ViaSat-3 Reflector Deployment Anomaly Update
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."
Mark Dankberg, Viasat.
Details of the anomaly were not disclosed by the company. ViaSat-3 launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket on April 30th.
According to the company, 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.
"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."
ViaSat-3 Reflector Issue Will Not Disrupt Service, Company Says
ViaSat says that 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 manufacturer of the reflector was not disclosed. The satellite was built by Boeing.
According to the company website, the ViaSat-3 constellation is the next generation of ultra-high-capacity, Ka-band satellites, expected to increase our global coverage and network capacity — bringing affordable, high-quality connectivity where, when, and how it's needed most. When fully operational, the network is expected to enable billions — in homes and businesses, on planes and at sea, and in communities that were once off the grid — to connect with the people and information they need.
ViaSat-3 Americas was the first of three scheduled for launch. Launches for the subsequent Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) and Asia/Pacific (APAC) satellites are pending.
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.
(Source: ViaSat news release. Images from file)