Azure Orbital, a service introduced by Microsoft on Tuesday, is a managed ground service which allows satellite operators to control satellites, scale operations and process data through the Azure virtual network. 

According to the SES statement, the two companies will also invest in ground stations, which the satellite operator will manage for the MEO segment in Phoenix, Arizona, and the earth observation segment in Quincy, Washington. 

“This partnership leverages both companies' know-how--SES's experience in satellite infrastructure and Microsoft's cloud expertise--and is building blocks in developing new and innovative solutions for the future," said CEO of SES Networks, JP Hemingway, in the press statement. 

SES sees the partnership as instrumental in advancing its digital transformation, including its next-gen MEO communications system, O3b mPOWER, set to launch in 2021.

"We are thrilled that we will be co-locating, deploying and operating our next-generation O3b mPOWER gateways alongside Microsoft's data centers,” Hemingway added. “This one-hop connectivity to the cloud from remote sites will enable our MEO customers to enhance their cloud application performance, optimize business operations with much flexibility and agility needed to expand new markets."

According to Microsoft Azure, its ecosystem of Azure Orbital partners also includes Amergint, Kratos, KSAT, Kubos, Viasat, and US Electrodynamics Inc.