Viasat Expands Global Internet Reach with VS3 F2 Launch in 2026

Viasat has long pursued a singular objective: to bridge the digital divide by delivering high-speed internet to underserved and remote regions across the globe. With the launch of the VS3 F2 satellite scheduled for 2026, the company marks a decisive step forward in that mission. As the second satellite in the Viasat-3 constellation, VS3 F2 plays a critical role by extending broadband capacity into the Asia-Pacific region, complementing the coverage already initiated by the Americas-focused VS3 F1.

Earlier milestones included the 2023 deployment of VS3 F1, which unlocked high-throughput connectivity across North and South America. Together with the anticipated third satellite for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, the constellation aims to offer near-global coverage. VS3 F2 is not just another launch—it represents the network scalability required to support streaming, enterprise, aviation, maritime, and defense-grade communications on an unprecedented scale across hard-to-reach geographies.

Viasat has long pursued a singular objective: to bridge the digital divide by delivering high-speed internet to underserved and remote regions across the globe. With the launch of the VS3 F2 satellite scheduled for 2026, the company marks a decisive step forward in that mission. As the second satellite in the Viasat-3 constellation, VS3 F2 plays a critical role by extending broadband capacity into the Asia-Pacific region, complementing the coverage already initiated by the Americas-focused VS3 F1.

Earlier milestones included the 2023 deployment of VS3 F1, which unlocked high-throughput connectivity across North and South America. Together with the anticipated third satellite for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, the constellation aims to offer near-global coverage. VS3 F2 is not just another launch—it represents the network scalability required to support streaming, enterprise, aviation, maritime, and defense-grade communications on an unprecedented scale across hard-to-reach geographies.

Satellite Internet Technology: Powering the Next Generation of Connectivity

Key Advances in Satellite Internet

Over the past decade, satellite internet has moved beyond niche usage scenarios to become a viable broadband solution for mainstream consumers, enterprises, and governments. This shift stems from a series of technical milestones that collectively enhanced performance, reduced latency, and expanded global reach. Among the most transformative developments has been the deployment of High-Throughput Satellites (HTS), which deliver dramatically higher bandwidth than traditional satellite systems.

The Impact of High-Throughput Satellites (HTS)

HTS fundamentally redefined satellite capacity through frequency reuse and spot beam architecture. By dividing coverage areas into multiple small beams instead of a few broad beams, HTS systems reuse frequency allocations across regions. This boosts total system throughput significantly. For instance, Viasat-2, launched in 2017, offered over 300 Gbps of total network capacity—more than double its predecessor. Now, the Viasat-3 constellation will deliver over 1 Tbps per satellite, representing a magnitude jump in total throughput and enabling fiber-like experiences in remote regions.

In practical terms, this means users in underserved or unserved areas can stream HD video, engage in high-quality video conferencing, and access real-time cloud services with less congestion and greater reliability. Higher throughput lowers the cost per bit transmitted, making the service more economically scalable.

Orbit Type and Coverage Footprint: Why They Matter

The performance and coverage of satellite internet services depend heavily on orbit selection. Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) satellites, such as those in the Viasat-3 constellation, hover at approximately 35,786 km above the equator. From this vantage point, they maintain a fixed position relative to the Earth’s surface, ensuring consistent service for users across vast swathes of territory.

Because GEO satellites cover massive footprints—up to one-third of the Earth's surface each—they excel at seamless regional and continental coverage. This approach differs from Low Earth Orbit (LEO) systems, which rely on constellations of hundreds or thousands of satellites to deliver global coverage through lower-latency routes. While LEO networks offer a latency edge, GEO satellites shine in delivering deep capacity and long-duration coverage over focused areas with fewer assets, making them well-suited for broadband applications at scale.

Viasat's use of GEO satellites with ultra-high capacity underscores a calculated strategy: maximize service availability and performance across large geographical regions while minimizing infrastructure complexity in orbit.

