Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission’s First Satellite Achieves Testing Milestone

Viasat and Space Norway have successfully completed the thermal vacuum testing of the first of the two satellites for the Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission.

Space Norway Heosat manages the mission and the project will involve two satellites being deployed in a highly elliptical orbit (HEO) above the Earth. The satellites, which will operate in an oval-shaped orbit around the poles, will speed up when over the South Pole and slow down above the North Pole, tagging each other to deliver persistent coverage of the northernmost region of Earth.

The satellites will carry Viasat’s GX10A and B payloads and aim to connect users in the Far North with high-speed broadband in 2024.

Viasat says the GX10A and B payloads aboard these two HEO satellites are expected to extend Global Xpress, the company’s global mobile broadband service, which it now operates following the recent acquisition of Inmarsat.

The Arctic Circle is a rapidly growing connectivity region for commercial airlines, scientists and other sectors.

Viasat’s President, Guru Gowrappan, said: “Arctic connectivity is urgent because it supports scientific research, enables new trade routes, and underpins strategic government action in a new geopolitical landscape.

“This project is about developing our networks ahead of that need by providing high-quality mobile broadband services for travel in and out of the Arctic. I would like to thank Space Norway for their continued collaboration as we enable meaningful connections for a better, safer, more connected world.”