Boeing is building the ViaSat 3 satellites based on this 702 platform. Photo: Boeing

The first ViaSat-3 payload module structure, built by Boeing, arrived at Viasat‘s Tempe, Arizona facility. With the initial payload module structure now at Viasat’s facility, Viasat can begin payload integration and testing for the first ViaSat-3 class satellite that is scheduled to provide broadband service over the Americas, starting in 2020.

Viasat will build the ViaSat-3 satellite payload, integrate the payload into the Boeing-provided payload module structure and test the integrated payload. Boeing will provide the scalable 702 satellite platform, spacecraft integration and environmental testing, launch vehicle integration and mission operations services.

The ViaSat-3 class of Ka-band satellites is expected to provide unprecedented capabilities in terms of service speed and flexibility for a satellite platform, according to the release. The first two satellites will focus on the Americas and on Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), respectively, with a third satellite planned for the Asia Pacific region, completing Viasat’s global service coverage. Each ViaSat-3 class satellite is expected to deliver more than one terabit per second of network capacity, and to leverage high levels of flexibility to dynamically direct capacity to where customers are located.