Arctic Broadband Satellites Complete Thermal Vacuum Testing 

Engineers complete testing on the first of the two new satellites for the Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission. Photo via Viasat

Two satellites that will provide high-speed broadband in the Arctic for the Global Xpress service have completed vacuum testing. The two satellites are part of the Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission, which was an Inmarsat mission, and is now part of Viasat following the acquisition.

The mission, managed by Space Norway Heosat and will deploy the two satellites to a Highly Elliptical Orbit (HEO). The satellites are set to enter service in 2024. 

Describing the payloads, Viasat said in an announcement that GX10A and B will be part of “Global Xpress, the company’s global mobile broadband service, which it now operates following the recent acquisition of Inmarsat.”

These satellites are the new combined company’s first satellites not in Geostationary Orbit (GEO). Dag H. Stølan, CEO of Space Norway, said the new system will provide continuous coverage for the Arctic Circle and beyond, and be used for ships, aircraft, government rescue services, and military uses. 

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