iscover
Boeing has delivered the third satellite in the ViaSat-3 constellation, marking a key milestone in a program aimed at expanding high-capacity connectivity across the Asia-Pacific.
The spacecraft, known as ViaSat-3 Flight 3 (VS-3 F3), was built using Boeing’s high-power 702MP+ platform at the company’s facility in El Segundo, California. It is designed to deliver flexible, high-performance bandwidth to support a range of users, including commercial aviation, maritime services and defence customers operating in some of the region’s busiest markets.
This content is available exclusively to Australian Aviation members.
A monthly membership is only $5.99 or save with our annual plans.
- Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
- Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
- Unlimited access to all Australian Aviation digital content
- Access to the Australian Aviation app
- Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
- Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
- Access to our Behind the Lens photo galleries and other exclusive content
- Daily news updates via our email bulletin
- Unlimited access to all Australian Aviation digital content
- Access to the Australian Aviation app
- Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
- Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
- Access to our Behind the Lens photo galleries and other exclusive content
- Daily news updates via our email bulletin
Qantas uses ViaSat for its international wi-fi connectivity, with Jetstar also rolling it out across its 787-8 Dreamliner fleet as part of the internal refit program.
Boeing Satellite Systems International president Ryan Reid said the delivery underscored the strength of the long-running partnership between the two companies and the continued evolution of Boeing’s satellite technology.
“ViaSat-3 F3 represents a highly capable and adaptable platform that will play an important role in supporting next-generation connectivity demands,” he said.
Following completion of integration and testing in California, the satellite has now been transported to Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. There, Boeing and ViaSat teams will carry out final launch preparations ahead of its planned deployment aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket.
The handover also signals the completion of Boeing’s manufacturing and integration responsibilities for the third satellite in the series.
ViaSat vice president of space systems Dave Abrahamian said the delivery was a significant step for both the program and its future users, saying, “This satellite will provide resilient, secure and high-performance connectivity across the Asia-Pacific, supporting a wide range of customers who depend on reliable communications.”
The ViaSat-3 satellites are built on Boeing’s 702 platform, which has been adapted to handle larger and more power-intensive payloads. For this mission, the design incorporated expanded solar arrays, higher-capacity batteries and advanced thermal management systems to support the demands of high-throughput operations.
The spacecraft also used all-electric propulsion, improving efficiency while maintaining precise positioning in orbit. Structural and attitude-control enhancements have been introduced to ensure stability and accuracy despite the satellite’s increased size and complexity.
The broader ViaSat-3 constellation is being rolled out in stages. The first satellite is already providing connectivity services to commercial airlines, while the second is progressing towards operational service over the Americas. Once deployed, VS-3 F3 will complete the network’s global reach by extending coverage across the Asia-Pacific.
Boeing and ViaSat will continue to work together through the final launch phase, bringing the project from design and construction through to operational deployment.
Want to see more stories from trusted news sources?
Make Australian Aviation a preferred news source on Google.
Click here to add Australian Aviation as a preferred news source.
