A rendering of the ViaSat-3 constellation. Photo: Viasat

The ViaSat-3 Americas satellite has completed its final integrated satellite test (FIST), Viasat confirmed Monday. This ensures the satellite’s payload and bus systems work after mechanical environmental testing, which simulated the launch of the spacecraft.

The satellite has now progressed to the flight final phase of integration where it is undergoing final build-up to its flight configuration. Boeing manufactured the spacecraft bus. 

“Completion of FIST is a significant milestone as we move towards spacecraft delivery and launch,” said Ryan Reid, president of Boeing Satellite Systems International. “We’ve validated the design and workmanship of the spacecraft after integration of our powerful 702 platform with Viasat’s ultra-high throughput payload. These are some of the final steps as we prepare the spacecraft for delivery to launch.”

The satellite has been delayed multiple times, and its expected launch recently slipped to 2023. Viasat said in its most recent financial update that the specific date will depend on high priority U.S. government/military launches at the same launch pad. The operator revised 2023 fiscal year financial targets due to the further delay.