Viasat’s Strategic Ascent in Satellite Connectivity

Company History and Core Mission

Founded in 1986 in Carlsbad, California, Viasat began as a small defense contractor focused on secure satellite communication systems. Over the decades, the company scaled its capabilities, investing heavily in R&D to transition from defense technologies to commercial connectivity solutions. The core mission remains unchanged: to connect the world with secure, affordable, high-speed satellite internet—no matter how remote the location.

Viasat’s Evolution in Aerospace and Satellite Technology

Viasat pivoted into commercial satellite broadband in the late 2000s, following its work on IP-based networking solutions for the U.S. Department of Defense. This strategic shift materialized with the launch of ViaSat-1 in 2011, which at the time held the world record for the highest capacity communications satellite, at 140 Gbps. That bold step marked Viasat's entry into mass-market internet delivery via space-based assets.

The evolution hasn’t been incremental—it’s been exponential. ViaSat-2, launched in 2017, doubled capacity and extended coverage, reaching parts of Europe, the Caribbean, and Central America. Each milestone has built toward its broader constellation vision, placing Viasat in a competitive position alongside legacy aerospace titans and emerging LEO providers.

Commitment to Global Broadband Access

A central theme in Viasat’s strategy is expansion beyond heavily populated urban centers. Unlike terrestrial networks, which often stall in rural deployment due to return-on-investment limits, satellite infrastructure bypasses that constraint. Viasat leverages this advantage by delivering broadband internet to users on the ground, in-flight, and at sea.

By embedding connectivity into every layer of its operation—retail, commercial, and institutional—Viasat streamlines access, regardless of geography or industry.

The Viasat-3 Constellation: Vision and Structure

Global Reach Through a Three-Satellite Strategy

Viasat’s Viasat-3 initiative sets a definitive framework for delivering truly global satellite internet. The constellation relies on three high-capacity satellites, each tailored to cover one-third of the planet. This triad includes:

By segmenting global coverage this way, Viasat can optimize bandwidth allocation, latency management, and overall service performance per region. The satellites operate on a Ka-band high-throughput architecture designed to support consumer broadband, commercial aviation, defense communications, and maritime connectivity in parallel.

High Throughput, High Flexibility

Each Viasat-3 satellite is engineered to deliver over 1 Terabit per second (Tbps) of network capacity. These are not incremental upgrades—they redefine throughput capacity for geostationary satellites. The constellation's structure introduces dynamic bandwidth assignment, enabling real-time adjustment of coverage zones based on demand spikes—as might occur during natural disasters or major events.

All three satellites use a fully electric propulsion system and have large deployable antennas, reducing mass without compromising signal coverage. The payload architecture incorporates custom-built software-defined radios, allowing mission parameters to evolve over time through remote updates.

Deployment Timeline and 2026 Status

As of 2026, the first and second Viasat-3 satellites—VS3 F1 (Americas) and VS3 F2 (EMEA)—have launched. The third, aimed at the Asia-Pacific region, remains in advanced stages of integration at Viasat’s satellite development facility. Full deployment of the constellation will complete the vision of uninterrupted, near-global coverage.

VS3 F1 launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy in 2023 and serves regions across the Western Hemisphere. VS3 F2, launched mid-2025, extends services across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Once operational, the final VS3 unit will interlock with its counterparts, creating a singular, unified communications platform orbiting 35,786 km above the Earth’s surface.

The Flight 2 Launch (VS3 F2): Technical and Strategic Milestone

Launch Day: Florida’s Space Coast Hosts a Pivotal Event

On a clear morning in 2026, attention turned to Cape Canaveral, Florida, as Viasat’s second satellite of the Viasat-3 constellation—VS3 F2—lifted off. The Space Coast, long associated with American space exploration milestones, offered optimal geographic advantages for delivering high-powered communications satellites into geostationary transfer orbit. This launch not only demonstrated Viasat's technological momentum but also underlined Florida’s role as a launch gateway for heavy-lift orbital missions.

