According to statements by SpaceX's COO and ArianeSpace's CEO neither company bid on this launch.Source, PBdeS: https://twitter.com/pbdes/status/1039537710434840576
Quote from: soltasto on 09/11/2018 04:41 pmAccording to statements by SpaceX's COO and ArianeSpace's CEO neither company bid on this launch.Source, PBdeS: https://twitter.com/pbdes/status/1039537710434840576let me make it clear that this launch is the first of 2 ViaSat-3 EMEA satellites with options for further ViaSat-3 EMEA and ViaSat-3 Asia satellites.Original full sized constellation coverage plan including expansion options before EUTELSAT backed out was:ViaSat-3 EMEA (Europe and Middle East)ViaSat-3 EMEA (Atlantic)ViaSat-3 EMEA (Central)ViaSat-3 EMEA (Pacific)ViaSat-3 Asia (West)ViaSat-3 Asia (Central)ViaSat-3 Asia (East)Current initial coverage plan post EUTELSAT:ViaSat-3 EMEA (Europe and Middle East)ViaSat-3 EMEA (Central)ViaSat-3 Asia (East)
Quote from: russianhalo117 on 09/11/2018 05:48 pmQuote from: soltasto on 09/11/2018 04:41 pmAccording to statements by SpaceX's COO and ArianeSpace's CEO neither company bid on this launch.Source, PBdeS: https://twitter.com/pbdes/status/1039537710434840576let me make it clear that this launch is the first of 2 ViaSat-3 EMEA satellites with options for further ViaSat-3 EMEA and ViaSat-3 Asia satellites.Original full sized constellation coverage plan including expansion options before EUTELSAT backed out was:ViaSat-3 EMEA (Europe and Middle East)ViaSat-3 EMEA (Atlantic)ViaSat-3 EMEA (Central)ViaSat-3 EMEA (Pacific)ViaSat-3 Asia (West)ViaSat-3 Asia (Central)ViaSat-3 Asia (East)Current initial coverage plan post EUTELSAT:ViaSat-3 EMEA (Europe and Middle East)ViaSat-3 EMEA (Central)ViaSat-3 Asia (East)I don't think that is correct? The first two are supposed to be for the Americas and for EMEA, with a later one for Asia. Considering the problems ViaSat has had even trying to arrange the first 3 I would have to think that expanded plan was very speculative and not all that serious.
Quote from: gongora on 09/11/2018 06:09 pmQuote from: russianhalo117 on 09/11/2018 05:48 pmQuote from: soltasto on 09/11/2018 04:41 pmAccording to statements by SpaceX's COO and ArianeSpace's CEO neither company bid on this launch.Source, PBdeS: https://twitter.com/pbdes/status/1039537710434840576let me make it clear that this launch is the first of 2 ViaSat-3 EMEA satellites with options for further ViaSat-3 EMEA and ViaSat-3 Asia satellites.Original full sized constellation coverage plan including expansion options before EUTELSAT backed out was:ViaSat-3 EMEA (Europe and Middle East)ViaSat-3 EMEA (Atlantic)ViaSat-3 EMEA (Central)ViaSat-3 EMEA (Pacific)ViaSat-3 Asia (West)ViaSat-3 Asia (Central)ViaSat-3 Asia (East)Current initial coverage plan post EUTELSAT:ViaSat-3 EMEA (Europe and Middle East)ViaSat-3 EMEA (Central)ViaSat-3 Asia (East)I don't think that is correct? The first two are supposed to be for the Americas and for EMEA, with a later one for Asia. Considering the problems ViaSat has had even trying to arrange the first 3 I would have to think that expanded plan was very speculative and not all that serious.There are still contract options to build the rest of the satellites. The bottom list is what is currently procured:
The 551 configuration provides the performance to deliver a ViaSat-3 satellite into a high-energy geostationary transfer orbit where it can begin on-orbit operations faster than with other available launch vehicles.
QuoteThe 551 configuration provides the performance to deliver a ViaSat-3 satellite into a high-energy geostationary transfer orbit where it can begin on-orbit operations faster than with other available launch vehicles. ViaSat must really want that bird into operation faster considering they are willing to pay the extra money for a 551 configuration.
According to statements by SpaceX's COO and ArianeSpace's CEO neither company bid on this launch.
Quote from: soltasto on 09/11/2018 04:41 pmAccording to statements by SpaceX's COO and ArianeSpace's CEO neither company bid on this launch.The next question I have is why didn't they bid? Was the required orbit too high for either Falcon Heavy or Ariane 5? Was the required timeline too short?
Quote from: Steven Pietrobon on 09/12/2018 05:55 amQuote from: soltasto on 09/11/2018 04:41 pmAccording to statements by SpaceX's COO and ArianeSpace's CEO neither company bid on this launch.The next question I have is why didn't they bid? Was the required orbit too high for either Falcon Heavy or Ariane 5? Was the required timeline too short?Other factors as before EUTELSAT dropped out to create its own new fleet of HTS and VHTS sats Ariane-5ECA was the launcher of choice due to domestic cost advantage.
Quote from: russianhalo117 on 09/12/2018 06:07 amQuote from: Steven Pietrobon on 09/12/2018 05:55 amQuote from: soltasto on 09/11/2018 04:41 pmAccording to statements by SpaceX's COO and ArianeSpace's CEO neither company bid on this launch.The next question I have is why didn't they bid? Was the required orbit too high for either Falcon Heavy or Ariane 5? Was the required timeline too short?Other factors as before EUTELSAT dropped out to create its own new fleet of HTS and VHTS sats Ariane-5ECA was the launcher of choice due to domestic cost advantage.Like Gwynne suggested: ask Viasat why Arianespace and SpaceX didn't bother to bid.Speculation: Something about the Viasat-3 RFP must have been either really unattractive or impossible to do for Arianespace and SpaceX.
Quote from: woods170 on 09/12/2018 07:00 amQuote from: russianhalo117 on 09/12/2018 06:07 amQuote from: Steven Pietrobon on 09/12/2018 05:55 amQuote from: soltasto on 09/11/2018 04:41 pmAccording to statements by SpaceX's COO and ArianeSpace's CEO neither company bid on this launch.The next question I have is why didn't they bid? Was the required orbit too high for either Falcon Heavy or Ariane 5? Was the required timeline too short?Other factors as before EUTELSAT dropped out to create its own new fleet of HTS and VHTS sats Ariane-5ECA was the launcher of choice due to domestic cost advantage.Like Gwynne suggested: ask Viasat why Arianespace and SpaceX didn't bother to bid.Speculation: Something about the Viasat-3 RFP must have been either really unattractive or impossible to do for Arianespace and SpaceX.Yeah, and we will not know what that is. There are too many options, just to speculate about a few: Maybe it does not fit into the F9 fairing and is too large for dual launch in an Ariane. Single launch with Ariane could be too expensive. Or maybe it has vibration requirements that both launchers cannot meet. Or it wants direct GEO insertion which requires expendable core FH or single launch with Ariane. Who knows? The range of possibilities is too large to determine the reason.
They didn't procure two satellites for EMEA and they haven't procured the third satellite yet.
...The new first of the news spacecraft for the american market is scheduled to launch in late 2019 or early 2020 and is expected to provide more than 15 years of service life. The second satellite for EMEA will follow soon after. The asian satellite is not yet ordered. The first two busses were were firmly contracted with Boeing in July 2016 for ViaSat 3 Americas and ViaSat 3 EMEA.ViaSat 3 EMEA was originally to be procured jointly with Eutelsat, but in May 2018, Eutelsat dropped out of the joint venture....
Quote from: gongora on 09/11/2018 06:26 pmThey didn't procure two satellites for EMEA and they haven't procured the third satellite yet.This contradicts your statement:https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/viasat-3.htmQuote...The new first of the news spacecraft for the american market is scheduled to launch in late 2019 or early 2020 and is expected to provide more than 15 years of service life. The second satellite for EMEA will follow soon after. The asian satellite is not yet ordered. The first two busses were were firmly contracted with Boeing in July 2016 for ViaSat 3 Americas and ViaSat 3 EMEA.ViaSat 3 EMEA was originally to be procured jointly with Eutelsat, but in May 2018, Eutelsat dropped out of the joint venture....
Or maybe they just weren't allowed to bid or were asked to not bid.
.@ViasatInc on choice of @ulalaunch Atlas 5 w/o soliciting bids from @Arianespace or @Spacex: 'Viasat doesn't follow traditional procurement practices. We've engaged in discussions w/ multiple launch providers for the ViaSat-3 constellation, including SpaceX and Arianespace.'
Quote from: Brovane on 09/12/2018 02:25 amQuoteThe 551 configuration provides the performance to deliver a ViaSat-3 satellite into a high-energy geostationary transfer orbit where it can begin on-orbit operations faster than with other available launch vehicles. ViaSat must really want that bird into operation faster considering they are willing to pay the extra money for a 551 configuration. The military did this as well. They used a 551 to put MUOS-5 (a similar size satellite) into a 3790 km x 35706 km x 19.1o GTO, needing only about 1410 m/s to GEO.
For a 6-ton electric propulsion sat, the price difference between an Atlas V-541 and AtlasV-551 is probably worth it. (It's not usual to launch 6-ton electric propulsion sats, and it's not usual for the satellite operator to build their own payload for a GEO commsat, so we're already on the fringes here.) Whether you think the Atlas V pricing is worth it compared to other providers is another story. Viasat is willing to pay for reliability and performance. If they booked a 551 then recoverable F9 was probably not considered, so you're looking at $90M+ from other providers unless you want to take a chance on Proton.
