Viasat announced in early June 2021 that the first satellite in its new three-satellite Viasat-3 global constellation has entered an important milestone at the final stages of production. The satellite has completed payload integration and performance testing. It is being shipped to the Boeing Satellite Systems facility in El Segundo, California where the satellite payload will be integrated with the bus module that is based on Boeing's verified 702 platform. The satellite will then be thoroughly tested in a tough, space-like environment, to confirm performance during launch and operation.
An early 2022 launch for the first of the three Viasat-3 constellation satellites is anticipated if all goes well. The new satellite will service the Americas and surrounding ocean areas. When the new satellite launches it will be the world's highest-capacity single commercial satellite in geostationary orbit. Based on its payload power and speed it is expected to deliver broadband to even the most remote locations on the ground, in the air, and at sea.
As part of the June 2021 announcement, it was anticipated that each of the three Viasat-3 constellation satellites would deliver 20kW of payload power, making each of the three among the highest-powered commercial satellites ever developed. When all three of the global constellation satellites are in orbit, they will cover nearly the entire Earth. Their expected capacity is 3,000 Gigabits per second (Gbps), or 3 Terabits per second (Tbps) in total, for a period of at least 15 years. This is approximately eight times more capacity than Viasat’s current total fleet. It will be a giant leap in capability and will answer an immense need for broadband access in hard to reach regions. Imagine as well what this will do for video streaming.
Viasat facilities around the world are working together on the new satellite. From payload assembly in Tempe, AZ to antenna development in Duluth, GA to software and systems engineering in Germantown, MD to offices in India and Switzerland; it’s a global mission of enormous proportions.
As the first constellation satellite goes to Boeing for the next final preparation steps Viasat is busy concurrently building payloads for the second and third Viasat-3-class satellites, Viasat-3 (EMEA) and Viasat-3 (APAC). The Viasat-3 (EMEA) payload is expected to be delivered to Boeing in the latter part of fiscal year 2022. The company is actively focused on completing the constellation and advancing access.
About ViasatViasat has for 35 years advanced how residential, government and military organizations communicate. Today the company continues its mission to provide superior, secure, affordable and fast connections on the ground, in the air, and at sea. It is on a mission to provide broadband internet service to many locations that currently lack access.
The exact timing of launch will depend on each preceding element of the plan being completed as anticipated. The June announcement confirms advancement of payload integration and performance testing as significant next steps.
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