Was Viasat-3 Launch Successful?

Yes. On May 1, 2023, ViaSat achieved a successful launch of ViaSat-3 Americas aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This satellite is the first of three new ViaSat-3 satellites referred to as a constellation.

The satellite was deployed into a near-geosynchronous orbit at an altitude of approximately 34,600 kilometers or 21,499 miles above the Earth. Once a telecommunications satellite gets deployed it typically undergoes a series of tests and checks before it is declared ready for operational service. Generally, these include the following although details are proprietary and may include differences.

The satellite will deploy its antennas, solar panels and other components. This process ensures that the satellite is functioning correctly and physical structures are intact.

In-orbit Testing (IOT): The satellite's systems and subsystems are gradually activated and tested in orbit to verify their performance. This phase includes checking the power systems, propulsion, communications subsystems, and other onboard equipment. The satellite's communication links with ground stations are also established and verified.

Payload Testing: If the satellite carries specific payloads, such as transponders or sensors, dedicated tests are conducted to evaluate their functionality, signal quality, and overall performance. These tests ensure that the satellite can accurately receive, process, and transmit data or signals as intended.

Antenna Pointing and Tracking: The satellite's antennas are fine-tuned to ensure precise pointing and tracking capabilities. This involves adjusting the antenna angles and orientation to achieve optimal communication coverage and maintain a stable link with ground stations.

System Integration and Compatibility: The satellite is integrated into the overall network or constellation of satellites, if applicable, and tested for compatibility and seamless operation with other satellites or ground Infrastructure.

Operational Readiness: Once all necessary tests are completed, the satellite is evaluated for its readiness to begin operational service. This includes verifying that it meets the performance criteria, reliability standards, and regulatory requirements defined by the satellite operator and relevant authorities.

The duration of these testing phases can vary from several weeks to a few months, depending on the complexity of the satellite and the thoroughness of the testing process. Once the satellite successfully completes all testing and is deemed operational, it can begin providing its intended services, such as communication, broadcasting, or data transmission, to end-users on Earth.

Launch plans for the subsequent satellites covering Europe, the Middle East, Africa (EMEA), and Asia/Pacific (APAC) are underway with announcements expected in 2023.