Playing with ULA's rocket builder page, an Atlas 551 with the 5 meter longest fairing can put 8856 kg into a GTO with a 1800 m/s deficit. Assuming that the launch services page on SpaceX is the same 1800 m/s deficit GTO, a $95 million Falcon Heavy can put 8000 kg into the same orbit[1]. This satellite could theoretically be in the 8000 kg - 8856 kg range requiring a launch service greater and more expensive than the $95 million tier. These numbers might have an inflation adjustment as they are a few years old for a 2020 launch. NASA also recently purchased a Atlas V 541 for 2020 at a launch cost of $243 million[2]. Now, SpaceX and presumeably others charge somewhat of a premium for government contracted launches and that number includes some additional things not related to ULA costs or comsat costs like planetary protection and nuclear handling. On the other side, we are talking about adding an additional solid and potentially a longer fairing as well. For the sake of argument, let's say that Viasat was able to secure this launch for a cool $200 million. Now, ULA advertises an average industry launch insurance cost savings of $12 million dollars for an Atlas because of a superior reliability record to Arianespace/SpaceX/ILS and these would be on the more expensive side in terms of launch insurance (each satellite is projected to cost $600 million to build/insure/deploy). So, the difference in cost is likely to be less than $100 million and somewhat less likely to be significantly less than $100 million (say $75 million). Now each Viasat has about 1 terabit of network capacity. Viasat also has various plans but their basic plan is up to 12 mbps that throttles at 40 GB per month for $50-$70 per month. Assuming some deflation, let's say this service level goes for $30/month during Viasat 3's introductory service period. 1 terabit/s of network capacity translates to a theoretical throughput limit of 324,000,000 GB per month or a theoretical limit of servicing the full non throttled capacity of 8.1 million basic subscribers. If the actual throughput per subscriber is double the throttled-free limit, it would be more like 4 million subscribers. 8.1 million subscribers is $243 million dollars per month in revenue and 4 million subscribers is ~120 million dollars per month in revenue. This probably represents the upper bound in cost/GB as it is the cheapest plan and therefore the upper bound in revenue. Viasat also has a $100-$150 plan for up to 50 mbps. Assuming this goes for $60 in the future and every customer uses all their capacity all the time, you could service 200,000 of these customers or monthly revenue of $12 million(this would be the absolute worst case scenario assuming the cost figure is correct). I think it likely that the additonal launch costs could be justified on the basis of just a few months of earlier service. And that isn't even counting the 1/30 possibility of losing the satellite and 1/3 of the revenue potential in the $2 billion dollar Viasat 3 constellation effort on something like a Falcon Heavy. By the time you could replace it, Viasat 3 might already be going obsolete. Not to mention it could potentially decimate their customer base that may or may not be recoverable.[1] https://www.spacex.com/about/capabilities[2] https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-awards-launch-services-contract-for-mars-2020-rover-mission
Quote from: ncb1397 on 09/12/2018 07:25 pmPlaying with ULA's rocket builder page, an Atlas 551 with the 5 meter longest fairing can put 8856 kg into a GTO with a 1800 m/s deficit. Assuming that the launch services page on SpaceX is the same 1800 m/s deficit GTO, a $95 million Falcon Heavy can put 8000 kg into the same orbit[1]. This satellite could theoretically be in the 8000 kg - 8856 kg range requiring a launch service greater and more expensive than the $95 million tier. These numbers might have an inflation adjustment as they are a few years old for a 2020 launch. NASA also recently purchased a Atlas V 541 for 2020 at a launch cost of $243 million[2]. Now, SpaceX and presumeably others charge somewhat of a premium for government contracted launches and that number includes some additional things not related to ULA costs or comsat costs like planetary protection and nuclear handling. On the other side, we are talking about adding an additional solid and potentially a longer fairing as well. For the sake of argument, let's say that Viasat was able to secure this launch for a cool $200 million. Now, ULA advertises an average industry launch insurance cost savings of $12 million dollars for an Atlas because of a superior reliability record to Arianespace/SpaceX/ILS and these would be on the more expensive side in terms of launch insurance (each satellite is projected to cost $600 million to build/insure/deploy). So, the difference in cost is likely to be less than $100 million and somewhat less likely to be significantly less than $100 million (say $75 million). Now each Viasat has about 1 terabit of network capacity. Viasat also has various plans but their basic plan is up to 12 mbps that throttles at 40 GB per month for $50-$70 per month. Assuming some deflation, let's say this service level goes for $30/month during Viasat 3's introductory service period. 1 terabit/s of network capacity translates to a theoretical throughput limit of 324,000,000 GB per month or a theoretical limit of servicing the full non throttled capacity of 8.1 million basic subscribers. If the actual throughput per subscriber is double the throttled-free limit, it would be more like 4 million subscribers. 8.1 million subscribers is $243 million dollars per month in revenue and 4 million subscribers is ~120 million dollars per month in revenue. This probably represents the upper bound in cost/GB as it is the cheapest plan and therefore the upper bound in revenue. Viasat also has a $100-$150 plan for up to 50 mbps. Assuming this goes for $60 in the future and every customer uses all their capacity all the time, you could service 200,000 of these customers or monthly revenue of $12 million(this would be the absolute worst case scenario assuming the cost figure is correct). I think it likely that the additonal launch costs could be justified on the basis of just a few months of earlier service. And that isn't even counting the 1/30 possibility of losing the satellite and 1/3 of the revenue potential in the $2 billion dollar Viasat 3 constellation effort on something like a Falcon Heavy. By the time you could replace it, Viasat 3 might already be going obsolete. Not to mention it could potentially decimate their customer base that may or may not be recoverable.[1] https://www.spacex.com/about/capabilities[2] https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-awards-launch-services-contract-for-mars-2020-rover-missionExcept ViaSat did book a Falcon Heavy for the Americas ViaSat-3 launch. This appears to be little more than ViaSat hedging their bets and booking around with various providers, and probably has little to do with the cost/benefit of one particular launch. Currently, there are 2 Viasat-3 satellites and 2 launch contracts for Arianespace and ULA. So, the Americas Viasat, which is the first to go up I think is unlikely to do so on Falcon. Possibly the third one.The real interesting question is "what are they launching that requires the performance of FH and AV551?"
Viasat originally signed a contract with SpaceX to launch its ViaSat 2 satellite into space via SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy rocket. But because SpaceX delayed the rocket's launch, Viasat ended up sending the satellite aloft with the help of Arianespace.Asked about Viasat's contract with SpaceX, Dankberg said "we're still evaluating” it and that the company has not made any decisions about future satellite launches.
Quote from: envy887 on 09/12/2018 08:49 pmQuote from: ncb1397 on 09/12/2018 07:25 pmPlaying with ULA's rocket builder page, an Atlas 551 with the 5 meter longest fairing can put 8856 kg into a GTO with a 1800 m/s deficit. Assuming that the launch services page on SpaceX is the same 1800 m/s deficit GTO, a $95 million Falcon Heavy can put 8000 kg into the same orbit[1]. This satellite could theoretically be in the 8000 kg - 8856 kg range requiring a launch service greater and more expensive than the $95 million tier. These numbers might have an inflation adjustment as they are a few years old for a 2020 launch. NASA also recently purchased a Atlas V 541 for 2020 at a launch cost of $243 million[2]. Now, SpaceX and presumeably others charge somewhat of a premium for government contracted launches and that number includes some additional things not related to ULA costs or comsat costs like planetary protection and nuclear handling. On the other side, we are talking about adding an additional solid and potentially a longer fairing as well. For the sake of argument, let's say that Viasat was able to secure this launch for a cool $200 million. Now, ULA advertises an average industry launch insurance cost savings of $12 million dollars for an Atlas because of a superior reliability record to Arianespace/SpaceX/ILS and these would be on the more expensive side in terms of launch insurance (each satellite is projected to cost $600 million to build/insure/deploy). So, the difference in cost is likely to be less than $100 million and somewhat less likely to be significantly less than $100 million (say $75 million). Now each Viasat has about 1 terabit of network capacity. Viasat also has various plans but their basic plan is up to 12 mbps that throttles at 40 GB per month for $50-$70 per month. Assuming some deflation, let's say this service level goes for $30/month during Viasat 3's introductory service period. 1 terabit/s of network capacity translates to a theoretical throughput limit of 324,000,000 GB per month or a theoretical limit of servicing the full non throttled capacity of 8.1 million basic subscribers. If the actual throughput per subscriber is double the throttled-free limit, it would be more like 4 million subscribers. 8.1 million subscribers is $243 million dollars per month in revenue and 4 million subscribers is ~120 million dollars per month in revenue. This probably represents the upper bound in cost/GB as it is the cheapest plan and therefore the upper bound in revenue. Viasat also has a $100-$150 plan for up to 50 mbps. Assuming this goes for $60 in the future and every customer uses all their capacity all the time, you could service 200,000 of these customers or monthly revenue of $12 million(this would be the absolute worst case scenario assuming the cost figure is correct). I think it likely that the additonal launch costs could be justified on the basis of just a few months of earlier service. And that isn't even counting the 1/30 possibility of losing the satellite and 1/3 of the revenue potential in the $2 billion dollar Viasat 3 constellation effort on something like a Falcon Heavy. By the time you could replace it, Viasat 3 might already be going obsolete. Not to mention it could potentially decimate their customer base that may or may not be recoverable.[1] https://www.spacex.com/about/capabilities[2] https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-awards-launch-services-contract-for-mars-2020-rover-missionExcept ViaSat did book a Falcon Heavy for the Americas ViaSat-3 launch. This appears to be little more than ViaSat hedging their bets and booking around with various providers, and probably has little to do with the cost/benefit of one particular launch.The real interesting question is "what are they launching that requires the performance of FH and AV551?"They never booked a Falcon launch for Viasat-3. They have an old launch contract booked for Viasat-2 that was moved to Ariane 5 and launched in June of last year. Last information is that they are evaluating what to do with the contract. It may be used for Viasat-3, transferred to a third party or cancelled. QuoteViasat originally signed a contract with SpaceX to launch its ViaSat 2 satellite into space via SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy rocket. But because SpaceX delayed the rocket's launch, Viasat ended up sending the satellite aloft with the help of Arianespace.Asked about Viasat's contract with SpaceX, Dankberg said "we're still evaluating” it and that the company has not made any decisions about future satellite launches.https://finance.yahoo.com/news/viasat-ceo-talks-satellite-internet-130039242.html
Quote from: ncb1397 on 09/12/2018 07:25 pmPlaying with ULA's rocket builder page, an Atlas 551 with the 5 meter longest fairing can put 8856 kg into a GTO with a 1800 m/s deficit. Assuming that the launch services page on SpaceX is the same 1800 m/s deficit GTO, a $95 million Falcon Heavy can put 8000 kg into the same orbit[1]. This satellite could theoretically be in the 8000 kg - 8856 kg range requiring a launch service greater and more expensive than the $95 million tier. These numbers might have an inflation adjustment as they are a few years old for a 2020 launch. NASA also recently purchased a Atlas V 541 for 2020 at a launch cost of $243 million[2]. Now, SpaceX and presumeably others charge somewhat of a premium for government contracted launches and that number includes some additional things not related to ULA costs or comsat costs like planetary protection and nuclear handling. On the other side, we are talking about adding an additional solid and potentially a longer fairing as well. For the sake of argument, let's say that Viasat was able to secure this launch for a cool $200 million. Now, ULA advertises an average industry launch insurance cost savings of $12 million dollars for an Atlas because of a superior reliability record to Arianespace/SpaceX/ILS and these would be on the more expensive side in terms of launch insurance (each satellite is projected to cost $600 million to build/insure/deploy). So, the difference in cost is likely to be less than $100 million and somewhat less likely to be significantly less than $100 million (say $75 million). Now each Viasat has about 1 terabit of network capacity. Viasat also has various plans but their basic plan is up to 12 mbps that throttles at 40 GB per month for $50-$70 per month. Assuming some deflation, let's say this service level goes for $30/month during Viasat 3's introductory service period. 1 terabit/s of network capacity translates to a theoretical throughput limit of 324,000,000 GB per month or a theoretical limit of servicing the full non throttled capacity of 8.1 million basic subscribers. If the actual throughput per subscriber is double the throttled-free limit, it would be more like 4 million subscribers. 8.1 million subscribers is $243 million dollars per month in revenue and 4 million subscribers is ~120 million dollars per month in revenue. This probably represents the upper bound in cost/GB as it is the cheapest plan and therefore the upper bound in revenue. Viasat also has a $100-$150 plan for up to 50 mbps. Assuming this goes for $60 in the future and every customer uses all their capacity all the time, you could service 200,000 of these customers or monthly revenue of $12 million(this would be the absolute worst case scenario assuming the cost figure is correct). I think it likely that the additonal launch costs could be justified on the basis of just a few months of earlier service. And that isn't even counting the 1/30 possibility of losing the satellite and 1/3 of the revenue potential in the $2 billion dollar Viasat 3 constellation effort on something like a Falcon Heavy. By the time you could replace it, Viasat 3 might already be going obsolete. Not to mention it could potentially decimate their customer base that may or may not be recoverable.[1] https://www.spacex.com/about/capabilities[2] https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-awards-launch-services-contract-for-mars-2020-rover-missionExcept ViaSat did book a Falcon Heavy for the Americas ViaSat-3 launch. This appears to be little more than ViaSat hedging their bets and booking around with various providers, and probably has little to do with the cost/benefit of one particular launch.The real interesting question is "what are they launching that requires the performance of FH and AV551?"
