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.”
We’re disappointed by the recent developments. We’re working closely with the reflector’s manufacturer to try to resolve the issue. We sincerely appreciate their focused efforts and commitment.
– Mark Dankberg, Chairman and CEO, Viasat
Viasat states the event will not cause disruption to customers. Airlines banking on the expanded coverage footprint and boosted capacity to grow their offerings may, however, have a different view of the situation. Without the trio of satellites in service, for example, Delta Air Lines may have trouble delivering on its planned complimentary Wi-Fi service globally as long-haul planes are fitted over the year ahead.
One contingency has Viasat shuffling satellites in the ViaSat-3 constellation, getting the second one into orbit and having it cover the Americas where the first was supposed to serve. The company notes “initial service priority for ViaSat-3 Americas has been to facilitate growth in the company’s North American fixed broadband business.”
Other options include pressing the Ka-band assets from recently acquired Inmarsat into service for expanded Americas coverage, though there are potential terminal compatibility issues.
This is, obviously, very bad news for the company and its growth plans. And also potentially for insurance companies. A $420 million policy claim could be on the horizon.
Until the companies are certain of what caused the reflector deployment issue it also could mean delays in Falcon Heavy launches (Jupiter-3 is expected towards the end of this month) or in the launch of the second ViaSat-3 satellite, expected in Q4.
The company anticipates providing additional guidance on the issues in its next quarterly earnings call on 9 August 2023.
A favor to ask while you're here...
Did you enjoy the content? Or learn something useful? Or generally just think this is the type of story you'd like to see more of? Consider supporting the site through a donation (any amount helps). It helps keep me independent and avoiding the credit card schlock.
Leave a Reply