US-based communications company Viasat has signed a contract to use spacecraft launch services provider United Launch Alliance’s (ULA’s) Atlas V vehicle for its ViaSat-3 satellite mission.
The mission will involve the launch of one of the ViaSat-3 series spacecrafts aboard an Atlas V 551 configuration vehicle into a high-energy geostationary transfer orbit.
This launch is set to take place between 2020 and 2022 from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, US.
The selection of Atlas V for one of the missions will be the next step. Viasat intends to announce the mission assignments for each of the contracted launch vehicles at a later date.
Viasat said that two of the satellites will focus on the Americas, and Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), respectively.
The company is planning a third ViaSat-3 satellite for the APAC region.
Viasat Space Systems president Dave Ryan said: “ULA is known for providing an innovative launch solution that is focused on mission success, which will allow us to meet our business objectives to bring high-speed, high-quality broadband connectivity to meet end-user demand.”
ULA’s deal with Viasat is the first commercial contract since the company assumed complete responsibility for the marketing and sales of the Atlas V vehicle from Lockheed Martin Commercial Launch Services.
ULA president and CEO Tory Bruno said: “ULA’s Atlas V launch vehicle is the most reliable launch vehicle in the world and we could not be more pleased that Viasat, a leading satellite broadband innovator, has recognised the value the Atlas V can offer, and decided to select this rocket to launch its critical commercial communications satellite.”
So far, Atlas V has delivered 78 missions successfully, including 17 commercial ones. It has also launched multiple science missions for NASA.