Initial Twitter comments suggested the satellite masses 7 tons, FWIW Gunter's space page lists Viasat3 at 6400kg
"Completing the bus CDR validates that the satellite meets all necessary requirements for production to begin," saidPaul Rusnock, chairman and CEO, Boeing Satellite Systems International. "Viasat-3 is the largest satellite in both size and power that Boeing is building, and one of the largest satellites in the industry. It will be a highly-capable and advanced spacecraft - with greater than 25kW of power at end of life, and an ability to take full advantage of the efficiency of its all-electric propulsion."
Regarding launch mass and capabilities an Atlas V 551 can put 6695 to a GTO-1500 m/s
the Original ViaSat -3 launch contracts which were done by EUTELSAT were kept by EUTELSAT upon the split.
Atlas V 551 can do better than that. It put MUOS-5 at 6740 kg into GEO-1410.
Quote from: russianhalo117 on 09/12/2018 09:20 pmthe Original ViaSat -3 launch contracts which were done by EUTELSAT were kept by EUTELSAT upon the split.Looking at the official SpaceX manifest, they have a Falcon 9 contract for Eutelsat and a Falcon Heavy contract for ViaSat.
Quote from: LouScheffer on 09/13/2018 02:26 amAtlas V 551 can do better than that. It put MUOS-5 at 6740 kg into GEO-1410. Was that the targeted orbit or where it ended up after burning to depletion?
Quote from: GWH on 09/13/2018 12:39 pmQuote from: LouScheffer on 09/13/2018 02:26 amAtlas V 551 can do better than that. It put MUOS-5 at 6740 kg into GEO-1410. Was that the targeted orbit or where it ended up after burning to depletion? MUOS was not an MRS mission design. DV to GSO was 1300 m/s.
Yeah, and we will not know what that is. There are too many options, just to speculate about a few: Maybe it does not fit into the F9 fairing and is too large for dual launch in an Ariane. Single launch with Ariane could be too expensive. Or maybe it has vibration requirements that both launchers cannot meet. Or it wants direct GEO insertion which requires expendable core FH or single launch with Ariane. Who knows? The range of possibilities is too large to determine the reason.
Quote from: LouScheffer on 09/12/2018 05:29 pmQuote from: Brovane on 09/12/2018 02:25 amQuoteThe 551 configuration provides the performance to deliver a ViaSat-3 satellite into a high-energy geostationary transfer orbit where it can begin on-orbit operations faster than with other available launch vehicles. ViaSat must really want that bird into operation faster considering they are willing to pay the extra money for a 551 configuration. The military did this as well. They used a 551 to put MUOS-5 (a similar size satellite) into a 3790 km x 35706 km x 19.1o GTO, needing only about 1410 m/s to GEO.Usually the US military is less price sensitive than private commercial companies. I am not a expert, but is it usual process for Private companies to want to pay extra for super-sync GTO insertions for launches?
Article in Space News explaining why Viasat and ULA say this was a competitive procurement, while Arianespace and SpaceX say they did not bid. It boils down to Viasat not using a formal RFP process.https://spacenews.com/viasat-ula-insist-viasat-3-launch-was-competitively-procured/
Playing with ULA's rocket builder page, an Atlas 551 with the 5 meter longest fairing can put 8856 kg into a GTO with a 1800 m/s deficit. Assuming that the launch services page on SpaceX is the same 1800 m/s deficit GTO, a $95 million Falcon Heavy can put 8000 kg into the same orbit[1]
I don't think Viasat-3 is 8000kg, and I bet Viasat is looking for better than GTO-1800.
FH was considered for performance, however FH has had only one launch - a demo mission without an insured payload. If the next two FH missions (STP-2 and ARABSAT) would have been successfully completed prior to the decision for ViaSat 3, then the decision for ULA Atlas V may have been different.
Ethan829 - agree completely on your statement. At that time, SpaceX was to execute many launches prior to that mission . . . and when that didn't happen, ViaSat switched their mission to Ariane 5 (at great expense).Technically, ViaSat probably still has a launch contract with some deposit for a Falcon Heavy, and hope to use in the future after two or three successful (and insured - public evaluation of success) mission.
Chasm,Agree.Insurance monies replaces capex expenditures . . . however a replacement satellite will take three years to build and launch. ViaSat will generate more than $50M in profits on the satellite over those three years . . . and earn nothing if the satellite is destroyed on an unproven launch vehicle.If ViaSat was to lose those three years of capacity, their primary satellite competitor HughesNet (also known as Spaceway) will capture customers during that period. Once someone installs a satellite dish, most are reluctant to install a second dish to switch.
My speculation, based on commercial launch industry experience:Price competition: ULA was competing against Arianespace with a dedicated Ariane 5. Atlas V-551 is competitive against Ariane 5 dedicated mission (to match mission injection requirements). Again, SpaceX F9 did not meet injection performance requirements, and FH did not have the minimum flight heritage at time of decision. Other new potential launch vehicles such as MHI III, Northrop Grumman OmegA, Blue Origin New Glenn and Arianespace Ariane 64/62 have zero flight heritage at time of decision.
Quote from: Aurora on 10/09/2018 02:52 pm.... Viasat just announced a Viasat-3 on FH with near-direct injection. FH doesn't have any more flight heritage recently, so they were probably mainly spreading the launches around between FH and AV551 to put their eggs in different baskets.I wonder if the third one will go on Ariane 5 ES, since ECA can't do direct injection.
....
https://spacenews.com/viasat-orders-asia-pacific-viasat-3-from-boeing-amid-record-revenue/QuoteIn a Feb. 7 earnings call, Dankberg said the launch of the first ViaSat-3 satellite, expected to cover the Americas, will likely slip a few months to early 2021....Carlsbad, California-based Viasat has three launch contracts for ViaSat-3 — one with Arianespace for an Ariane 5, one with United Launch Alliance for an Atlas 5, and one with SpaceX for a Falcon Heavy — but has not said which will launch first. Viasat is expected to launch the first ViaSat-3 to cover the Americas, followed be the second ViaSat-3 for Europe, the Middle East and Africa six months later. Dankberg said the third ViaSat-3, designated for the Asia Pacific, is expected to launch in the second half of 2022.[dated Feb 8, 2019]
In a Feb. 7 earnings call, Dankberg said the launch of the first ViaSat-3 satellite, expected to cover the Americas, will likely slip a few months to early 2021....Carlsbad, California-based Viasat has three launch contracts for ViaSat-3 — one with Arianespace for an Ariane 5, one with United Launch Alliance for an Atlas 5, and one with SpaceX for a Falcon Heavy — but has not said which will launch first. Viasat is expected to launch the first ViaSat-3 to cover the Americas, followed be the second ViaSat-3 for Europe, the Middle East and Africa six months later. Dankberg said the third ViaSat-3, designated for the Asia Pacific, is expected to launch in the second half of 2022.
https://spaceflightnow.com/2019/06/30/barring-a-surprise-spacexs-next-falcon-heavy-flight-is-planned-in-late-2020/QuoteViasat has booked firm launch contracts with SpaceX, United Launch Alliance and Arianespace to carry one ViaSat 3 satellite at a time toward their operating positions in geostationary orbit beginning in 2021. But the California-based broadband company has not announced the order of the ViaSat 3 launches, or which rocket will launch each satellite.
Viasat has booked firm launch contracts with SpaceX, United Launch Alliance and Arianespace to carry one ViaSat 3 satellite at a time toward their operating positions in geostationary orbit beginning in 2021. But the California-based broadband company has not announced the order of the ViaSat 3 launches, or which rocket will launch each satellite.
https://twitter.com/pbdes/status/1226906375315501090QuoteViasat shows continued rev, EBITDA growth on flat US consumer subscriber base, outlines diverse demand profiles in Americas, EMEA, Asia-Pac in preparation for global Viasat-3 play. 1st Viasat-3 launch mid-2021. [dated Feb 10, 2020]
Viasat shows continued rev, EBITDA growth on flat US consumer subscriber base, outlines diverse demand profiles in Americas, EMEA, Asia-Pac in preparation for global Viasat-3 play. 1st Viasat-3 launch mid-2021. [dated Feb 10, 2020]
https://spacenews.com/baldridge-replaces-dankberg-as-ceo-as-viasat-prepares-to-launch-viasat-3-americas/QuoteDemand for residential broadband and government connectivity grew during the quarter, and should continue to climb once the first ViaSat-3 satellite, designed to beam a terabit or more of capacity over North and South America, is in orbit, he said....That satellite should still launch by the end of 2021, he said, but lacks a more specific launch date until the payload shipment.[dated Nov 5, 2020]https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/viasat-to-accelerate-european-broadband-strategy-ahead-of-viasat-3-satellite-launch-will-acquire-remaining-stake-in-its-european-broadband-joint-venture-including-the-ka-sat-satellite-301176735.htmlQuoteThe second ViaSat-3 class satellite in that constellation will cover Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), and is targeted for launch in 2022. [dated Nov 19, 2020]
Demand for residential broadband and government connectivity grew during the quarter, and should continue to climb once the first ViaSat-3 satellite, designed to beam a terabit or more of capacity over North and South America, is in orbit, he said....That satellite should still launch by the end of 2021, he said, but lacks a more specific launch date until the payload shipment.
