Boeing ViaSat-3 F3 satellite launches successfully from Kennedy Space Center

Boeing (NYSE: BA) mission controllers confirmed the ViaSat-3 F3 satellite is operating normally following its launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket at 10:13 a.m. ET from Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

The satellite separated from the rocket approximately five hours after launch. Boeing's Mission Control team in El Segundo, California acquired the satellite's signal and confirmed command capability before beginning spacecraft initialization activities.

ViaSat-3 F3 is designed to provide broadband connectivity services to commercial mobility, fixed services, and defense customers in the Asia-Pacific region. The spacecraft utilizes Boeing's 702MP+ platform and will operate from geostationary orbit at 22,000 miles above Earth's surface.

"The launch of Viasat-3 F3 marks a major milestone in our partnership with Viasat," said Ryan Reid, president of Boeing Satellite Systems International. "By combining Boeing's best-in-class satellite platform with Viasat's innovative payload, we're delivering the highest capacity communication satellites ever launched."

The satellite represents the third spacecraft launched for the ViaSat-3 program. Boeing will deploy the satellite's solar arrays, produced by subsidiary Spectrolab, and a radiator panel to support electric propulsion systems that will guide the satellite to its operational orbit.

Electric propulsion enables the satellite to reach geostationary orbit with improved fuel efficiency compared to traditional chemical propulsion systems. Boeing will transfer control of the satellite to Viasat for service entry following completion of on-orbit testing by both companies.

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