On November 13th, at 10:04 p.m. EST, a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket roared to life, illuminating the night sky above Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. This powerful launch vehicle was entrusted with a critical payload: the ViaSat-3 F2 mission for global communications leader Viasat, Inc. The flawless liftoff marked a significant step forward in the shared ambitions of both companies to expand and enhance worldwide communications infrastructure.
The mission successfully deployed the ViaSat-3 F2 spacecraft into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). This ultra-high-capacity broadband satellite is a cornerstone of Viasat’s strategic multi-orbit network, designed to deliver substantial new capabilities. A single ViaSat-3 satellite is engineered to provide approximately 1 Terabit per second (Tbps) of additional network capacity. This immense bandwidth is crucial for addressing the rapidly growing demand for high-speed, reliable, and secure satellite communications services across the Americas.
Gary Wentz, ULA’s Vice President of Government and Commercial Programs, emphasized the company’s commitment to its partners. “At ULA, we pride ourselves in delivering our customer’s spacecraft precisely to orbit and serving as the catalyst for our customers to enable global connectivity,” Wentz stated. He highlighted the collaborative spirit, saying, “We partner in the shared goals of connecting the world and this successful launch aligns with this core mission. Thank you Viasat for your trust in our shared visions and successful partnership.”
This launch exemplifies ULA’s core objective of collaborating closely with customers to enable the future of global connectivity. The ViaSat-3 F2 spacecraft will add significant capacity and flexibility to Viasat’s global network, which supports a diverse range of consumer, commercial, and government customers. By providing a powerful new asset over the Western Hemisphere, the mission directly tackles the need for robust, high-bandwidth services, from rural internet access to advanced enterprise and government applications. The success of the Atlas V 551 rocket underscores ULA’s role as a reliable launch service provider, catalyzing advancements in space-based infrastructure that connect and empower communities around the globe.
