How Much Does a Viasat-3 Satellite Weight?

Viasat-3 satellites, which will total three when fully deployed, weigh in at 6-7 metric tons. The first Viasaat-3 satellite went into orbit May 1 2023 and became operational at the end of August 2023. It weighs 6.4 metric tons, which is 6,400 KG, or 14,110 pounds. It is approximately in the same weight class of a large African elephant, or a bundle of 3 large SUVs.

The Viasat-3 constellation consists of advanced Ka-band communication satellites that operate in geostationary orbit, positioned farther out in space to synchronize with the Earth's rotation. This unique arrangement ensures that, if visible to the naked eye (which is not possible), the Viasat satellite would appear fixed in the Southern Sky regardless of the time of day. As the Earth completes its daily rotation around the Sun, we witness the changing sky while the satellite and Earth move together seamlessly.

The deployment of the first Viasat-3 satellite took place on May 1, 2023, with the subsequent two satellites planned for launch approximately six months apart. These additional satellites will extend coverage to Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia Pacific region. With remarkable data speeds surpassing most existing satellite internet services, the Viasat-3 constellation will revolutionize connectivity. Its enhanced capacity and significantly faster speeds will ensure a truly enjoyable streaming experience at home, even with multiple devices in use. This monumental increase in capacity is set to elevate the satellite internet experience to unparalleled heights.