Led by Space Norway's subsidiary Heosat, the mission will deploy two satellites in a highly elliptical orbit (HEO), marking the first-ever HEO mission to carry a broadband commercial service payload. The satellites, ASBM-1 and ASBM-2, will host Viasat's GX10A and GX10B Ka-band payloads, which will extend Viasat's high-speed global network to cover the Arctic region.
After launch, the satellites will be positioned in their designated orbits before undergoing technical testing and integration. The GX10A and GX10B payloads are expected to be operational by early to mid-2025.
As the Arctic continues to attract attention from governments, commercial mobility customers, and researchers, the demand for connectivity in the region is increasing. These new payloads will enhance Viasat's coverage area, bolstering its global network with a dedicated capacity for the Arctic.
In addition to the ASBM mission, Viasat is expanding its high-speed broadband capabilities with five more Ka-band satellites currently under construction, which are scheduled to enter service over the next few years.
Mark Dickinson, Head of Space Systems at Viasat, expressed his gratitude, stating: "We would like to thank Space Norway and our project partners for their continued hard work, collaboration, and vision to make this project a reality. I would also like to thank our highly skilled experts. They will now focus on bringing these payloads into service and creating the flexibility, coverage, and connectivity our customers need - wherever they operate."
Kjell-Ove Skare, Space Norway Program Director, commented on the milestone: "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. 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."
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