Launch Vehicle and Provider: A Collaboration with SpaceX

SpaceX served as the launch provider for this second Viasat-3 mission. The vehicle: a Falcon Heavy rocket, marking its continued integration into high-value payload delivery. Falcon Heavy, known for its triple-booster design and high-thrust performance, provided the power needed to boost the 6-metric-ton VS3 F2 satellite toward its target orbital slot.

VS3 F2: Advanced Technical Capabilities

VS3 F2 matches its constellation siblings in structure and performance. Built on Boeing’s 702MP+ platform, the satellite carries a high-throughput Ka-band payload designed to deliver terabit-class capacity. With software-defined networking on board, VS3 F2 can adapt coverage patterns and power allocation dynamically, targeting bandwidth precisely where demand peaks.

These specifications allow the satellite to support expanded connectivity across the Americas with speeds and spectrum efficiency meeting or surpassing terrestrial alternatives in many rural and underserved regions.

Geostationary Deployment: Precision Orbital Positioning

Once separated from the rocket after second-stage cutoff, VS3 F2 completed a series of chemical and electric propulsion maneuvers over several weeks to reach its final orbit. Positioned in geostationary orbit approximately 35,786 kilometers (22,236 miles) above the equator, the satellite now maintains a fixed position relative to the Earth’s surface, providing uninterrupted service to a vast coverage area.

This orbital choice enables consistent latency, optimal beam management, and integration with terrestrial gateways positioned across key continental hubs. With this deployment, Viasat completed a major phase in building out its global Viasat-3 network.

Expanding Coverage Across the Americas

Strategic Focus on North and South America

Viasat’s VS3 F2 satellite, launched as the second installment in the Viasat-3 global constellation, targets a concentrated footprint over North and South America. This regional focus aligns with long-term demand patterns for bandwidth and addresses the known service gaps in both densely populated and remote regions. The satellite’s geostationary position, coupled with adaptive beamforming, allows it to deliver high-throughput capacity precisely where it’s needed most—from northern Canada down to the southern tip of Chile.

The system supports flexible bandwidth allocation, which means capacity can be dynamically directed to areas with spikes in user demand—whether from seasonal tourism, urban expansion, or emergency response scenarios. This optimization ensures that network performance remains high even under fluctuating loads across large geographical zones.

Delivering Broadband to Underserved Communities

Coverage alone doesn’t solve the connectivity challenge in the Americas. The real transformation comes through high-capacity, high-speed broadband reaching populations previously excluded from stable internet access. In both the rural Midwest of the United States and the mountainous interiors of Colombia and Peru, VS3 F2 closes the infrastructure gap without requiring traditional ground-based network expansion.

Such outreach is not confined to individual households. Regional initiatives, including government-sponsored digital inclusion programs in Latin America, leverage Viasat’s open-architecture systems to connect schools, health clinics, and community centers.

Partners in Expansion: ISPs and Commercial Clients

VS3 F2 doesn’t operate in isolation—it’s designed to interoperate within an ecosystem. Viasat’s flexible network architecture supports integration with terrestrial ISPs, enabling service extension in remote locations without duplicating infrastructure. Local telecommunications providers—especially in countries like Argentina, Paraguay, and Bolivia—embed Viasat’s capacity into hybrid service offerings that pair cellular networks with satellite backhaul.

Commercial clients across the region are also embedding VS3 F2 connectivity into their operations. In the agriculture sector, firms deploy satellite-linked IoT devices in large-scale farms throughout the Pampas to monitor soil moisture and improve irrigation efficiency. Meanwhile, in the energy sector, remote monitoring stations for oil platforms and solar fields rely on stable throughput delivered by the satellite’s focused beams.

The result is a broad-spectrum enhancement of services—reaching individuals, empowering businesses, and enabling regions previously left behind to take part in the digital economy.

