SES’s O3b mPOWER System Receives Platinum Space Sustainability Rating

Estimated 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.”