Viasat launches Arctic satellite services for government use

Published 12/05/2025, 12:14
Viasat launches Arctic satellite services for government use

CARLSBAD, Calif. - Viasat Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a satellite communications company with a market capitalization of $1.25 billion and impressive revenue growth of 19% over the last twelve months, has announced the availability of its GX10A and GX10B satellite payloads for government services, with plans to extend services to commercial maritime and aviation sectors during fiscal year 2026. According to InvestingPro analysis, the company appears undervalued at its current trading price of $9.69. Following successful in-orbit testing completed last year, these payloads were launched in August 2024 from Vandenberg Space Force Base and are part of the Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission (ASBM) spacecraft, ASBM-1 and ASBM-2, operated by Space Norway.

The GX10A and GX10B payloads are designed to enhance broadband satellite coverage over the Arctic, addressing the increasing connectivity demands in the region. These services are expected to benefit government operations, commercial mobility, and scientific research by providing uninterrupted high-speed Ka-band connectivity across land, sea, and air, especially over the polar areas. With the company’s upcoming earnings report scheduled for May 21, 2025, InvestingPro data shows that analysts are optimistic about Viasat’s prospects, with multiple analysts revising their earnings estimates upward for the upcoming period.

Girish Chandran, Viasat’s Chief Technology Officer and President, Global Space Networks, expressed gratitude to the project partners and acknowledged the importance of these payloads in delivering the coverage and connectivity their customers require. Susan Miller, President of Viasat Government, highlighted the significance of the services for Arctic region operations, emphasizing their role in supporting scientific endeavors and ensuring resilient communications for government missions.

In addition to the GX10A and GX10B payloads, Viasat is constructing five new Ka-band satellites to further expand its broadband capacity and capabilities for government and commercial customers. These satellites are expected to enter service in the coming years, contributing to Viasat’s multi-orbit service offerings.

The announcement underscores Viasat’s commitment to developing a global communications network aimed at providing secure, fast, and reliable connections worldwide. The integration of these payloads marks Viasat’s first extension of network services beyond geostationary orbit, particularly targeting the Arctic region’s unique requirements. While the company trades at an attractive Price/Book ratio of 0.26, InvestingPro subscribers can access over 10 additional key insights and a comprehensive Pro Research Report, offering deeper analysis of Viasat’s financial health and growth potential.

This expansion is part of Viasat’s broader strategy following its May 2023 acquisition of Inmarsat, which combined the resources and technologies of both companies to create a new leader in global communications. The information provided is based on a press release statement from Viasat, Inc.

In other recent news, Viasat Inc. has announced the early redemption of its 5.625% Senior Notes, originally due in September 2025, using available cash to cover the $442,550,000 principal amount. This strategic move, confirmed in an SEC filing, is expected to impact Viasat’s debt profile and future interest obligations. Additionally, Viasat has integrated Telesat Lightspeed Low Earth Orbit capacity into its network to enhance connectivity services, particularly in the mobility and defense sectors. This collaboration aims to improve broadband services with advanced multi-orbit capabilities. In personnel changes, Viasat’s Executive Vice President and Chief Corporate Officer, Kevin Harkenrider, will retire by the end of June 2025, though he will remain as a non-executive employee until the year’s end. The company has yet to announce his successor. Meanwhile, Viasat has maintained its inflight connectivity partnership with American Airlines, which will now offer complimentary Wi-Fi on aircraft equipped with Viasat technology. Despite facing competition from SpaceX’s Starlink, Viasat continues to play a significant role in American Airlines’ connectivity services.

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