The second ViaSat-3 class satellite in that constellation will cover Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), and is targeted for launch in 2022.
https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/story/2020-11-05/viasat-shuffles-executive-suite-as-it-moves-closer-to-launch-of-new-internet-satellitesQuoteViasat designs bus-sized, high-orbit Internet satellites. It is building a constellation of three new ones — each with a one terabyte of capacity — that will give the company a global Internet footprint. The first is slated to launch late next year and provide coverage across North and South America, delivering faster speeds than the current satellites and hefty data usage allowances.The second is expected to be in orbit six months later with coverage across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The exact timing for the third ViaSat-3 over Asia is to be determined.[dated Nov 5, 2020]
Viasat designs bus-sized, high-orbit Internet satellites. It is building a constellation of three new ones — each with a one terabyte of capacity — that will give the company a global Internet footprint. The first is slated to launch late next year and provide coverage across North and South America, delivering faster speeds than the current satellites and hefty data usage allowances.The second is expected to be in orbit six months later with coverage across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The exact timing for the third ViaSat-3 over Asia is to be determined.
https://advanced-television.com/2021/06/09/viasat-gets-closer-to-version-3-0-launch/QuoteViasat of California says the first of its trio of its Version 3.0 satellites has completed testing and payload integration at Viasat’s own facility. Boeing will now take care of the further integration with performance testing.The satellite, destined to cover the Americas, will launch early next year. Two more V 3.0 will follow. One will cover Europe, the Mid-East and Africa and the third will serve the Asia-Pacific region.Viasat says that its European/MEA bird will be delivered to Boeing later next year.“I can’t predict that there won’t be any other COVID impacts,” Rick Baldridge, Viasat’s president and CEO, said on the company’s recent fiscal Q4/2021 earnings call, noting that the second payload (for the EMEA) region is running about six months behind the first payload for the Americas. “It has definitely hit us pretty hard this last year on that payload.”[dated June 9]
Viasat of California says the first of its trio of its Version 3.0 satellites has completed testing and payload integration at Viasat’s own facility. Boeing will now take care of the further integration with performance testing.The satellite, destined to cover the Americas, will launch early next year. Two more V 3.0 will follow. One will cover Europe, the Mid-East and Africa and the third will serve the Asia-Pacific region.Viasat says that its European/MEA bird will be delivered to Boeing later next year.“I can’t predict that there won’t be any other COVID impacts,” Rick Baldridge, Viasat’s president and CEO, said on the company’s recent fiscal Q4/2021 earnings call, noting that the second payload (for the EMEA) region is running about six months behind the first payload for the Americas. “It has definitely hit us pretty hard this last year on that payload.”[dated June 9]
The company said the first ViaSat-3 satellite, which will cover the Americas, has been delivered to Boeing for final spacecraft integration and testing, ahead of a launch in the first or second quarter of 2022.A second ViaSat-3, for covering Europe, the Middle East and Africa, is due to launch five to six months later, followed by a third spacecraft for Asia.
The next commercial Falcon Heavy launch is also scheduled for the second quarter of 2022, carrying a Viasat 3 broadband communications satellite toward geostationary orbit.
@ViasatInc & Israel, rebuffed in Oct., return to @ITU to ask for Covid-caused in-service deadline extension for Viasat-3/EMEA, to launch on @ulalaunch Atlas 5 in late March 2023.
Viasat asks for ITU launch extension ...
.@ITU gives @ViasatInc until July 29, 2023, to start service on Viasat-3 EMEA satellite at 13.8E using Israel-registered spectrum. Late-March 2023 launch on @ulalaunch Atlas 5.
The second ViaSat-3 payload (EMEA) is anticipated to complete and shipto Boeing in Q1 FY2023.
hm, SpaceNews article June 22, 2022original version? in google webcache [June 24]QuoteViasat is a global provider of satellite broadband and is looking to sign up military customers for its new Viasat-3 geostationary constellation of three highcapacity satellites. The first ViaSat-3, projected to launch in early 2023, will cover the Americas, to be followed later in the year by a second satellite to service Europe, the Middle East and Africa. A third satellite will cover Asia.https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:laRwmAjMFQsJ:https://spacenews.com/dod-satcom-big-money-for-military-satellites-slow-shift-to-commercial-services/+&cd=14&hl=de&ct=clnk&gl=de&client=firefox-b-dcurrent version:you can see that the section at the date for the second satellite doesn't make sense now, that's why I looked in the cacheQuoteViasat is a global provider of satellite broadband and is looking to sign up military customers for its new Viasat-3 geostationary constellation of three highcapacity satellites. The first ViaSat-3, projected to launch in late 2022, will cover the Americas, to be followed later in the year by a second satellite to service Europe, the Middle East and Africa. A third satellite will cover Asia.https://spacenews.com/dod-satcom-big-money-for-military-satellites-slow-shift-to-commercial-services/
Viasat is a global provider of satellite broadband and is looking to sign up military customers for its new Viasat-3 geostationary constellation of three highcapacity satellites. The first ViaSat-3, projected to launch in early 2023, will cover the Americas, to be followed later in the year by a second satellite to service Europe, the Middle East and Africa. A third satellite will cover Asia.
Viasat is a global provider of satellite broadband and is looking to sign up military customers for its new Viasat-3 geostationary constellation of three highcapacity satellites. The first ViaSat-3, projected to launch in late 2022, will cover the Americas, to be followed later in the year by a second satellite to service Europe, the Middle East and Africa. A third satellite will cover Asia.
Viasat Shareholder Letter: Q4 and Fiscal Year 2022 Financial Resultshttps://investors.viasat.com/static-files/066bd869-c157-4b16-85bd-7c626ddd49b7QuoteThe second ViaSat-3 payload (EMEA) is anticipated to complete and shipto Boeing in Q1 FY2023.Q1 FY2023 is Q2 CY2022 (the current quarter)
Viasat Completes Major Milestone with Second ViaSat-3 Satellite PayloadJul 13, 2022, 08:00 ETPayload Delivered to Boeing to Prepare for Broadband Service to EMEA RegionCARLSBAD, Calif., July 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Viasat Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global leader in satellite communications, announced delivery of the second ViaSat-3 payload module to Boeing's El Segundo, CA facility where it will be integrated with Boeing's 702 spacecraft bus platform and undergo rigorous spacecraft environmental testing in preparation for launch. The second ViaSat-3 class satellite is expected to provide broadband service over Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) in 2023.Viasat's satellite payload, designed and built in-house, provides state-of-the-art electronics for receiving, transmitting and processing broadband internet data to and from the satellite at expected rates greater than 1 terabit a second (1,000 gigabits a second), which is three times faster than ViaSat-2, the fastest communications satellite currently operating."Delivery of the second ViaSat-3 payload module marks a major milestone where we transition to spacecraft integration and test on the second satellite in our constellation," said Dave Ryan, president, Space & Commercial Networks at Viasat. "This milestone increases our momentum towards delivering the future of affordable, accessible satellite broadband services, virtually anywhere around the globe." The ViaSat-3 class of Ka-band satellites is expected to provide the best bandwidth economics in the industry with incredible flexibility to move and concentrate that capacity virtually anywhere there is demand - whether it is over land, the ocean or in the air. The first two satellites are planned to focus on the Americas and on EMEA, respectively. The third ViaSat-3 satellite is undergoing final integration and testing and will focus on the Asia Pacific region, completing Viasat's global service coverage.Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to the safe harbors created under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward looking statements include among others, statements about the performance, capabilities and anticipated benefits of the ViaSat-3 class satellite platform, expected capacity, service, speeds, coverage, flexibility and other features of the ViaSat-3 constellation, and the timing of hardware delivery and service launch. Readers are cautioned that actual results could differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ include: risks associated with the construction, launch and operation of the ViaSat-3 class satellites and Viasat's other satellites, including the effect of any anomaly, operational failure or degradation in satellite performance; the ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the ViaSat-3 satellite platforms; unexpected expenses or delays related to the satellite system; the ability to successfully implement Viasat's business plan for broadband satellite services on Viasat's anticipated timeline or at all, including with respect to the ViaSat-3 satellite platforms; contractual problems, product defects, manufacturing issues or delays; regulatory issues; technologies not being developed according to anticipated schedules, or that do not perform according to expectations; and increased competition and other factors affecting the connectivity sector, generally. In addition, please refer to the risk factors contained in Viasat's SEC filings available at www.sec.gov, including Viasat's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. Viasat undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements for any reason.About ViasatViasat is a global communications company that believes everyone and everything in the world can be connected. For more than 36 years, Viasat has helped shape how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the world communicate. Today, the Company is developing the ultimate global communications network to power high-quality, secure, affordable, fast connections to impact people's lives anywhere they are—on the ground, in the air or at sea. To learn more about Viasat, visit: www.viasat.com, go to Viasat's Corporate Blog, or follow the Company on social media at: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter or YouTube.Copyright © 2022 Viasat, Inc. All rights reserved. Viasat, the Viasat logo and the Viasat signal are registered trademarks of Viasat, Inc. All other product or company names mentioned are used for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners.SOURCE Viasat, Inc.
When will the ViaSat-3 satellites launch?For the first ViaSat-3 satellite over The Americas, service launch to support commercial services is anticipated in the first quarter of 2023 (Viasat’s Q4 for fiscal year 2023). The second ViaSat-3 payload (EMEA) shipped to Boeing July 8, 2022. Its service launch is anticipated for 2023. The launch date of the third satellite over APAC is TBD.
The ViaSat-3 will be the last geostationary satellite launched by an Atlas V following today's launch of SES-20 & SES-21,
Quote from: Vahe231991 on 10/05/2022 02:13 amThe ViaSat-3 will be the last geostationary satellite launched by an Atlas V following today's launch of SES-20 & SES-21,Not true. We don't know what USSF 51 is.
The programs for the second and third ViaSat-3 satellites remain on schedule, with the launch of ViaSat-3 (EMEA) expected during the summer of 2023.
