Rendering of ViaSat-3 in orbit. Photo: ViaSat-3

Viasat has started service on the first ViaSat-3 satellite, which suffered an anomaly after it was launched last year. ViaSat-3 F1 is now available for aviation customers operating over North America, including routes servicing Hawaii. 

Viasat announced the entry into service on Aug. 5, along with a new constellation management software. 

The satellite antenna had an anomaly with its antenna deployment that caused the satellite to deliver around 10% of its expected capacity. However, all the other systems operate normally and the operator said the satellite is still able to support high-speed broadband services for aviation customers over North America. 

“Bringing ViaSat-3 F1 into commercial service for aviation customers will significantly enhance the passenger experience available over North America, including streaming content and staying in touch with the world when flying,” commented Jimmy Dodd, president of Viasat’s Aviation segment. 

​​Viasat submitted an insurance claim for the satellite. In May, the operator had collected about 55% of the $421 million expected.

Viasat said in Monday’s announcement that the other two ViaSat-3 satellites are in late stages of production and testing. ViaSat-3 F3 recently completed thermal vacuum testing and ViaSat-3 F2 completed mechanical environmental testing. 

Separately, Viasat also debuted a new automated constellation management software product to coordinate constellation operation and data transport. The Multi-Mission Orchestrator (MMO) solution announced Monday is designed to support proliferated Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations with mission planning and execution.