Two Viasat satellites were successfully launched last night during the Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission led by Space Norway’s Heosat subsidiary. The ASBM-1 and ASBM-2 satellites were carried on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket that launched from Vandenburg Air Force Base in Southern California.
Following placement into their highly elliptical orbital paths, Viasat will conduct testing and integration before the satellites enter service in mid-2025. The orbits will enable Viasat to expand its Ka-band high-speed satcom in Arctic regions with dedicated service in an area that doesn’t have full coverage from existing geostationary orbit satellites. The ASBM-1 and ASBM-2 satellites host Viasat’s GX10A and GX10B Ka-band payloads.
“With the successful launch of the ASBM satellites, we are a major step closer to providing broadband to civilian, government, and military users in the Arctic, which is the primary reason for this mission,” said Space Norway program director Kjell-Ove Skare. “This common goal has been the driving factor for Viasat, as well as for all parties involved in the ASBM program. It has truly been an excellent collaborative effort.”