# O3b FM18

> communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q21965475](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q21965475)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/o3b-fm18

## Summary
O3b FM18 is a communications satellite launched on April 4, 2019, aboard a Soyuz-2.1b rocket to provide global telecommunications services. It is identified by COSPAR ID 2019-020D and satellite catalog number (SCN) 44115, functioning as part of the broader class of artificial satellites designed for telecommunications.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: April 4, 2019.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Soyuz-2.1b rocket.
- **COSPAR ID**: 2019-020D.
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN)**: 44115.
- **Primary Function**: Telecommunications via satellite.
- **Wikipedia Presence**: 1 sitelink (Portuguese language).

## FAQs
### Q: When was O3b FM18 launched?
A: O3b FM18 was launched on April 4, 2019.

### Q: What rocket was used to launch O3b FM18?
A: The satellite was launched using a Soyuz-2.1b rocket.

### Q: What is the purpose of O3b FM18?
A: It serves as a communications satellite, supporting global telecommunications services.

## Why It Matters
O3b FM18 plays a critical role in expanding global connectivity by delivering telecommunications services to remote and underserved regions. As part of a network of communications satellites, it helps bridge the digital divide by providing high-speed internet and data transmission capabilities. Its launch on a Soyuz-2.1b rocket highlights international collaboration in space technology, emphasizing the importance of reliable satellite infrastructure for modern communication systems. By operating in medium Earth orbit (implied by its mission class), O3b FM18 reduces signal latency compared to traditional geostationary satellites, enhancing real-time communication for users worldwide.

## Notable For
- **Launch Vehicle**: Deployed via the Soyuz-2.1b rocket, a reliable launch system for satellite deployments.
- **Unique Identifiers**: Assigned COSPAR ID 2019-020D and SCN 44115 for tracking and registration.
- **Telecommunications Role**: Dedicated to providing global communications services, reflecting its classification as a dedicated telecommunications satellite.
- **International Collaboration**: Represents cooperative efforts in space technology, given its launch vehicle and orbital mission.

## Body
### Launch Details
- **Date**: April 4, 2019.
- **Rocket**: Soyuz-2.1b, a variant of the Soyuz-2 rocket family.
- **Mission Context**: Part of a broader initiative to expand global telecommunications infrastructure.

### Technical Specifications
- **COSPAR ID**: 2019-020D (international designation for satellite tracking).
- **SCN**: 44115 (unique catalog number assigned by the North American Aerospace Defense Command).
- **Classification**: Categorized as a communications satellite, designed for transmitting data, voice, and video signals.

### Mission Purpose
O3b FM18 operates as part of a constellation of satellites (implied by its "O3b" designation, though not explicitly detailed in sources) focused on providing high-speed, low-latency internet connectivity to remote areas, including maritime, aviation, and rural regions. Its role underscores the growing demand for global communication networks.

### Operational Context
- **Orbit**: While not explicitly stated, communications satellites like O3b FM18 typically operate in medium Earth orbit (MEO) to balance latency and coverage.
- **Lifespan**: Designed for extended operational use, though specific mission duration is not provided in sources.
- **Global Impact**: Contributes to economic and social development by enabling access to information and communication technologies in underserved areas.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report