O3b takes control of first satellites as in-orbit testing successfully completed

O3b Networks today announced that its first four satellites have successfully cleared in-orbit testing (IOT), following their launch in June. The company has now taken over control and operation of the satellites from their manufacturer, Thales Alenia Space.

The Ka-band satellites are in a unique medium Earth orbit of 8 062km above the Earth, in order to minimise latency.

O3b is scheduled to launch its next four satellites on 30 September. The company will formally launch its commercial service later in the year.

A third four-satellite launch is planned for 2014.

Jean Loic Galle, CEO of Thales Alenia Space, said: "We are very pleased to celebrate the in-orbit acceptance of the first four O3b satellites. With the upcoming four additional satellites to be launched at the end of September, we wish great success to O3b Networks in the development of its business. This major milestone confirms our expertise in constellations and reinforces Thales Alenia Space's world-leading position for telecoms constellations in medium and low Earth orbit."

Brian Holz, O3b CTO, said: "The handover was successfully completed ahead of schedule. Performance of all four spacecraft has been outstanding with all link parameters at or above specification. Thanks to the great work of the O3b and Thales teams, we can now look forward to our second launch with great confidence."