For the second time this summer Viasat has seen a failure of efforts to grow its global satellite constellation. The I6-F2 satellite, launched in February by Inmarsat, “suffered a power subsystem anomaly during its orbit raising phase” and will not enter service as planned.
Ka-band
Malaysia Airlines picks Viasat for MAX inflight internet, entertainment
Malaysia Airlines’ upcoming fleet of 737 MAX 8 aircraft will offer inflight internet and wireless entertainment on board, powered by Viasat.
Viasat doubles down on interoperability to address short, mid-term capacity challenges
Despite the troubles with its first flagship ViaSat-3 satellite, Viasat continues to maintain a positive outlook. Yes, the lack of capacity from the new satellite over the Americas is a problem. But for the next couple years that should only impact its terrestrial connectivity business, not the higher-margin mobility or government business lines.
Can a quick integration solve Viasat’s predicament
As Viasat works to mitigate the impact of its ViaSat-3 Americans reflector deployment troubles the company’s integration process with Inmarsat may prove a significant factor.
Deployment challenges hamper ViaSat-3 activation
Viasat’s plans to massively increase capacity and coverage with the ViaSat-3 constellation will have to wait a bit longer. After weeks of speculation and rumors the company confirmed “an unexpected event occurred during reflector deployment that may materially impact the performance of the ViaSat-3 Americas satellite.”
Pricing tweaks ahead for Spirit’s in-flight Wi-Fi
Nearly a year after Spirit Airlines formally launched its on-board Wi-Fi program, new plans dynamic pricing models are slated for trial later this year.
Airbus HBCplus Ku-band providers selected
Following the selection of the Safran/ThinKom solution by Airbus for its Ka-band HBCplus inflight connectivity offering in June 2022 the industry has been waiting with baited breath to learn which partners would be selected for the Ku-band offering. This week at Aircraft Interiors Expo 2023 there appears to be an answer.
Stellar Blu secures Boeing line-fit agreement
Stellar Blu just secured a significant boost for its Sidewinder electronically steered antenna (ESA) platform. The company executed an Technical Services Agreement with Boeing that will see the terminal kit as an option for line-fit on the 737 MAX, 787, and 777X types, likely before the end of 2024.
ThinKom, Kontron partner for multi-constellation, multi-orbit, multi-modem IFC terminal
ThinKom and Kontron have partnered to develop a multi-modem terminal capable of supporting multiple constellations across multiple orbital planes.
Viasat closes on Inmarsat purchase
The deal is done: Viasat now owns Inmarsat, completing the multi-billion dollar transaction.