Said they're planning April 8, after the two NASA ISS missions. [ViaSat-3 Americas] Reach[es] orbital slot a couple weeks after launch. Viasat-3 EMEA on ULA in September.
Belated update:SFN Launch Schedule update, March 22:Launch vehicle AV-100
https://twitter.com/coastal8049/status/1677884377697763328QuoteVIASAT 3 [56370, 2023-060A] was launched from the cape by a @SpaceX Falcon Heavy for @ViasatInc on May 1st. Today, I was updating my Ku beacon library and came across the TT&C signal of what I believe is this object. However, something seems off.🧵⬇️QuoteFrom the previous tweet's video you can see the telemetry signal for the object being tracked fade very deeply in a periodic manner. This is very unusual for a geostationary satellite that should have 3-axis stabilization to aim it's giant antenna and smaller TT&C antennas. ⬇️https://twitter.com/coastal8049/status/1677884385536913408QuoteAn astute reader would wonder why I heard the TT&C beacon on Ku-band and not the operational Ka-Band the spacecraft intends (is) using. They have their TT&C on Ku according to FCC filings. See page 5-6. ⬇️ https://fcc.report/IBFS/SAT-MOD-20190617-00047/1737836.pdfQuoteThe plot below shows the odd signal level behaviour from suspected VIASAT 3 over this afternoon when compared to a 'normal' GEO satellite beacon from SES 2 beside it. Notice the suspect VIASAT 3 fades in and out while SES 2 is stable for the ~10 minute period of this plot.⬇️https://twitter.com/coastal8049/status/1677884390825922560QuoteHere's a plot of the suspected VIASAT 3 signal over four hours showing wild yet usually periodic variations in the central carrier's signal level. The period appears to slowly change over time. It could suggest commissioning activity or an issue with the spacecraft. 👀 🛰️🛑
VIASAT 3 [56370, 2023-060A] was launched from the cape by a @SpaceX Falcon Heavy for @ViasatInc on May 1st. Today, I was updating my Ku beacon library and came across the TT&C signal of what I believe is this object. However, something seems off.🧵⬇️
From the previous tweet's video you can see the telemetry signal for the object being tracked fade very deeply in a periodic manner. This is very unusual for a geostationary satellite that should have 3-axis stabilization to aim it's giant antenna and smaller TT&C antennas. ⬇️
An astute reader would wonder why I heard the TT&C beacon on Ku-band and not the operational Ka-Band the spacecraft intends (is) using. They have their TT&C on Ku according to FCC filings. See page 5-6. ⬇️ https://fcc.report/IBFS/SAT-MOD-20190617-00047/1737836.pdf
The plot below shows the odd signal level behaviour from suspected VIASAT 3 over this afternoon when compared to a 'normal' GEO satellite beacon from SES 2 beside it. Notice the suspect VIASAT 3 fades in and out while SES 2 is stable for the ~10 minute period of this plot.⬇️
Here's a plot of the suspected VIASAT 3 signal over four hours showing wild yet usually periodic variations in the central carrier's signal level. The period appears to slowly change over time. It could suggest commissioning activity or an issue with the spacecraft. 👀 🛰️🛑
That's not good.https://twitter.com/pbdes/status/1679227217425866752Quote.@ViasatInc's Viasat-3 Americas satellite launched May 1 suffers major antenna-deployment anomaly. After more than a month of effort, it's still not fixed. Possible $420M insurance claim and a serious blow to Viasat's near-term growth plans.
.@ViasatInc's Viasat-3 Americas satellite launched May 1 suffers major antenna-deployment anomaly. After more than a month of effort, it's still not fixed. Possible $420M insurance claim and a serious blow to Viasat's near-term growth plans.
Viasat Provides Status Update on ViaSat-3 Americas Satellite12 Jul, 2023, 16:37 ETCARLSBAD, Calif., July 12, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Viasat, Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global leader in satellite communications, today disclosed that an unexpected event occurred during reflector deployment that may materially impact the performance of the ViaSat-3 Americas satellite. Viasat and its reflector provider are conducting a rigorous review of the development and deployment of the affected reflector to determine its impact and potential remedial measures."We're disappointed by the recent developments," said Mark Dankberg, Chairman and CEO, Viasat. "We're working closely with the reflector's manufacturer to try to resolve the issue. We sincerely appreciate their focused efforts and commitment."Contingency plans are currently being refined to minimize the economic effect to the company. Potential options include redeploying satellites from Viasat's extensive fleet to optimize global coverage, and/or reallocating a subsequent ViaSat-3 class satellite to provide additional Americas bandwidth. The initial service priority for ViaSat-3 Americas has been to facilitate growth in the company's North American fixed broadband business.There is no disruption to customers from this event, and no impact to coverage or capacity of the respective Viasat and Inmarsat constellations currently in service. Following the Inmarsat acquisition, Viasat has 12 Ka-band satellites in space, excluding ViaSat-3, with eight additional Ka-band satellites under construction.The company will share additional information on the status of the ViaSat-3 Americas satellite and any necessary contingency plans during its earnings call which is planned for August 9, 2023.
https://twitter.com/pbdes/status/1517451252640141315Quote.@ITU gives @ViasatInc until July 29, 2023, to start service on Viasat-3 EMEA satellite at 13.8E using Israel-registered spectrum. Late-March 2023 launch on @ulalaunch Atlas 5....
ITU usually grants extensions as long as the request is reasonable - but at some point, if there are too many delays it could be trouble.
Viasat: We understand what caused the Viasat 3 Americas antenna defectSeptember 18, 2023 Viasat Inc. said it has a “pretty good understanding” of why the 18-meter-diameter mesh antenna reflector on its Viasat-3 Americas satellite did not correctly deploy, and that its manufacturer expects to correct the problem on an identical antenna on the Viasat 3 EMEA satellite to launch in the coming months.Viasat Chief Executive Mark D. Dankberg said the EMEA satellite is still scheduled to launch before the third and last Viasat-3, covering the Asia-Pacific, which does not carry the same antenna.[Paywalled from here]
Following the launch of the Project Kuiper Protoflight:Quote from: GewoonLukas_ on 10/06/2023 06:58 pmQuoteUnited Launch Alliance Successfully Launches First Mission in Partnership with AmazonOctober 6, 2023[...]ULA’s next launch is the inaugural Vulcan mission from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The next generation Vulcan rocket will offer unprecedented flexibility in a single system with streamlined operations and greater affordability, while continuing to provide unmatched reliability and orbital precision.
QuoteUnited Launch Alliance Successfully Launches First Mission in Partnership with AmazonOctober 6, 2023[...]ULA’s next launch is the inaugural Vulcan mission from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The next generation Vulcan rocket will offer unprecedented flexibility in a single system with streamlined operations and greater affordability, while continuing to provide unmatched reliability and orbital precision.
United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches First Mission in Partnership with AmazonOctober 6, 2023[...]ULA’s next launch is the inaugural Vulcan mission from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The next generation Vulcan rocket will offer unprecedented flexibility in a single system with streamlined operations and greater affordability, while continuing to provide unmatched reliability and orbital precision.
More(?) confirmation re: launch delay into 2024 from last ULA/SLC-41 launch of 2023:Quote from: GewoonLukas_ on 10/06/2023 07:01 pmFollowing the launch of the Project Kuiper Protoflight:Quote from: GewoonLukas_ on 10/06/2023 06:58 pmQuoteUnited Launch Alliance Successfully Launches First Mission in Partnership with AmazonOctober 6, 2023[...]ULA’s next launch is the inaugural Vulcan mission from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The next generation Vulcan rocket will offer unprecedented flexibility in a single system with streamlined operations and greater affordability, while continuing to provide unmatched reliability and orbital precision.
Viasat Shareholder Letter: Q2 Fiscal Year 2024 Financial ResultsQuoteOur satellite manufacturer and antenna supplier have made significant progress in determining the root cause of the ViaSat-3 F1 deployment anomaly. The rest of the spacecraft and payload are performing nominally, or better. Detailed analyses of the antenna status indicate we can obtain sufficient bandwidth, speed and coverage, combined with our existing and planned fleet, and partner space resources, to support our growing global mobility business. Even at less than 10% of its original design capacity, the design of ViaSat-3 F1 allows its available capacity to be allocated flexibly across an expanded coverage area. The anomaly does significantly impact the U.S. residential fixed broadband business, which will remain a smaller portion of current revenue until new capacity can be allocated. Eventually ViaSat-3 F2 or ViaSat-3 F3 will replace ViaSat-3 F1 over the Americas given the opportunities in that market, and the combination of ViaSat-3 F1 with the space assets available in other markets. The ViaSat-3 F3 antennas use a different design from a different supplier. It has a launch contract for the fourth quarter of calendar 2024 (about 1 year away) and is not affected by the anomaly. We expect the ViaSat-3 F1 anomaly investigation will conclude next week and will include recommended corrective actions for ViaSat-3 F2. The details of the corrective actions will drive the launch schedule. We expect to file insurance claims for both ViaSat-3 F1 and Inmarsat-6 F2 before the end of calendar 2023.
Our satellite manufacturer and antenna supplier have made significant progress in determining the root cause of the ViaSat-3 F1 deployment anomaly. The rest of the spacecraft and payload are performing nominally, or better. Detailed analyses of the antenna status indicate we can obtain sufficient bandwidth, speed and coverage, combined with our existing and planned fleet, and partner space resources, to support our growing global mobility business. Even at less than 10% of its original design capacity, the design of ViaSat-3 F1 allows its available capacity to be allocated flexibly across an expanded coverage area. The anomaly does significantly impact the U.S. residential fixed broadband business, which will remain a smaller portion of current revenue until new capacity can be allocated. Eventually ViaSat-3 F2 or ViaSat-3 F3 will replace ViaSat-3 F1 over the Americas given the opportunities in that market, and the combination of ViaSat-3 F1 with the space assets available in other markets. The ViaSat-3 F3 antennas use a different design from a different supplier. It has a launch contract for the fourth quarter of calendar 2024 (about 1 year away) and is not affected by the anomaly. We expect the ViaSat-3 F1 anomaly investigation will conclude next week and will include recommended corrective actions for ViaSat-3 F2. The details of the corrective actions will drive the launch schedule. We expect to file insurance claims for both ViaSat-3 F1 and Inmarsat-6 F2 before the end of calendar 2023.
Boeing made a FCC permit filing for a satellite payload checkout at the Cape for a ULA flight, maybe it's for this? Time period of the permit is first half of 2024.