Advancing Global Internet Coverage

Viasat-3’s Contribution to Closing the Digital Divide

The launch of Viasat-3 Flight 2 (VS3 F2) in 2026 accelerates efforts to reduce global connectivity gaps, extending internet access into underserved and unserved regions that terrestrial networks routinely bypass. Armed with high-throughput Ka-band capacity, the satellite expands Viasat’s operational footprint deeper into areas across the Americas while linking seamlessly to its global plan for contiguous coverage.

This mission aligns with the ITU's global broadband targets, which aim to achieve universal internet access by 2030. VS3 F2 helps advance that goal by delivering capacity specifically engineered to scale based on localized population and demand distributions. For rural schools, remote clinics, and digitally isolated communities, Viasat-3 introduces network parity without the burdens of fiber construction or cellular backhaul logistics.

How VS3 F2 Strengthens Global Internet Infrastructure

VS3 F2 reinforces internet infrastructure by adding robust data pathways that support both isolated and urbanized networks. The satellite, covering vast territories from the Arctic fringe to the tip of South America, creates redundancy across geographies historically susceptible to outages or limited capacity.

Equipped with dynamic beamforming technology, VS3 F2 allocates bandwidth in real-time, increasing throughput where demand surges—such as during emergency response or large-scale events. This smart capacity management directly supports regional ISPs and government networks seeking to stabilize connectivity in high-variability environments.

Furthermore, cooperative load-balancing between satellites in the Viasat-3 constellation introduces resilience. Traffic rerouting between satellites strengthens uptime metrics and ensures continuity even during peak congestion, reinforcing the dependability of satellite-based broadband as a core infrastructure layer.

Compatibility with Terrestrial Networks

VS3 F2 is designed to complement—not compete with—ground-based internet services. Interoperability with terrestrial fiber, LTE, and 5G networks introduces an integrated, layered model where satellite fills in geographic and temporal gaps in coverage. This hybrid framework benefits telecom operators facing the expense and complexity of last-mile expansions.

This synergy optimizes existing infrastructure while extending digital services to corners of the globe long disconnected from the data economy—and does so efficiently, predictably, and at scale.

Transforming Access: Commercial Services and Customer Impact with VS3 F2

Expanding the Service Portfolio Across Industries

With the launch of the second satellite in the Viasat-3 constellation, VS3 F2, in 2026, Viasat unlocked an expanded suite of commercial services. These include high-capacity broadband, enterprise mobility solutions, cloud-optimized connectivity, and secure communications designed for mission-critical operations. Each service tier targets a different segment of the customer base—residential users in rural regions, multinational corporations with remote operations, transportation logistics, and government agencies requiring encrypted data transmission.

The extended bandwidth and agile beam-forming capabilities of the VS3 F2 satellite allow for on-demand scalability and tailored service provisioning. This means a small clinic in Patagonia gains reliable video conferencing capabilities, just as a logistics hub in the Midwest streams real-time fleet data without spikes or delays.

Quantifiable Improvements in Reliability and Performance

VS3 F2 introduces significant gains in service reliability and throughput capacity. Network availability across Viasat’s Americas footprint reaches over 99.5%, reflecting a substantial improvement from the 98.7% baseline of the ViaSat-2 era. Average user download speeds in targeted commercial zones now start at 100 Mbps, with latency performance enhanced by dynamic network routing and edge interconnect expansion.

Real-World Case Applications in the Americas

Energy infrastructure operators in Colombia have started using Viasat’s expanded network to monitor isolated transmission sites via real-time telemetry. In Brazil, agricultural cooperatives access geospatial data updates over the network to guide planting and harvesting decisions. Meanwhile, cross-border logistics firms moving through Mexico and the U.S. maintain continuous fleet tracking by leveraging VS3 F2’s mobility integration.

Forecasts from Northern Sky Research project that, by 2028, Viasat commercial services will serve over 1.5 million new users in the Americas region alone, contributing to a nearly $2.4 billion increase in satellite broadband revenues. These statistics indicate not only broader adoption but a measurable improvement in customer outcomes across verticals.

