When the ViaSat-1 high-speed internet service satellite launched in 2011, it was higher capacity than any other satellite in use at that time.

(ViaSat-1, the broadband internet satellite launched by the Viasat company and Telesat Canada, is distinct from Viasat 1, an unrelated television channel in Ghana that operated from 2008-2016, when it became Kwesé TV.)

ViaSat-1 Satellite Broadband Mission

As technological capacity increased exponentially, the viability of ViaSat-1 precursors like satellites WildBlue-1 and Anik F2 was promptly enhanced with plans for even greater internet service capacity. When ViaSat-1 was positioned in geostationary orbit and service launched in 2012, regions like North America and Hawaii gained satellite broadband coverage. At the time of launch, the mission scope was anticipated to continue for 15 years, which would indicate that ViaSat-1 will remain an operational component of the Viasat satellite fleet until at least 2027.

ViaSat-1 Followed by Next Generation ViaSat Communications Satellites

With the success of ViaSat-1 broadband internet transmission, its launch was followed by the debut of ViaSat-2. ViaSat-2 broke records set following the activation of ViaSat-1, with significantly increased capability over ViaSat-1. When ViaSat-2 launched in 2017, Viasat’s goal of building out a “fleet” of high-capacity communications satellites began to take more shape. ViaSat-2 increased broadband coverage to regions like the Caribbean, Central America, and Atlantic Ocean routes.

With plans for a constellation of three ViaSat-3 satellites well underway, the first of the three new satellites to join the growing fleet is expected to launch in the first half of the 2022 calendar year. When all three ViaSat-3 ultra-high-capacity satellites are in place in geostationary orbit, high-speed satellite broadband access will wrap around most of the globe.

ViaSat-1 will meet its expected mission duration by 2027. Construction on the second ViaSat-3 satellite is already underway, and the global communications company has hinted at emerging plans for the next project, which could be a ViaSat-4 iteration.

We are here 24/7 to answer all of your Internet and TV Questions:

1-855-690-9884