Quote from: gongora on 12/08/2023 10:02 pmBoeing made a FCC permit filing for a satellite payload checkout at the Cape for a ULA flight, maybe it's for this? Time period of the permit is first half of 2024.According to the NSF US launch thread. The only non DoD, NRO & NASA launches in the first half of 2024 for ULA is Viasat 3.2, Cargo Dreamchaser flight 1 & maybe a Kuiper deployment flight. So it probably is the Viasat 3.2 comsat.
Viasat Shareholder Letter: Q3 Fiscal Year 2024 Financial ResultsFebruary 6th, 2024[...]During the quarter our antenna supplier completed its root cause investigation of the ViaSat-3 F1 antenna deployment anomaly. Based on its findings and recommendations, we are implementing several corrective actions on the ViaSat-3 F2 antenna. We expect to complete those actions as well as extensive testing and spacecraft integration by early calendar 2025 with launch expected shortly thereafter. The scheduled launch of ViaSat-3 F3 remains on track for late in the fourth quarter of calendar 2024. The F3 satellite has a different antenna design by a different supplier, and its schedule is not affected by the ViaSat-3 F1 anomaly.[...]The antenna supplier concluded its ViaSat-3 F1 reflector anomaly investigation with root causes identified and corrective actions developed for application to the ViaSat-3 F2 satellite. We expect the reflectors with supplier corrective actions implemented will be delivered to Boeing in late calendar 2024 with anticipated spacecraft launch in the first half of calendar 2025.[...]
NET H1 2025 according to the Q3FY2024 Shareholder Letter:QuoteViasat Shareholder Letter: Q3 Fiscal Year 2024 Financial ResultsFebruary 6th, 2024[...]During the quarter our antenna supplier completed its root cause investigation of the ViaSat-3 F1 antenna deployment anomaly. Based on its findings and recommendations, we are implementing several corrective actions on the ViaSat-3 F2 antenna. We expect to complete those actions as well as extensive testing and spacecraft integration by early calendar 2025 with launch expected shortly thereafter. The scheduled launch of ViaSat-3 F3 remains on track for late in the fourth quarter of calendar 2024. The F3 satellite has a different antenna design by a different supplier, and its schedule is not affected by the ViaSat-3 F1 anomaly.[...]The antenna supplier concluded its ViaSat-3 F1 reflector anomaly investigation with root causes identified and corrective actions developed for application to the ViaSat-3 F2 satellite. We expect the reflectors with supplier corrective actions implemented will be delivered to Boeing in late calendar 2024 with anticipated spacecraft launch in the first half of calendar 2025.[...]
I wonder if they will swap this with the F3 satellite (originally planned as ViaSat-3 APAC) instead, since the later remains planned for launch in Q4 2024 - now before F2 is ready - and is currently without a ride after Arianespace’s Ariane 6 contract was dismissed. I expected the new launch contract to be announced here (very likely SpaceX) but that didn’t happen.
Quote from: gongora on 07/28/2023 01:11 pmDidn't Viasat cancel their Ariane 6 contract?edit: https://spaceflightnow.com/2023/04/30/viasat-seeks-replacement-for-ariane-6-for-launch-of-third-viasat-3-satellite/QuoteBlue Origin’s New Glenn rocket is not expected to be available for a commercial mission in time for when Viasat says the third ViaSat 3 satellite is scheduled for launch in late 2024.That leaves SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy and ULA’s Vulcan rocket as the most likely contenders for the contract to launch the ViaSat 3 satellite for the Asia-Pacific region.
Didn't Viasat cancel their Ariane 6 contract?edit: https://spaceflightnow.com/2023/04/30/viasat-seeks-replacement-for-ariane-6-for-launch-of-third-viasat-3-satellite/
Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket is not expected to be available for a commercial mission in time for when Viasat says the third ViaSat 3 satellite is scheduled for launch in late 2024.That leaves SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy and ULA’s Vulcan rocket as the most likely contenders for the contract to launch the ViaSat 3 satellite for the Asia-Pacific region.
Scheduled:Date - Satellite(s) - Rocket - Launch Site - Time (UTC)2024TBD - ViaSat 3.3 (ViaSat 3 APAC) - Falcon Heavy - Kennedy LC-39AChanges on July 28th
https://spacenews.com/viasat-not-ready-to-declare-viasat-3-americas-a-total-loss/[Aug 9]QuoteThe second ViaSat-3 satellite was slated to launch on an Atlas 5 rocket from United Launch Alliance this fall to cover Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). The third and final ViaSat-3 satellite targeting Asia Pacific (APAC) is due to launch half a year later.ViaSat-3 EMEA uses the same antenna as ViaSat-3 Americas, and Dankberg said changes to its launch schedule also depend on the corrective actions it takes.“It was pretty close to being able to launch when we had this antenna anomaly, he added.ViaSat-3 APAC uses a different antenna so its launch is unaffected.https://fagenwasanni.com/news/viasat-faces-short-term-challenges-due-to-deployment-issues-with-viasat-3-satellite/180117/QuoteSatellite operator Viasat has encountered unexpected business challenges as a result of problems with the deployment of its ViaSat-3 Americas satellite. During the launch earlier this year, an issue with the giant reflector for the antenna occurred, which could impact the satellite’s performance. Analysts estimate that the total costs, including construction and launch expenses, amounted to $700 million. The satellite was intended to play a crucial role in providing faster broadband coverage across a wider area....Flight 2, which was scheduled for launch in September, has been postponed, and a rescheduled launch date will be announced next quarter. Viasat is currently investigating the root cause of the reflector anomaly with the antenna manufacturer and satellite supplier. Dankberg mentioned that Flight 3, which has a different design from a different manufacturer, is expected to be unaffected by the Flight 1 anomaly.https://www.theregister.com/2023/08/10/viasat_reports_revenue_up_but/QuoteFlight 1 refers to the ViaSat-3 Americas satellite, launched to provide coverage in the Americas, which should mean that Flight 2 is the ViaSat-3 EMEA unit and Flight 3 would be the remaining ViaSat-3 unit intended to cover the Asia-Pacific region.The Flight 2 satellite was understood to be scheduled for launch in September, but this has now been postponed, and the company said it will have more information on a rescheduled launch next quarter.Dankberg revealed that Flight 2 uses the same antenna "from a major aerospace supplier" as the first satellite, but that "Flight 3 uses a completely different design from a different manufacturer," and that satellite is expected to be unaffected by the Flight 1 anomaly....Viasat is currently working with the antenna manufacturer and its satellite supplier to determine the root cause of the reflector anomaly and appropriate corrective actions for Flight 2, Dankberg said. The company expects to have more to report on the fault in the next three months....When asked whether Viasat might procure a "Flight 4" satellite to cover the region intended to be served by Flight 1, Dankberg said it does have plans which cover that eventuality, but added "what we'll do for a replacement satellite depends a lot on what the performance of this one is."
The second ViaSat-3 satellite was slated to launch on an Atlas 5 rocket from United Launch Alliance this fall to cover Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). The third and final ViaSat-3 satellite targeting Asia Pacific (APAC) is due to launch half a year later.ViaSat-3 EMEA uses the same antenna as ViaSat-3 Americas, and Dankberg said changes to its launch schedule also depend on the corrective actions it takes.“It was pretty close to being able to launch when we had this antenna anomaly, he added.ViaSat-3 APAC uses a different antenna so its launch is unaffected.
Satellite operator Viasat has encountered unexpected business challenges as a result of problems with the deployment of its ViaSat-3 Americas satellite. During the launch earlier this year, an issue with the giant reflector for the antenna occurred, which could impact the satellite’s performance. Analysts estimate that the total costs, including construction and launch expenses, amounted to $700 million. The satellite was intended to play a crucial role in providing faster broadband coverage across a wider area....Flight 2, which was scheduled for launch in September, has been postponed, and a rescheduled launch date will be announced next quarter. Viasat is currently investigating the root cause of the reflector anomaly with the antenna manufacturer and satellite supplier. Dankberg mentioned that Flight 3, which has a different design from a different manufacturer, is expected to be unaffected by the Flight 1 anomaly.
Flight 1 refers to the ViaSat-3 Americas satellite, launched to provide coverage in the Americas, which should mean that Flight 2 is the ViaSat-3 EMEA unit and Flight 3 would be the remaining ViaSat-3 unit intended to cover the Asia-Pacific region.The Flight 2 satellite was understood to be scheduled for launch in September, but this has now been postponed, and the company said it will have more information on a rescheduled launch next quarter.Dankberg revealed that Flight 2 uses the same antenna "from a major aerospace supplier" as the first satellite, but that "Flight 3 uses a completely different design from a different manufacturer," and that satellite is expected to be unaffected by the Flight 1 anomaly....Viasat is currently working with the antenna manufacturer and its satellite supplier to determine the root cause of the reflector anomaly and appropriate corrective actions for Flight 2, Dankberg said. The company expects to have more to report on the fault in the next three months....When asked whether Viasat might procure a "Flight 4" satellite to cover the region intended to be served by Flight 1, Dankberg said it does have plans which cover that eventuality, but added "what we'll do for a replacement satellite depends a lot on what the performance of this one is."
Scheduled:Date - Satellite(s) - Rocket - Launch Site - Time (UTC)2024NET Midyear - ViaSat 3.3 (ViaSat 3 APAC) - Falcon Heavy - Kennedy LC-39AChanges on August 11th
Quote from: GewoonLukas_ on 02/06/2024 08:11 pmNET H1 2025 according to the Q3FY2024 Shareholder Letter:QuoteViasat Shareholder Letter: Q3 Fiscal Year 2024 Financial ResultsFebruary 6th, 2024[...]During the quarter our antenna supplier completed its root cause investigation of the ViaSat-3 F1 antenna deployment anomaly. Based on its findings and recommendations, we are implementing several corrective actions on the ViaSat-3 F2 antenna. We expect to complete those actions as well as extensive testing and spacecraft integration by early calendar 2025 with launch expected shortly thereafter. The scheduled launch of ViaSat-3 F3 remains on track for late in the fourth quarter of calendar 2024. The F3 satellite has a different antenna design by a different supplier, and its schedule is not affected by the ViaSat-3 F1 anomaly.[...]The antenna supplier concluded its ViaSat-3 F1 reflector anomaly investigation with root causes identified and corrective actions developed for application to the ViaSat-3 F2 satellite. We expect the reflectors with supplier corrective actions implemented will be delivered to Boeing in late calendar 2024 with anticipated spacecraft launch in the first half of calendar 2025.[...]OK, I'm confused. There are two satellites here: ViaSat-3 F2 and ViaSat-3 F3. There were originally three. F1 launched and then failed to fully deploy its antenna. The satellites were originally supposed to launch on Ariane 6, Atlas V, and Falcon Heavy, in that order, but ViaSat cancelled the Ariane 6 contract and launched F1 on a Falcon Heavy. So, which of F2 or F3 is now supposed to launch on Atlas V, what LV will be used for the other one? The shareholder letter says F3 will launch in calendar Q4 2024, and F2 will launch in calendar 2025.
