Viasat’s ViaSat-3 Flight 2 (VS-3 F2) satellite, designed to deliver more than 1 Tbps of new connectivity capacity, has arrived at Kennedy Space Center, ahead of a planned late October 2025 launch aboard a ULA Atlas V 551 rocket.
VS-3 F2 is the second of three ViaSat-3 Ka-band satellites planned to be launched by Inmarsat parent company Viasat, designed to more than double the company’s existing fleet capacity.
Upon entering service in early 2026, the new satellite will add additional bandwidth capabilities across the Americas and in surrounding waters. The satellite features dynamic-beam-forming technology, allowing capacity to be shifted rapidly to areas of highest demand, the company notes.
Following its arrival at the launch site the spacecraft is now undergoing final system tests before being mated to the Atlas V launch vehicle and enclosed in the payload fairing to protect it during atmospheric ascent.
The satellite will then enter geostationary transfer orbit and gradually reach its operational orbit approximately 36,000 km above the equator.
“Being just a few weeks out from launch is incredibly exciting – this achievement represents the dedication and innovative spirit of hundreds of talented professionals who’ve lent their expertise to this mission,” said Dave Abrahamian, Vice President of Space Systems, Viasat.
“A huge thank you to everyone who has contributed to this milestone. Now we turn our focus to getting F2 into orbit, where its tailored capabilities are expected to enable us to better serve our customers and meet increasing demand for resilient, global satellite communications.”