VS3 F2 Brings Seamless Connectivity to the Sky and Sea

In-Flight Internet Without Interruption

As airlines push toward digital-first cabin experiences, Viasat's VS3 F2 satellite will anchor a new standard for in-flight connectivity across the Americas. Built to deliver high-capacity Ka-band service, the satellite minimizes latency while maintaining stable bandwidth throughout extended flights. This eliminates the common mid-route signal loss seen on transcontinental journeys.

Viasat had already secured partnerships with more than 20 leading airlines by early 2024. With the expanded footprint enabled by VS3 F2, these agreements, including those with Delta, American Airlines, and JetBlue, will scale to provide passengers uninterrupted video streaming, VPN support, and responsive browsing from gate to gate.

Wider Reach for Commercial Aviation Broadband

By 2026, the enhanced coverage zone provided by VS3 F2 will support narrow- and wide-body aircraft as they navigate major North and South American flight corridors. The satellite's position allows uninterrupted service from Canada’s Arctic airspace through the Southern Cone of South America. Airlines currently investing in fleet-wide Wi-Fi retrofits will now be able to guarantee high-speed broadband on long-haul international routes departing from or arriving in the Americas.

Rather than relying on terrestrial infrastructure handoffs, aircraft can maintain a single, high-throughput Ka-band connection for the full duration of international itineraries. This reduces network complexity and boosts service consistency across multi-leg flight plans.

Maritime Broadband: Beyond Port Limits

VS3 F2’s beam design also targets open-ocean transport and offshore operations. Cruise lines, deep-sea shipping companies, and oil and gas platforms will benefit from stable, high-capacity coverage as vessels navigate coastlines, international waters, and remote industrial zones.

Compared to previous generations, VS3 F2 delivers significantly denser spot beams, allowing for more flexible bandwidth allocation to high-demand zones such as the Panama Canal, Gulf of Mexico, and key Atlantic shipping lanes. Cruise operators can provision advanced services—real-time logistics tracking, crew welfare internet access, and passenger entertainment—without sacrificing structural bandwidth.

VS3 F2’s impact extends beyond convenience. For sectors where downtime equates to financial loss—whether in aviation or maritime fleets—this satellite's performance ensures that connected operations no longer pause at the edge of terrestrial coverage maps.

The Role of Technological Innovations in Viasat's Expanded Coverage

Revolutionizing Payload Capacity and Power Systems

Viasat-3 Flight 2 (VS3 F2) leverages a radical improvement in payload capacity. Each satellite in the Viasat-3 constellation supports over 1 terabit per second (Tbps) of total network capacity, a tenfold increase compared to Viasat’s previous high-capacity satellites like ViaSat-1 and ViaSat-2. This level of throughput stems from the adoption of all-digital payloads that enable greater spectral efficiency and flexible bandwidth allocation.

This increase in data handling is matched by advances in power systems. VS3 F2 incorporates high-efficiency solar arrays and thermal management innovations that maintain system stability while delivering sustained high data rate services. The use of phased array antennas plays a crucial role in distributing power effectively across multiple beams, maintaining consistent service levels even in high-demand regions.

Smart Satellites: AI and Automation in Orbit

VS3 F2's operations integrate machine learning algorithms and autonomous network management tools. These systems analyze real-time traffic patterns and user demand across different geographic zones, then automatically reallocate capacity to prevent congestion and optimize performance. Satellite health, link reliability, and anomaly resolution processes are also enhanced through continuous AI-driven monitoring.

This shift to intelligent operations reduces reliance on ground segment interventions and increases system responsiveness. For users, this translates to more stable connections and fewer service interruptions, particularly during peak usage windows or adverse weather conditions.

Dynamic Beamforming: A Departure from Fixed Coverage

Traditional satellites use fixed beams with pre-assigned geographic footprints. VS3 F2 abandons that static model in favor of dynamic beamforming, enabled by digital beam management and real-time steering capabilities. This approach allows Viasat to resize, reorient, and reshape beams based on user density, regional traffic demands, or specific events requiring bursts in coverage—such as sporting events, disaster response, or ship and aircraft movements.

