ViaSat-2
| Industry | Satellite communications |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | El Segundo , United States |
| Products | Satellite internet services |
ViaSat-2 is a commercial communications satellite that was launched on June 1, 2017, and became operational by late February 2018. Marketed as the highest capacity communications satellite worldwide at the time, it offered a data throughput of 300 Gbit/s, exceeding the capabilities of HughesNet EchoStar XIX, which had been launched in December 2016. This satellite represents ViaSat's second venture into Ka-band technology following the deployment of ViaSat-1. It provides internet connectivity through ViaSat (previously known as Exede) across North America, parts of South America including Mexico and the Caribbean, and extends coverage over transatlantic air and maritime routes to Europe.
History
In May 2013, ViaSat entrusted Boeing with the contract to build the satellite. By May 1, 2014, ViaSat had already sold capacity on the satellite to Xplornet Communications. The launch contract was awarded to SpaceX through an uncontested bidding process in January 2015. After the June 2015 failure of SpaceX CRS-7, concerns emerged regarding possible delays in the launch timeline. Nevertheless, on February 9, 2016, Arianespace secured agreements to launch both ViaSat-2 and ViaSat-3 in 2017 and 2019 respectively.
The satellite was launched by Arianespace from the Guiana Space Centre in French Guiana on June 1, 2017. Originally planned for April 25, 2017, the launch was postponed due to civil unrest near the launch site. ViaSat-2 achieved geostationary orbit at 69.9°W longitude on December 5, 2017. Its propulsion system combined chemical thrusters for initial orbit raising with electric propulsion for precise orbital positioning. Operations of the satellite have been managed by Boeing Satellite Systems International from their Mission Control Center located in El Segundo, California.
Functionality
Valued at $600 million, this satellite was engineered to deliver a throughput capacity of 300 Gbit/s, significantly improving upon the 140 Gbit/s throughput of ViaSat-1 launched in 2011. It operates within the Ka-band frequency spectrum.
Nevertheless, malfunctions affecting two out of four Ka-band antennas have restricted its maximum throughput to 260 Gbit/s, leading to less extensive coverage than originally intended. This situation has led to preparations for filing a substantial insurance claim.