Global communications major Viasat launches new satellite to serve Asia-Pacific region

US-based global satellite communications service provider Viasat Inc. has announced the successful launch and initial signal acquisition of the ViaSat-3 Flight 3 (F3) satellite to offer services over the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region.

Designed to deliver over 1 Terabit per second (Tbps) of throughput capacity, the satellite leverages innovative payload design, and advanced beam‑forming technology to optimise and steer immense capacity in real time, maximising spectral efficiency and enabling bandwidth to be concentrated where demand and returns are highest, the company said.

“The successful launch of ViaSat‑3 F3 is an exciting moment for Viasat as we aim to add significant capacity and expanded connectivity for users across India and the wider Asia‑Pacific region. Expected to enter service later in 2026, this satellite is designed to deliver an unprecedented combination of ultra‑high capacity, flexibility, and resilience to support services across markets”, Gautam Sharma, Managing Director, Viasat India said. 

"ViaSat-3 F3 will enable us to dynamically deliver bandwidth where and when it’s needed most, whether that’s along busy aviation corridors, major maritime routes, remote communities, or for government operations. This underscores Viasat’s long‑term commitment to enabling regional and global network services with secure, high‑performance connectivity that scales with demand," he added.

ViaSat‑3 F3 completes Viasat’s next generation ViaSat‑3 satellite constellation and marks a key milestone in the company’s global, multi‑orbit network strategy. With ViaSat‑3 F1 in service since 2024 and ViaSat‑3 F2’s in-orbit testing advancing, the launch of F3 positions Viasat to further scale global capacity and performance.

"As we celebrate the successful launch of ViaSat-3 F3, it’s once again important to recognise this achievement as a testament to the dedication and expertise of hundreds of Viasat team members and the close collaboration with our partners. ViaSat-3 F3 will provide greater resilience for government and commercial mobility users, leveraging powerful beam forming capabilities to quickly deliver bandwidth in and around geopolitical and other hot spots. As we look forward, our ViaSat-3 satellites will significantly scale our overall network’s performance, strengthening our ability to deliver the capacity for key growth initiatives globally," Mark Dankberg, Chairman and CEO, Viasat said.

Viasat is a longstanding technology partner to the Government of India and provides strategic satellite communication services across multiple sectors. These include supporting disaster response networks, tsunami early warning systems through the National Institute of Ocean Technology, and vessel tracking and monitoring for the Directorate General of Shipping. Viasat also provides aeronautical connectivity for both private and government aircraft in India.

Recently, in January, public sector Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. (BSNL) had announced a partnership with Viasat to support the next phase of the Indian Navy’s satellite communications upgrade programme in January. Under an agreement signed between BSNL and the Indian Defense Forces, Viasat’s high-capacity Ka-band satellite systems is to be used alongside its existing L-band infrastructure to deliver enhanced, resilient, and secure connectivity for Indian naval platforms.