Viasat, global leader in satellite communications, announced the successful launch and initial signal acquisition of the ViaSat-3 Flight 3 (F3) satellite. The satellite successfully separated from the launch vehicle’s upper stage just under five hours after liftoff, with initial signals acquired minutes later, confirming the satellite is healthy in orbit and ready for the next phase of operations. ViaSat-3 F3 lifted off earlier today at 10:13 a.m. EDT aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) at Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
ViaSat-3 F3 will provide services over the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. Designed to deliver over 1 Terabit per second (Tbps) of throughput capacity, the satellite leverages innovative payload design and advanced beam-forming technology to optimize and steer immense capacity in real time, maximizing spectral efficiency and enabling bandwidth to be concentrated where demand and returns are highest. The satellite’s efficient, flexible bandwidth deployment capabilities are a significant differentiator for commercial mobility and defense customers as demand for resilient, high-quality satellite communication services (SATCOM) continue to accelerate.
ViaSat-3 F3 completes Viasat’s next generation ViaSat-3 satellite constellation and marks a key milestone in the company’s global, multi-orbit network strategy. With ViaSat-3 F1 in service since 2024 and ViaSat-3 F2’s in-orbit testing advancing, the launch of F3 positions Viasat to further scale global capacity and performance.
“As we celebrate the successful launch of ViaSat-3 F3, it’s once again important to recognize this achievement as a testament to the dedication and expertise of hundreds of Viasat team members and the close collaboration with our partners,” said Mark Dankberg, Chairman and CEO of Viasat. “ViaSat-3 F3 will provide greater resilience for government and commercial mobility users, leveraging powerful beamforming capabilities to quickly deliver bandwidth in and around commercial, enterprise, geopolitical and other hot spots. As we look forward, our ViaSat-3 satellites will significantly scale our overall network’s performance, strengthening our ability to deliver the capacity for key growth initiatives globally.”
Following its successful launch, the satellite will now deploy its solar arrays and begin navigating to its final geostationary orbital location. Then, ViaSat-3 F3 will undergo final deployments, including its reflectors, before undergoing in-orbit testing and network integration, which is critical to effective operations and services. ViaSat-3 F3 is currently anticipated to enter service in late summer.
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