ViaSat-2: The Journey from Construction to Geostationary Orbit
The deployment of high-capacity satellites is a complex orchestration of engineering, international logistics, and precise orbital mechanics. The ViaSat-2 satellite represents a significant milestone in this field, evolving from a construction contract in 2013 to a fully operational asset in geostationary orbit.
Development and Procurement
The foundation for ViaSat-2 was laid in May 2013, when ViaSat awarded the construction contract to Boeing. As the project progressed, the company began securing the commercial viability of the satellite, selling capacity to Xplornet Communications on May 1, 2014.
The path to launch was not without its challenges. In January 2015, SpaceX won the launch contract through an uncontested auction. However, the mission faced uncertainty in June 2015 following the explosion of the SpaceX CRS-7 rocket, which raised concerns regarding the potential impact on the launch window. Ultimately, the launch provider changed; on February 9, 2016, Arianespace announced it had secured the contracts to launch both ViaSat-2 and ViaSat-3 in 2017 and 2019, respectively.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Launch and Orbital Deployment
ViaSat-2 was officially launched on June 1, 2017, by Arianespace from the Guiana Space Centre in French Guiana. While the launch was originally scheduled for April 25, 2017, social unrest in the region surrounding the spaceport caused a brief delay.
The Ascent to Geostationary Orbit
Reaching its final destination required a sophisticated hybrid propulsion approach, which combines two different methods of movement to maximize efficiency:
- Chemical Propulsion: Used for the initial orbit raising phase to move the satellite away from the launch site.
- Electric Propulsion: Used for the final, precise ascent to the target orbit, which was completed in the last week of November 2017.
On December 5, 2017, ViaSat-2 successfully arrived at its designated geostationary orbit (an orbit where the satellite remains fixed over one point on Earth) at 69.9 degrees west longitude. Throughout this entire process, Boeing Satellite Systems International monitored and controlled the spacecraft from their Mission Control Center located in El Segundo, California.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Manufacturer: Boeing
- Launch Provider: Arianespace
- Launch Date: June 1, 2017
- Final Orbit Position: 69.9 degrees west longitude
- Propulsion Type: Hybrid (Chemical and Electric)
- Control Center: El Segundo, California
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| May 2013 | Construction contract awarded to Boeing |
| May 1, 2014 | Capacity sold to Xplornet Communications |
| January 2015 | Initial launch contract awarded to SpaceX |
| February 9, 2016 | Arianespace wins launch contracts for ViaSat-2 and ViaSat-3 |
| June 1, 2017 | Successful launch from Guiana Space Centre |
| December 5, 2017 | Arrival at geostationary orbit |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who built the ViaSat-2 satellite?
The construction contract for the ViaSat-2 satellite was awarded to Boeing in May 2013.
Why was the launch of ViaSat-2 delayed?
The launch was originally scheduled for April 25, 2017, but was delayed until June 1, 2017, due to social unrest affecting the area around the Guiana Space Centre.
What is a hybrid propulsion approach?
A hybrid propulsion approach uses both traditional chemical propulsion for the initial orbit raising and electric propulsion for the final ascent to the target orbit.
Where is ViaSat-2 located in space?
ViaSat-2 is positioned in a geostationary orbit at 69.9 degrees west longitude.
Which company managed the satellite during its orbit raising?
Boeing Satellite Systems International controlled and monitored the satellite from their Mission Control Center in El Segundo, California.