Thales Alenia Space and O3b Networks—Orbital O.K.’s (Satellites)

[SatNews] The first four satellites (of 12) of the constellation were officially accepted in orbit on July 26th, at 8:00 p.m. (French Time). The signature of the acceptance certificates declares the 4 satellites acceptance in orbit and validates their final delivery to O3b Networks.

Transfer of control for the O3b first batch is in progress, from the Thales Alenia Space Control Centre, in Cannes, to the O3b control centre, in Betzdorf, Luxemburg. Thales Alenia Space, prime contractor of the O3b constellation, is responsible for the satellites conception and manufacturing, for their positioning and validation in orbit. The integration of the next four O3b satellites is being finalized in the Thales Alenia Space’s clean rooms, in Rome, for a delivery in French Guiana, scheduled for August of 2013. The next Soyuz launch will be that of the O3b second batch of 4 satellites.