# O3b FM24

> communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q56355094](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q56355094)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/o3b-fm24

## Summary
O3b FM24 is a communications satellite operated by SES S.A. and manufactured by Boeing Defense, Space & Security. Launched on April 28, 2023, it functions as part of the O3b mPOWER satellite system in medium Earth orbit. The satellite is also identified by the designations O3b mPOWER 4 and O3BF04.

## Key Facts
*   **Classification:** It is an instance of a communications satellite.
*   **Launch Date:** Launched on April 28, 2023, at 22:12 UTC.
*   **Operator:** The satellite is operated by SES S.A.
*   **Manufacturer:** It was manufactured by Boeing Defense, Space & Security using a Boeing 702 (BSS-702X) spacecraft bus.
*   **Orbit:** The satellite is positioned in medium Earth orbit.
*   **Mass:** It has a mass of 1,700 kilograms.
*   **Launch Vehicle:** It launched aboard a Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket (booster B1078) from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40.
*   **Identifiers:** COSPAR ID is 2023-059A; SCN is 56367.
*   **Power:** The spacecraft is powered by two solar arrays.

## FAQs
### Q: What system does O3b FM24 belong to?
A: O3b FM24 is a part of the O3b mPOWER communications satellite system, which is owned and operated by SES S.A.

### Q: When and how was O3b FM24 launched?
A: The satellite was launched on April 28, 2023, at 22:12, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40.

### Q: Who manufactured the O3b FM24 satellite?
A: O3b FM24 was manufactured by Boeing Defense, Space & Security. It utilizes the Boeing 702 (specifically the BSS-702X) spacecraft bus.

## Why It Matters
O3b FM24 represents a critical component of the next-generation O3b mPOWER network, which is designed to deliver high-performance connectivity. As a "MEO" (Medium Earth Orbit) satellite, it operates closer to the Earth than traditional geostationary satellites, which allows for lower latency communications crucial for modern telecommunications, government applications, and maritime or aviation connectivity.

Built on the Boeing 702 platform with a mass of 1,700 kg, the satellite signifies a substantial technological investment in increasing global bandwidth capacity. Its launch aboard a Falcon 9 Block 5 highlights the ongoing collaboration between satellite operators and commercial launch providers to deploy complex infrastructure efficiently. The satellite helps bridge the digital divide by enhancing internet infrastructure in underserved regions as part of the broader SES S.A. network.

## Notable For
*   **Platform:** Utilizes the Boeing 702 (BSS-702X) bus, a high-power platform for broadband communications.
*   **Dual Launch:** Launched simultaneously with O3b FM23 (O3b mPOWER 3) during the same rocket launch event.
*   **Orbital Position:** Specifically designed for Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), distinguishing it from Geostationary (GEO) or Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations.
*   **Reuse:** Launched on the Falcon 9 booster B1078, marking the booster's second flight.

## Body

### Technical Specifications
O3b FM24, also known as O3b mPOWER 4 or O3BF04, is a heavy-class communications satellite with a recorded mass of 1,700 kilograms. It was constructed by Boeing Defense, Space & Security and is based on the Boeing 702 satellite bus, specifically the BSS-702X variant. The spacecraft utilizes a power system comprising two solar arrays to generate electricity for its operations. It is registered with the international Satellite Catalog Number (SCN) 56367 and COSPAR ID 2023-059A.

### Mission and Operations
The primary function of O3b FM24 is telecommunications. It operates under the jurisdiction of the United Kingdom and is managed by the Luxembourg-based satellite operator SES S.A. The satellite functions as a node in the O3b mPOWER system, positioned in medium Earth orbit to provide connectivity services.

### Launch Details
The satellite was successfully launched on April 28, 2023, at precisely 22:12 UTC. The launch took place at Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40. SpaceX provided the launch services using a Falcon 9 Block 5 vehicle. The specific first-stage booster used for this mission was B1078.2, indicating it was the second flight for this particular booster. The launch event deployed O3b FM24 along with its counterpart, O3b FM23.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/o3b-mpower1.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. SATCAT