Quote from: DanClemmensen on 02/07/2024 01:47 amQuote from: GewoonLukas_ on 02/06/2024 08:11 pmNET H1 2025 according to the Q3FY2024 Shareholder Letter:QuoteViasat Shareholder Letter: Q3 Fiscal Year 2024 Financial ResultsFebruary 6th, 2024[...]During the quarter our antenna supplier completed its root cause investigation of the ViaSat-3 F1 antenna deployment anomaly. Based on its findings and recommendations, we are implementing several corrective actions on the ViaSat-3 F2 antenna. We expect to complete those actions as well as extensive testing and spacecraft integration by early calendar 2025 with launch expected shortly thereafter. The scheduled launch of ViaSat-3 F3 remains on track for late in the fourth quarter of calendar 2024. The F3 satellite has a different antenna design by a different supplier, and its schedule is not affected by the ViaSat-3 F1 anomaly.[...]The antenna supplier concluded its ViaSat-3 F1 reflector anomaly investigation with root causes identified and corrective actions developed for application to the ViaSat-3 F2 satellite. We expect the reflectors with supplier corrective actions implemented will be delivered to Boeing in late calendar 2024 with anticipated spacecraft launch in the first half of calendar 2025.[...]OK, I'm confused. There are two satellites here: ViaSat-3 F2 and ViaSat-3 F3. There were originally three. F1 launched and then failed to fully deploy its antenna. The satellites were originally supposed to launch on Ariane 6, Atlas V, and Falcon Heavy, in that order, but ViaSat cancelled the Ariane 6 contract and launched F1 on a Falcon Heavy. So, which of F2 or F3 is now supposed to launch on Atlas V, what LV will be used for the other one? The shareholder letter says F3 will launch in calendar Q4 2024, and F2 will launch in calendar 2025.F2/EMEA is launching on an Atlas V, F3's LV is still unknown.
ViaSat-3 F1 Satellite Enters Commercial ServiceNew Viasat Capacity to Enhance Passenger Wi-Fi Services for Airlines Operating Over North America, Including Routes to HawaiiAugust 05, 2024Quote<snip>[Craig Miller, President, Global Space Networks, Viasat, Inc]: “A further two ViaSat-3 satellites are currently in the late stages of production and testing, including the successful completion of thermal vacuum testing on ViaSat-3 F3 recently and the successful completion of mechanical environmental testing on ViaSat-3 F2.”
<snip>[Craig Miller, President, Global Space Networks, Viasat, Inc]: “A further two ViaSat-3 satellites are currently in the late stages of production and testing, including the successful completion of thermal vacuum testing on ViaSat-3 F3 recently and the successful completion of mechanical environmental testing on ViaSat-3 F2.”
Are there any more Atlas launches planned for this year? Or will it only be USSF-106 and USSF-87?
No more Atlas V launch for this year. As project Kuiper Mission 2 delayed to Q1 2025 as told by NSF's @dpoddolphinpro
Correct
They're still not saying launch vehicles or launch dates. Notes from today's earnings telecon:In-service dates: F2 late 2025, F3 mid-late 2025F2 over Americas, F3 over Asia-PacificF2 has longer orbit raising time than F3
Q3 FY25 Shareholder Letter[...]We continue to expect VS-3 F2 to be completed and shipped to Cape Canaveral this summer and to enter commercial service late CY2025.[...]
I don't know why the thread title says ViaSat-3 F3, but ULA will launch ViaSat-3 F2.
Quote from: GewoonLukas_ on 02/06/2025 09:58 pmI don't know why the thread title says ViaSat-3 F3, but ULA will launch ViaSat-3 F2.Where did you get that information?
The VS-3 F3 manufacturing and test schedule outlook is unchanged from last quarter, but given our significantly increased coverage and capacity resources, we have chosen a less capital intensive launch configuration that has slightly extended the orbit raising time, which is expected to shift the commercial in-service date for VS-3 F3 into CY2026.
This quote could be interpreted as launching on a reusable Falcon 9.QuoteThe VS-3 F3 manufacturing and test schedule outlook is unchanged from last quarter, but given our significantly increased coverage and capacity resources, we have chosen a less capital intensive launch configuration that has slightly extended the orbit raising time, which is expected to shift the commercial in-service date for VS-3 F3 into CY2026.
[...]One of our very highest priorities is getting VS-3 F2 and F3 into service, and we have been updating status on our satellite roadmap. For VS-3 F2 the critical path includes corrective actions and testing the reflectors and integrating with the spacecraft. We are still planning to ship VS-3 F2 to the launch site this summer. We have adjusted the in-service date roadmap to better reflect various potential schedule uncertainties post-shipment. The VS-3 F3 schedule critical path goes through antenna subsystem integration – which uses a different manufacturer and design not requiring corrective actions. We are monitoring the launch manifest and range priorities. As previously shared, VS-3 F2 will be launched via ULA. As we achieve satellite integration and test milestones on the spacecraft, we reduce the magnitude of the “bring into service” schedule risk, but of course, that does not eliminate schedule risks extrinsic to our own spacecraft or launch campaign that could, as in the past, affect schedules by weeks or more.[...]
Purpose: Short duration satellite Telemetry RF Functional Check at the launch site facility and in the fairing.Astrotech Process Facility: Titusville, FL 32780Coordinates: 28-31-32.8 N, 80-49-7.3 WULA Atlas Launch Pad SLC 41: Titusville, FL 32780Coordinates: 28-35-0.7 N, 80-34-58.7 WOperation Start Date: 07/18/2025Operation End Date: 01/18/2026
Does this imply that we will see another Atlas launch before Vulcan? Last ULA statement seemed to indicate Vulcan.
Assuming this is ViaSat-3 F2, as it mentions the 702MP+ satellite bus.1286-EX-ST-2025 [Jun 27]QuotePurpose: Short duration satellite Telemetry RF Functional Check at the launch site facility and in the fairing.Astrotech Process Facility: Titusville, FL 32780Coordinates: 28-31-32.8 N, 80-49-7.3 WULA Atlas Launch Pad SLC 41: Titusville, FL 32780Coordinates: 28-35-0.7 N, 80-34-58.7 WOperation Start Date: 07/18/2025Operation End Date: 01/18/2026There's also this Viasat STA (SES-STA-20250513-00681). [Jun 27]Unfortunately the new ICFS is password protected for FCC authorised users only, so the Narrative is inaccessable.
Quote from: StraumliBlight on 06/27/2025 07:19 pmAssuming this is ViaSat-3 F2, as it mentions the 702MP+ satellite bus.1286-EX-ST-2025 [Jun 27]QuotePurpose: Short duration satellite Telemetry RF Functional Check at the launch site facility and in the fairing.Astrotech Process Facility: Titusville, FL 32780Coordinates: 28-31-32.8 N, 80-49-7.3 WULA Atlas Launch Pad SLC 41: Titusville, FL 32780Coordinates: 28-35-0.7 N, 80-34-58.7 WOperation Start Date: 07/18/2025Operation End Date: 01/18/2026There's also this Viasat STA (SES-STA-20250513-00681). [Jun 27]Unfortunately the new ICFS is password protected for FCC authorised users only, so the Narrative is inaccessable.I posted this in the launch manifest page, but figured here would be good too. ULA filed an STA for a Atlas V launch a couple months back and interestingly it states 2 satellites. Will they add the F3 to this launch? ULA filed an STA for a Atlas V Launch on 4/15/2025 approved on 5/1/2025 for Atlas V Launches. It lists start of launch as 6/11/2025 in the Narrative and interestingly says it is for 2 satellites at 500km & 30deg."The Atlas V vehicle will be launched on an easterly trajectory from Eastern Range (ER) LaunchComplex 41 (SLC-41). A single Centaur main engine burn with a Guidance CommandedShutdown (GCS) will place the two spacecraft into a Low Earth Orbit (500 km circular at 30.0deg inclination). Spacecraft separation will occur at approximately 18 minutes afterliftoff."The only Atlas V booked outside of Kuiper is for ViaSat-3 EMA (I think same as ViaSat-3 F2?) which is a single, or is ViaSat adding a 2nd satellite to the launch like the ViaSat-3 F3 which was slated for early 2026?https://apps.fcc.gov/els/GetAtt.html?id=373575&x=.
Q1 FY2026 Shareholder Letter[...]For VS-3 F2 we completed implementation and testing of the corrective actions for the deployable reflectors and have begun the process of final flight installations and closeouts. We have also completed ground operations and defined launch campaign schedules and launch day operational plans with our launch partner. We expect to ship VS-3 F2 to the launch site by the end of next month (September 2025).[...]
Q1 FY2026 Shareholder LetterFor VS-3 F2 we completed implementation and testing of the corrective actions for the deployable reflectors and have begun the process of final flight installations and closeouts. We have also completed ground operations and defined launch campaign schedules and launch day operational plans with our launch partner. We expect to ship VS-3 F2 to the launch site by the end of next month (September 2025).
Quote from: GewoonLukas_ on 08/05/2025 08:13 pmQ1 FY2026 Shareholder LetterFor VS-3 F2 we completed implementation and testing of the corrective actions for the deployable reflectors and have begun the process of final flight installations and closeouts. We have also completed ground operations and defined launch campaign schedules and launch day operational plans with our launch partner. We expect to ship VS-3 F2 to the launch site by the end of next month (September 2025).Seem like late Summer (August) is out. Launch could be NET September.
Viasat Announces ViaSat-3 F2 Scheduled to Launch in October, Expected to More Than Double Viasat’s Bandwidth CapacitySep 4, 2025Viasat, Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global leader in satellite communications, today announced that the ViaSat-3 Flight 2 (F2) satellite is scheduled to launch aboard a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V551 from Space Launch Complex 41 (SLC-41) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida in the second half of October 2025.[...]The precise ViaSat-3 F2 launch date and time will be provided closer to launch in conjunction with ULA.