Instead of building capacity for a worst-case scenario, Viasat now redirects bandwidth with precision. This technology makes it possible to deliver consistent high-speed internet not only in heavily populated urban areas but also across sparsely inhabited zones in the Americas.

What Does This Mean for the Global Network?

By embedding these technical advancements into the framework of VS3 F2, Viasat transitions from being a satellite internet provider to becoming a real-time adaptive network platform capable of intelligent growth and globally responsive service delivery.

Charting the Future: What's Next for Viasat

Finalizing the Viasat-3 Constellation

With the successful launch of Viasat-3 F2, the company will shift focus to the deployment of the third and final satellite in the Viasat-3 constellation. This satellite, designated Viasat-3 F3, will target the Asia-Pacific region—closing the global coverage loop envisioned when the constellation was first conceptualized.

Viasat-3 F3 remains in development, with launch preparations actively underway. Once operational, the full constellation will offer near-global Ka-band broadband coverage. Each satellite in the network is expected to deliver over 1 Tbps of capacity, leveraging the latest in adaptive beamforming and real-time resource management. The combined throughput will support varied markets including government, energy, enterprise, mobility, and underserved residential regions.

Pursuing New Commercial Collaborations

Post-Viasat-3, the strategy includes scaling access through deeper commercial partnerships. Collaborations with telecom operators, cloud service providers, and mobility platform providers are being prioritized. The 2022 acquisition of Inmarsat serves as a foundation for these efforts, expanding Viasat’s international footprint and multi-orbit capabilities.

Expect emerging joint ventures aimed at co-developing hybrid connectivity offerings—where terrestrial fiber and satellite networks operate in tandem. For sectors demanding ultra-high reliability like autonomous transport and industrial IoT, these partnerships will play a crucial role in delivering seamless, end-to-end connectivity solutions.

Expanding Into Untapped Markets

Growth into new verticals and geographic regions remains a central theme. Beyond traditional broadband and mobility services, Viasat is preparing to address data-intensive use cases in fields such as precision agriculture, remote health diagnostics, and national security applications.

Every new vector—whether technological, geographical, or sectoral—aligns with Viasat's goal of redefining the global internet landscape. As the company extends its infrastructure and ecosystem, the blueprint is clear: enable secure, high-speed, ubiquitous connectivity for a digitized planet.

A New Era of Connectivity From Space

When Viasat successfully launched the second satellite of its Viasat-3 constellation—VS3 F2—it established a decisive new benchmark in global satellite broadband capabilities. By extending high-capacity internet infrastructure across the Americas, this launch initiated a radical shift in internet accessibility and performance for underserved and hard-to-reach regions.

VS3 F2 didn't just go into orbit; it went live with the power to deliver more than 1 Terabit per second of network capacity. That performance enables fiber-like speeds from low Earth orbits all the way to commercial jets flying at 35,000 feet. With this second satellite online, Viasat expanded internet coverage with VS3 F2 in 2026, making seamless, high-speed connectivity a reality at continental scale.

The implications are multi-dimensional. First, the scalability offered by Viasat-3 supports not just residential and enterprise users but also enhances bandwidth for aviation, maritime, defense, and emergency response sectors. Second, this launch reinforced Viasat’s lead in the race to offer low-latency, high-throughput internet that can compete on equal footing with terrestrial broadband in terms of speed and reliability.

Throughout the past decade, Viasat has consistently built on technical credibility and mission assurance. The company didn’t just deploy a satellite—it put into motion an infrastructure that redefines spatial communication economics and user experience. VS3 F2's contribution to that strategy is both immediate and foundational.

Looking ahead, this platform unlocks a future where global digital equity is no longer hypothetical. Viasat now positions itself not only as a satellite operator but as a pivotal force in shaping where the internet can go and how fast it gets there.

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