SES & K2 Space Partner for Revolutionary MEO Network 'meoSphere'
SES, a leading global satellite operator, has partnered with innovative startup K2 Space to develop 'meoSphere', a revolutionary software-defined network infrastructure for medium Earth orbit (MEO). This collaboration aims to revolutionize satellite communication by enabling rapid innovation and adaptation to customer needs.
K2 Space, having raised $110 million in Series B funding, is accelerating production of its 'Mega' class satellite buses, which can be built for under $15 million each with lead times of less than three months. This agility aligns perfectly with SES' new approach, 'meoSphere', which evolves in shorter innovation cycles rather than large, one-off deployments.
SES CEO Adel Al-Saleh envisions a future MEO network that evolves through agile innovation cycles, combining SES' solutions development experience with K2 Space's newspace agility. Together, they are developing a flexible, software-defined network that adapts to customer requirements. K2 Space has already demonstrated its in-space capabilities with a successful launch earlier this year and plans to launch its debut government mission in early 2026 for the U.S. Space Force.
meoSphere will ensure backward and forward compatibility, allowing new features to be incorporated while maintaining existing services. SES plans to deploy new MEO satellites annually, scaling the network directly in response to market demand and customer needs. The upcoming meoSphere satellites will enable real-time aircraft connectivity, reliable maritime communications, resilient backhaul for remote enterprise sites, and support multi-mission capabilities such as hosted payloads and satellite data relay.
In addition to this collaboration, SES has committed to developing and operating 18 additional MEO satellites in partnership with legacy suppliers for the European Commission's sovereign IRIS2 multi-orbit broadband network. The first satellite co-developed with K2 Space is set to launch early next year, marking the start of a more iterative approach to upgrading SES' MEO broadband constellation.
The collaboration between SES and K2 Space promises a future where satellite communication networks can quickly adapt to evolving customer needs. With meoSphere, SES is set to deploy new MEO satellites annually, ensuring its network remains at the forefront of technological innovation.
Read also:
- Revised Bonus Écologique Boosts French EV Market Share to 63.97%
- Ford Discontinues Popular Top-Seller in Staggering Shift, Labeled as a "Model T Event"
- 2025 Witnesses a 27% Surge in Worldwide Electric Vehicle Sales, Despite Opposition to Electrification Policies in the U.S.
- Summarized Report: Insights from the Realm of Transportation
