ViaSat-3

ViaSat-3 is a global constellation of three Ka-band communications satellites in geostationary orbit, set to launch in 2021 by Viasat, Inc.[1] The satellites are intended to provide broadband connectivity with speeds of 100-plus megabits per second to homes, business and enterprise internet users, commercial, government and business aircraft, as well as government and defense markets, maritime and oceanic enterprises in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific.[1]

Satellites

The satellites were first announced in 2015. In February 2016, Viasat announced a partnership with Boeing Satellite Systems.[1] For each of the three ViaSat-3 class satellites, Viasat will build the satellite payload, integrate the payload into the Boeing-provided payload module. Boeing will provide the scalable 702 satellite platform, system integration and test, launch vehicle integration and mission operations services.[2] Each ViaSat-3 satellite payload is being manufactured at Viasat's own manufacturing facility in Tempe, Arizona, using modular structures from Boeing Satellite Systems in El Segundo, California.[3] The satellites are expected to weigh 6,400 kg each and are projected to have a total network capacity over 1 terabit per second.[4]

ViaSat-3 consists of three separate satellites, each designed to provide coverage to select global regions: ViaSat-3 (Americas) will cover the Americas; ViaSat-3 (EMEA) will cover Europe, the Middle East and Africa; and ViaSat-3 (APAC) will cover the Asia-Pacific regions.[3] The ViaSat-3 (Americas) and ViaSat-3 (EMEA) satellites at one time were expected to launch about six months apart starting in 2021, with the ViaSat-3 (APAC) satellite projected to launch in the second half of 2022.[5] However, delays have resulted in the company CEO saying only that the first of these satellites should still launch by the end of 2021, but a more specific launch date must await the payload shipment.[6]

Viasat has three launch contracts, one for each ViaSat-3 class satellite. The company announced plans to launch one of the satellites with Arianespace on an Ariane 6 rocket, one with United Launch Alliance on an Atlas 5, and one with SpaceX on the Falcon 9 Heavy.[7][8][9]

References
  1. Sean O'Kane. "New 1-Terabit internet satellites will deliver high-speed internet to remote areas". The Verge. Retrieved 15 September 2020.
  2. Veronica Magan. "ViaSat, Boeing Complete Preliminary Design Review for ViaSat 3 Satellites". Satellite Today. Retrieved 15 September 2020.
  3. Caleb Henry. "Supplier issue behind delays with first ViaSat-3 launch". Space News. Retrieved 15 September 2020.
  4. "ViaSat 3 Americas, Asia, EMEA". Gunther's Space Page. Retrieved 15 September 2020.
  5. Caleb Henry. "Viasat starts ViaSat-4 development, mulls hybrid GEO-LEO-terrestrial connections". SpaceNews. Retrieved 15 September 2020.
  6. https://spacenews.com/coronavirus-adds-to-viasat-3-delay-first-launch-still-in-2021/
  7. Caleb Henry. "Viasat orders Asia Pacific ViaSat-3 from Boeing amid record revenue". SpaceNews. Retrieved 15 September 2020.
  8. Caleb Henry. "Viasat books Falcon Heavy for ViaSat-3 launch". SpaceNews. Retrieved 15 September 2020.
  9. Caleb Henry. "Viasat books ULA Atlas 5 for a ViaSat-3 satellite launch". SpaceNews. Retrieved 15 September 2020.
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