 | ispaceispace, inc. (ispace) (TOKYO: 9348), a global lunar exploration company, announced that the RESILIENCE lunar lander has successfully completed all orbital maneuvers while in lunar orbit and is now being prepared for its landing attempt on June 6, 2025.
Another Lockheed Martin-Built GPS III Satellite Lifts Off into Orbit
06/02/2025 | Lockheed MartinThe eighth GPS III space vehicle—designed and built by Lockheed Martin—successfully launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida. It achieved signal acquisition shortly thereafter.
See TopLine’s Next Gen Braided Solder Column Technology at SPACE TECH EXPO 2025
05/28/2025 | TopLineAerospace and Defense applications in demanding environments have a solution now in TopLine’s Braided Solder Columns, which can withstand the rigors of deep space cold and cryogenic environments.