Launch has officially been scheduled for the second half of October. I suspect this will be the next launch after KA-03:QuoteViasat Announces ViaSat-3 F2 Scheduled to Launch in October, Expected to More Than Double Viasat’s Bandwidth CapacitySep 4, 2025Viasat, Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global leader in satellite communications, today announced that the ViaSat-3 Flight 2 (F2) satellite is scheduled to launch aboard a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V551 from Space Launch Complex 41 (SLC-41) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida in the second half of October 2025.[...]The precise ViaSat-3 F2 launch date and time will be provided closer to launch in conjunction with ULA.
Quote from: GewoonLukas_ on 09/04/2025 12:06 pmLaunch has officially been scheduled for the second half of October. I suspect this will be the next launch after KA-03:QuoteViasat Announces ViaSat-3 F2 Scheduled to Launch in October, Expected to More Than Double Viasat’s Bandwidth CapacitySep 4, 2025Viasat, Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global leader in satellite communications, today announced that the ViaSat-3 Flight 2 (F2) satellite is scheduled to launch aboard a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V551 from Space Launch Complex 41 (SLC-41) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida in the second half of October 2025.[...]The precise ViaSat-3 F2 launch date and time will be provided closer to launch in conjunction with ULA.Yeah, Next ULA launch but then what happened to USSF-87. I think the new planning would be after KA-03ViaSat-3 EMEA - Mid October USSF-87 - Mid November GPS-III 09 - December KV-01 & KA-04 possibly between November and December.
Lukas C. H.@GewoonLukas_·Viasat has announced that the Atlas V 551 launch of their ViaSat-3 F2 satellite is scheduled for the 2nd half of next month! It was originally supposed to launch a few months after ViaSat-3 Americas in 2023, but the F1 antenna anomaly delayed it due to additional checks and work.
Viasat@viasat🛰️🚀 ViaSat-3 F2 is scheduled to launch in the second half of October aboard @ulalaunch's Atlas V551 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, and is anticipated to provide more bandwidth capacity than the entire existing fleet when it comes into service:
If they pull off launching in late October, that would be the fastest turnaround yet for ULA this year. I am curious to see if they can.
Quote from: sstli2 on 09/25/2025 03:19 pmIf they pull off launching in late October, that would be the fastest turnaround yet for ULA this year. I am curious to see if they can.Is there any word on when the new VIF will be ready? It’s got to be close at this point.
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
Quote from: woods170 on 10/24/2025 07:55 amQuote 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? The fuel comes from trees that have decayed over thousands of years and the oxygen that burns the fuel is made by current day trees.
Due to the continuation of severe weather impacting launch processing, the launch of a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V 551 rocket carrying the ViaSat-3 Flight 2 (F2) mission for @viasat is now planned for no earlier than Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025, pending range approval. The launch is scheduled for 10:24 p.m. EST at the opening of a 44-minute window, from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida.
While @ulalaunch preps the Atlas V our ViaSat-3 F2 satellite’s been making progress of its own🛰️ ✅ Launch site testing complete ✅ Mated to payload adapter ✅ Encapsulated in the fairing Next stop: payload integration with the Atlas V! More here: https://vsat.co/3LzJKWM
Release of ViaSat-3 from Atlas V is expected three hours and 32 minutes after liftoff. The free-flying satellite is due to complete its climb to a circular geostationary orbit, where it is anticipated to match Earth’s rotation and appear “parked” over the Americas, using its all-electric propulsion.
T-minus 7 days!ULA has integrated the ViaSat-3 Flight 2 satellite atop our next Atlas V rocket at Cape Canaveral. The state-of-the-art, ultra-high-capacity broadband spacecraft is expected to provide in excess of one Terabit of data per second capacity to users on land, at sea or in the air. Launch is planned for Nov. 5. 📝 Preview blog: https://blog.ulalaunch.com/blog/viasat-3-f2-engineering-marvel-uses-atlas-v-for-launch-to-space 📸 Photos: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCvrUm
Atlas V Flight Path: Launching ViaSat-3 F2 Enhancing Global ConnectivityA mission designed to expand high-capacity broadband coverage around the world.@viasat
Primary Launch Day 04 Nov 0336Z-0513ZBackup Launch Day 05 Nov 0328Z-0505ZBackup Launch Day 06 Nov 0324Z-0501ZBackup Launch Day 07 Nov 0316Z-0453ZBackup Launch Day 08 Nov 0308Z-0445ZBackup Launch Day 09 Nov 0300Z-0437ZBackup Launch Day 10 Nov 0256Z-0433Z
Are the unfurled antennas on such GEO satellites visible to Earth-based telescopes? Even at a few pixels resolution?
Quote from: zubenelgenubi on 10/29/2025 10:22 pmAre the unfurled antennas on such GEO satellites visible to Earth-based telescopes? Even at a few pixels resolution?has an Orion/Magnum, Rhyolite, Chalet, Vortex, etc photos been shared on the internet?
Quote from: Jim on 10/30/2025 04:37 pmQuote from: zubenelgenubi on 10/29/2025 10:22 pmAre the unfurled antennas on such GEO satellites visible to Earth-based telescopes? Even at a few pixels resolution?Has an Orion/Magnum, Rhyolite, Chalet, Vortex, etc photos been shared on the internet?I saw a photo on the internet, and been unable to find it ever since, years ago taken from from the ground that reportedly showed a Orion/Magnum/etc main dish deployed in orbit. If accurate/real, the photo confirms the reported configuration/size of those main dishes...
Quote from: zubenelgenubi on 10/29/2025 10:22 pmAre the unfurled antennas on such GEO satellites visible to Earth-based telescopes? Even at a few pixels resolution?Has an Orion/Magnum, Rhyolite, Chalet, Vortex, etc photos been shared on the internet?
Quote from: zubenelgenubi on 05/05/2023 07:17 pmBelated update:SFN Launch Schedule update, March 22:Launch vehicle AV-100https://twitter.com/Cygnusx112/status/1657379120076955652AV-100 first stage on the right, confirmed for ViaSat-3 EMEA.
This particular Atlas V 551 rocket, designated AV-100, stands 196 feet (59.7 meters) tall and will weigh 1.3 million pounds (587,000 kg) when fully fueled at liftoff. It will ascend from Florida’s Space Coast and head easterly on 2.7 million pounds (12 megaNewtons) of thrust from its kerosene-fueled main engine and SRBs.
📸 Rollout day was picturesque for Atlas V and ViaSat-3 F2 in final preparation to launch Wednesday night. Liftoff time is 10:24 p.m. EST (0324 UTC) from Cape Canaveral. Photo album: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCvrUm Launch info: http://bit.ly/av_viasat @viasat // @BoeingSpace
How do you prepare a 20-story-tall rocket to launch one of the heaviest commercial satellites in history? Watch this video to find out the process that ULA is using to ready its powerful Atlas V 551 rocket to deliver the ViaSat-3 F2 satellite into space tonight.
It looks like a good day to go to space, and our Atlas V 551 rocket is targeting 10:24 p.m. EST (0324 UTC) tonight for ignition at Cape Canaveral.ULA has initiated the launch countdown, a tightly scripted sequence of procedures and steps over the next seven hours that will complete pre-launch testing, fill the rocket with propellants and put systems into flight mode.Tonight's mission will deliver the ViaSat-3 F2 satellite into orbit for an anticipated 15+ year lifespan.
Live updates:[Nov 05 20:04] Activities are on schedule for liftoff to occur at 10:24 p.m. EST (0324 UTC) from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The available launch window remains open until 11:08 p.m., a duration of 44 minutes.
https://www.cadenaois.org/vpublic_anspdetail.jsp?view=15QuotePrimary Launch Day 04 Nov 0336Z-0513ZBackup Launch Day 05 Nov 0328Z-0505ZBackup Launch Day 06 Nov 0324Z-0501ZBackup Launch Day 07 Nov 0316Z-0453ZBackup Launch Day 08 Nov 0308Z-0445ZBackup Launch Day 09 Nov 0300Z-0437ZBackup Launch Day 10 Nov 0256Z-0433Z
The launch of a United Launch Alliance Atlas V carrying the ViaSat-3 F2 mission for @viasat is scrubbed for tonight's launch attempt due to an issue encountered while cycling the booster liquid oxygen tank vent valve during final checkouts. The team will require additional time for troubleshooting and is setting up for a 24-hour recycle.The launch is now planned for Thurs., Nov. 6 at 10:16 p.m. EST at the opening of a 44-minute window.
The official Atlas V forecast calls for a 50 percent chance of meeting the launch weather rules at Cape Canaveral tonight. Thick-layered clouds over the launch site and rain showers in the area are the main areas of weather concern.
ULA Launch Director James Whelan authorized cryogenic tanking operations to begin as today's Atlas V countdown proceeds on schedule to launch the ViaSat-3 F2 satellite at 10:16 p.m. EST (0316 UTC). However, weather is currently red due to thick clouds.
ULA@ulalaunchThe launch of a United Launch Alliance Atlas V carrying the ViaSat-3 F2 mission for Viasat is scrubbed for tonight's launch attempt due to a reoccurrence of the issue with the Atlas V booster liquid oxygen tank vent valve.The team will evaluate the hardware, and we will release a new launch date when available.http://bit.ly/av_viasat
New marine navigation warnings zones has been filed fitting with ones used on this, and it looks like despite the original launch windows slipping toward earlier into the night later this month, ULA has figured out how to accommodate with the FAA commercial launch restrictions with them filing a daily 10 pm - 12:05 am launch window, NET November 13 EST/14 UTC:NAVAREA IV 1218/2025 (11, 24, 25, 26)080202Z NOV 25NAVAREA IV 1218/25(GEN).NORTH ATLANTIC.FLORIDA.1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, ROCKET LAUNCHING 140300Z TO 140505Z NOV, ALTERNATE 0300Z TO 0505Z DAILY 15 THRU 20 NOV IN AREAS BOUND BY: A. 28-38.25N 080-37.16W, 28-44.00N 079-54.00W, 28-40.00N 079-35.00W, 28-29.00N 079-12.00W, 28-25.00N 079-12.00W, 28-19.00N 079-41.00W, 28-20.00N 080-12.00W. B. 28-16.00N 078-30.00W, 28-29.00N 078-28.00W, 28-20.00N 077-16.00W, 28-07.00N 077-18.00W. C. 27-05.00N 071-45.00W, 27-47.00N 071-36.00W, 27-18.00N 068-49.00W, 26-38.00N 068-57.00W. D. 22-04.00N 051-42.00W, 23-16.00N 051-15.00W, 21-41.00N 046-26.00W, 20-30.00N 046-55.00W.2. CANCEL NAVAREA IV 1178/25.3. CANCEL THIS MSG 200605Z NOV 25./ (graphics by Domi207 @ https://space-notices.vercel.app)
