Mission OverviewAn Atlas V 551 rocket, configured with five side-mounted solid rocket boosters and a standard-length payload fairing, will utilize several launch optimization features to place the ViaSat-3 Flight 2 spacecraft into a geosynchronous transfer orbit. The craft is one of the heaviest single-satellite payloads. Liftoff will occur from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida.
So 400 kilograms less than ViaSat 3 Americas (ViaSat 3.1)?I thought since all three ViaSat-3 satellites are nearly identical, they would all weigh the same (6.4 metric tons).
Quote from: ZachS09 on 09/28/2025 03:07 pmSo 400 kilograms less than ViaSat 3 Americas (ViaSat 3.1)?I thought since all three ViaSat-3 satellites are nearly identical, they would all weigh the same (6.4 metric tons).Didn't the previous one, launched on an FH, become inoperable because the larger antenna didn't fold out? Maybe they fixed that, and now it weighs more. The only other option is more fuel for a longer lifespan.
ViaSat-3 Flight 2 arrives at Cape Canaveral ahead of launch09-30-2025Viasat’s state-of-the-art VS-3 satellite journeys to launch site aboard an Antonov cargo aircraft.Viasat’s ultra-high-capacity ViaSat-3 Flight 2 (VS-3 F2) satellite has completed its cross-country flight from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Kennedy Space Center, Florida.The smooth delivery of our cutting-edge satellite to its launch destination brings us one step closer to delivering major benefits to our global commercial, consumer, and defense customers. VS-3 F2 was delivered to LAX by Boeing from its El Segundo, CA, facility, before being transported in one of the world’s largest cargo airplanes, an Antonov AN-124, touching down in Florida in the early hours of September 30, 2025. The Antonov shipmentThe satellite was safely and securely shipped in a specialized container that carefully controls environmental factors such as temperature and air cleanliness as required to protect the highly complex technology throughout the flight. With precision down to the millimeter, loading the container onto an AN-124 cargo bay is an exceptionally intricate procedure that takes around four to six hours.Now that VS-3 F2 has arrived at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, the Boeing and Viasat teams, together with launch partner United Launch Alliance (ULA), are readying the spacecraft for launch in late October 2025, aboard a powerful ULA Atlas V 551 rocket. [...]Launch preparationsVS-3 F2 will now undergo comprehensive testing to verify all systems are go for launch following transport.After this, the satellite will be secured to the Atlas V launch vehicle adapter, enclosed within the payload fairing, which protects it during the three minutes of atmospheric flight, and then mated (attached) to the rocket. The Atlas V rocket, which stands 196 feet (59.7 meters) tall and will weigh 1.3 million pounds (587,000 kg) when fully fueled at liftoff, will be rolled out to Space Launch Complex 41 (SLC-41) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station the day before launch.From there, it will be put through final preparations ahead of launching VS-3 F2 into a geostationary transfer orbit, from which the satellite will propel itself over the coming few months into geostationary orbit approximately 22,000 miles (36,000 km) above the Earth’s equator.
Boeing Delivers Second ViaSat‑3 Satellite to ViasatSept. 30, 2025- Boeing 702MP+ platform coupled with a Viasat payload designed to add more than 1Tbps capacity to satellite operator’s global network- Spacecraft features electric propulsion, structural enhancements, as well as high‑power generation and storage to support sustained high‑throughput operationsBoeing [NYSE: BA] has delivered ViaSat‑3 F2, the second spacecraft in Viasat’s next‑generation, ultra‑high‑capacity constellation. The Boeing 702MP+ platform, optimized for high power and all‑electric propulsion, was integrated with Viasat’s payload at Boeing’s satellite factory in California and is proceeding toward launch in the second half of October aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas rocket.“Our goal is to enable missions with reliability and timely delivery,” said Michelle Parker, vice president, Boeing Space Mission Systems. “With ViaSat‑3 F2, we leveraged proven 702 heritage, advanced power systems and all‑electric propulsion to enable high-speed connectivity for users who rely on it.”As the second of three ViaSat-3 satellites, F2 marks another step toward Viasat’s flexible global network designed to connect users on land, at sea and in the air. ViaSat-3 features a highly flexible payload designed by Viasat to add 1Tbps capacity to the operator’s global network.“ViaSat‑3 F2 is the next important step in our roadmap to meet the increasing demand for resilient, global satellite communications from commercial mobility and defense customers,” said David Abrahamian, vice president, Space Systems, Viasat. “Completion and delivery of the satellite to the launch site is a big milestone in our partnership with Boeing and is the direct result of years of collaboration between the Boeing and Viasat teams.”The Boeing‑built 702MP+ features efficient all‑electric propulsion, structural enhancements to host Viasat’s advanced payload, and high‑power generation and storage to support sustained high‑throughput operations.The satellite incorporates advanced solar array technology from Boeing subsidiary Spectrolab and benefits from Boeing’s decades of geostationary mission success, including more than 60 702-class spacecraft built for commercial and government customers.Boeing and Viasat teams will support launch operations in Florida as part of the companies’ long‑standing collaboration across satellite programs.
