O3b Networks, which is building a satellite constellation to provide Internet connectivity to telecom providers in developing countries, exercised an option for a third launch aboard a Soyuz rocket, Arianespace, which markets the Russian-built vehicle, announced Dec. 9.
The launch, to take place from Europe’s spaceport at Kourou, French Guiana, will deliver four O3b satellites to medium Earth orbit in 2014. The European Soyuz is now slated to launch 12 O3b satellites in three missions starting in 2013. O3b has one Soyuz option remaining on its contract with Arianespace.
