CARLSBAD, Calif., Nov. 21, 2023 – Viasat Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a pioneering force in satellite communications, recently announced a landmark achievement in the Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission (ASBM). The second satellite in this ambitious project has successfully completed thermal vacuum testing at Northrop Grumman’s Dulles, VA, site. This pivotal step edges the mission closer to its goal of connecting the Arctic region with high-speed broadband by the second half of 2024.
The Mission Details
The Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission, spearheaded by Space Norway subsidiary Heosat, plans to deploy two satellites, ASBM-1 and ASBM-2, in a highly elliptical orbit (HEO). This mission marks a world-first: a HEO mission carrying a broadband commercial service payload. These satellites will feature Viasat’s GX-10a and GX-10b Ka-band payloads, extending the company’s high-speed global network into the Arctic—a region previously unreachable by geostationary satellites.
Technological Advancements
These spacecraft are designed to integrate seamlessly with Viasat’s existing satellite fleet, thereby expanding the coverage of its Ka-band network. They represent Viasat’s inaugural venture into non-geostationary orbit and are set to become a crucial component of its cooperative hybrid network. “We have been talking with our customers, partners, and shareholders about how the combination with Inmarsat has given us a new scale and scope to deliver new solutions to meet our customers’ requirements,” stated Mark Dickinson, Head of Space Systems at Viasat. “This is an example of what that means in practice.”
Strategic Importance
The Arctic region’s growing connectivity needs are vast, serving diverse stakeholders like governments, shipping companies, commercial airlines, and scientific researchers. The UK Government’s Environmental Audit Committee, in October 2023, emphasized the need for heightened political focus and research into the Arctic, especially considering the potential environmental and economic impacts of changing weather patterns. The ASBM satellites will not only support Viasat’s network but also carry payloads for the Norwegian Armed Forces and the US Space Force.
Kjell-Ove Skare, Space Norway Program Director, remarked on the collaborative effort:
“With both satellites through the thermal vacuum test we are really closing in on making this strategically important capability real. We have seen an unprecedented collaborative effort with Viasat, the US Space Force, our Norwegian Armed Forces and with Northrop Grumman, and are all looking forward to providing the first dedicated broadband services to users in the real Arctic.”
Future Steps
Following their successful testing, the ASBM-1 and ASBM-2 spacecraft will undergo final readiness activities. They are scheduled to be launched together on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, in mid-2024. Viasat is set to reveal more details about the launch schedule soon.
Conclusion
As Viasat expands its fleet to an impressive 20 satellites, with eight more under development, the Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission stands as a testament to the company’s commitment to connecting the world. This mission not only promises to bring high-speed internet to the Arctic but also symbolizes a leap forward in global satellite communication. As we anticipate the successful launch and operation of ASBM-1 and ASBM-2, we invite our readers to share their thoughts and insights on this groundbreaking venture. What impact do you think this mission will have on Arctic connectivity and global communication? Share your views in the comments below!