Viasat@viasat·High capacity. Highly flexible. One step closer to launch! 🛰️🚀 ViaSat-3 F2 has completed its flight from @flyLAXairport to @NASAKennedy on board an Antonov! Discover what’s next as we prepare for launch late Oct 2025 with @ULALaunch. https://vsat.co/46EjGlP#VS3F2 #AtlasV
Boeing Space@BoeingSpace·We delivered the ViaSat‑3 F2 satellite to@Viasat — on track for an October launch. 🚀More capacity on orbit = more reliable connectivity when demand and distance are highest.
https://www.ulalaunch.com/missions/next-launch/atlas-v-viasat-3-f2QuoteMission OverviewAn Atlas V 551 rocket, configured with five side-mounted solid rocket boosters and a standard-length payload fairing, will utilize several launch optimization features to place the ViaSat-3 Flight 2 spacecraft into a geosynchronous transfer orbit. The craft is one of the heaviest single-satellite payloads. Liftoff will occur from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida.Satellite mass is 6 tons.
The vehicle's height with the 5-meter medium PLF is approximately 196 ft (59.7 m).
A new launch campaign is underway for Atlas V and the United Launch Alliance team! Stacking of the Atlas V 551 rocket commenced today at Cape Canaveral for launching the ViaSat-3 F2 ultra-high-capacity broadband spacecraft, designed to deliver throughput in excess of 1Tbps when it comes into service from geosynchronous orbit.Launch info: http://bit.ly/av_viasat
Initial buildup of the Atlas V 551 rocket is complete at ULA's Vertical Integration Facility with five side-mounted solid rocket boosters and Centaur upper stage. Pre-flight testing is underway ahead of the ViaSat-3 F2 commercial satellite deployment mission. Launch info: http://bit.ly/av_viasat Photos: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCvrUm
Centaur has also been stacked:QuoteInitial buildup of the Atlas V 551 rocket is complete at ULA's Vertical Integration Facility with five side-mounted solid rocket boosters and Centaur upper stage. Pre-flight testing is underway ahead of the ViaSat-3 F2 commercial satellite deployment mission. Launch info: http://bit.ly/av_viasat Photos: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCvrUmhttps://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1980624815552884895They also posted the timeline. Spacecraft separation will occur at T+3 hours, 29 minutes. Targeted orbit is 11,673 by 23,638 km with an inclination of 5.99°, which should result in 1,059 m/s to GEO for the satellite.
United Launch Alliance Atlas V ViaSat-3 Flight 2 Planned for Nov. 3The launch of a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V 551 rocket carrying the ViaSat-3 Flight 2 (F2) mission for @viasat is planned for no earlier than Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, pending range approval. The launch is scheduled for 10:36 p.m. EST at the opening of a 44-minute window, from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida.
The ViaSat-3 F2 launch campaign has continued to complete significant milestones in the lead up to launch. The spacecraft has successfully completed standalone launch site testing, been mated to the launch vehicle payload adapter, and it has now been encapsulated in the payload fairing in preparation to join its Atlas V rocket later this week.[...]We are grateful to our launch partner and for the Viasat, ULA and Boeing teams on the ground in Cape Canaveral who have been working tirelessly through the unusual weather challenges to stay on track for a successful launch.
Though I wonder why a subsynchronous apogee is being targeted.
Quote from: ZachS09 on 10/22/2025 02:58 amThough I wonder why a subsynchronous apogee is being targeted.because it is a tree burn mission.
Quote from: Jim on 10/23/2025 11:50 pmQuote from: ZachS09 on 10/22/2025 02:58 amThough I wonder why a subsynchronous apogee is being targeted.because it is a tree burn mission.What the h@ll does a plant have to do with this launch?
Quote from: ZachS09 on 10/22/2025 02:58 amThough I wonder why a subsynchronous apogee is being targeted.Because it is a three burn mission.edited
