Viasat, a prominent global communications company, has announced that its Inmarsat-6 F2 (I6 F2) satellite, which was launched on February 18, 2023, has faced an unexpected power subsystem anomaly while undergoing its orbit raising phase.
Viasat, in collaboration with Airbus, the satellite’s manufacturer, is actively investigating the cause of this anomaly and evaluating the satellite’s ability to fulfill its intended mission. Airbus has indicated that this occurrence is unparalleled in its history — none of its geostationary telecommunication satellites have previously encountered an in-orbit failure.
Carlsbad, California-based Viasat in May announced the completion of its acquisition of Inmarsat.
Importantly, the anomaly with I6 F2 does not disrupt ongoing customer services, and Viasat does not foresee a substantial impact on the previously discussed financial outlook, including revenue and Adjusted EBITDA growth, as communicated in a letter to shareholders dated August 9, 2023.
The expenses related to manufacturing and launching the I6 F2 satellite were insured, and near-term financial liquidity is expected to improve. Notably, the twin satellite, Inmarat-6 F1 (I6 F1), launched in December 2021, remains operational and is performing as anticipated.
Mark Dankberg, Chairman and CEO of Viasat, emphasized the initial purpose of I6 F2, stating, “I6 F2’s initial mission was essentially to provide spare L-band and four Gbps of additional Ka-band capacity, consistent with deploying and operating a resilient, redundant network.”
Viasat’s satellite fleet is a critical component of its resilience and growth strategy. The I6 satellites were designed to enhance the geostationary L-band satellite fleet by supplementing capacity and bolstering redundant coverage.
Alongside the existing L-band satellite fleet, Viasat is actively constructing three more L-band satellites—collectively known as Inmarsat-8 satellites—to reinforce the company’s global safety services. Furthermore, I6 F2 was equipped with an additional four Gbps of Ka-band capacity, aimed at enhancing flexibility for the legacy Inmarsat Global Xpress (GX) Ka-band fleet.
Viasat currently has 11 operational Ka-band satellites and access to partner satellites. The company is also in the process of building seven additional Ka-band satellites, a move that is expected to sustain and enhance its expanding global mobility services.
