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SpaceX launches ViaSat-3 broadband satellite

It will take close to three weeks for ViaSat-3 Americas to reach its final GEO position at 88.9 degrees West.
Photo credit: SpaceX

Viasat Inc. has announced the launch of ViaSat-3 Americas aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

In the coming days, ViaSat-3 will deploy its solar arrays and drift to its final orbital location. Viasat expects it will take less than three weeks for ViaSat-3 to reach its final orbital destination, located at 88.9° west longitude.

Speaking about the launch, Mark Dankberg, Viasat’s chairman and CEO said: “Today’s successful launch of ViaSat-3 Americas opens a new chapter in Viasat’s growth. This first Americas satellite will multiply our available bandwidth, and enable faster speeds and more coverage – especially for our mobility customers. It’s not just a new satellite, it’s a new way to build broadband satellites. Thanks so much to all our people, and our partners, for their commitment and dedication to getting this done.”

The second ViaSat-3 is being designed for coverage over Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.