Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Space
  • /
  • Viasat's second Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission satellite completes thermal vacuum test

Space

Viasat's second Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission satellite completes thermal vacuum test

Viasat's second satellite in the upcoming Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission has completed thermal vacuum testing at Northrop Grumman’s Dulles, Virginia, site, marking a significant milestone as the project looks to connect the Arctic region with high speed broadband in the second half of 2024.

Image courtesy Viasat

The mission, led by the Space Norway subsidiary Heosat, will see two satellites deployed in a highly elliptical orbit (HEO) in the world’s first HEO mission carrying a broadband commercial service payload. The two satellites – ASBM-1 and ASBM-2 – will host Viasat’s GX-10a and GX-10b Ka-band payloads, extending Viasat’s high-speed global network across the Arctic region.

Advertisement
Siemens rectangle

The spacecraft are designed to integrate as part of Viasat’s wider satellite fleet and extend the coverage of its Ka-band network beyond that available from geostationary satellites. The payloads will be Viasat’s first in non-geostationary orbit and will become a key element of its co-operative hybrid network. Once launched, these new payloads will increase Viasat’s fleet size to 20, with an additional eight under development.

The Arctic has rapidly growing connectivity needs to serve governments, shipping companies, commercial airlines and scientists. In October 2023, the UK Government’s Environmental Audit Committee called for a greater political focus on the region and further research into the potential for environmental and economic impacts of changing weather patterns. Alongside GX10a and b, the spacecraft will host payloads for the Norwegian Armed Forces and the US Space Force.

Mark Dickinson, Head of Space Systems, Viasat, said: “We have been talking with our customers, partners and shareholders about how the combination with Inmarsat has given us a new scale and scope to deliver new solutions to meet our customers’ requirements. This is an example of what that means in practice. The investment we’ve made in our network is creating the flexibility, coverage and interoperability to meaningfully connect the world wherever and whenever our customers need it – even if they happen to be standing on the North Pole.”

Space Norway Programme Director, Kjell-Ove Skare, said: “With both satellites through the thermal vacuum test we are really closing in on making this strategically important capability real. We have seen an unprecedented collaborative effort with Viasat, the US Space Force, our Norwegian Armed Forces and with Northrop Grumman and are all looking forward to providing the first dedicated broadband services to users in the real Arctic.”

The ASBM-1 and ASBM-2 spacecraft will now undergo their final testing and readiness activities. Once complete, they will be transferred to Vandenberg Space Force Base, California and launched together on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket in mid-2024. The company will share further details on the launch schedule once confirmed.

Advertisement
Amentum rectangle

 

 

 

Space projects to unlock climate and transport innovations

Space

Space projects to unlock climate and transport innovations

16 September 2025

Six innovative projects will use satellite technology and AI to transform how Britain tackles climate change, manages transport networks and supports accessible travel, following £1.5 million in UK Space Agency funding.

ADS reveals 2024 value of aerospace, defence, security and space to Scotland

Aerospace Defence Security Space

ADS reveals 2024 value of aerospace, defence, security and space to Scotland

11 September 2025

The aerospace, defence, security and space sectors added £3.7 billion to Scotland’s economy in 2024, according to new data from ADS, equating to a 55% increase between 2020 and 2024.

Andrew Stanniland appointed as Managing Director, MDA Space UK

Space

Andrew Stanniland appointed as Managing Director, MDA Space UK

10 September 2025

MDA Space Ltd. has appointed Andrew Stanniland as Managing Director, MDA Space UK, effective from today.

Filtronic secures record breaking SpaceX order

Space

Filtronic secures record breaking SpaceX order

9 September 2025

Sedgefield based designer and manufacturer of advanced RF and microwave solutions, Filtronic, has secured its largest ever contract - valued at £47.3 million ($62.5m) - with its long-standing customer, SpaceX, for the Starlink high-speed internet service.

Advertisement
Leonardo
Oxford Space Systems and Lacuna Space deploy two helical antennas

Space

Oxford Space Systems and Lacuna Space deploy two helical antennas

5 September 2025

Oxford Space Systems and Lacuna Space have successfully deployed an additional two Oxford Space Systems helical antennas to add to Lacuna Space’s growing satellite Internet of Things (IoT) constellation.

Boeing X-37B Spaceplane launches on eighth mission

Space

Boeing X-37B Spaceplane launches on eighth mission

27 August 2025

The Boeing built X 37B Orbital Test Vehicle has launched on its eighth mission, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 from Kennedy Space Center, Florida and the vehicle is healthy on orbit and standard checkout.

Advertisement
ODU RT