Atlas V Rocket to Launch ViaSat-3 F2 Communications Satellite Tonight
The United Launch Alliance (ULA) plans to launch the ViaSat-3 F2 satellite to orbit tonight, November 6, following a one-day delay. The heavy-lift Atlas V rocket will lift off from Florida’s Cape Canaveral Space Force Station within a 44-minute window that opens at 10:16 p.m.
The launch, originally scheduled for Wednesday night, was postponed due to a technical issue with the rocket. The ViaSat-3 F2 spacecraft weighs approximately 13,000 pounds (5,900 kilograms).
"You can watch the action live here at Space.com courtesy of ULA, or directly via the company."
Coverage will begin about 20 minutes before liftoff, allowing viewers to follow the mission in real time. If all proceeds as planned, the Atlas V will deploy the ViaSat-3 F2 satellite into a geostationary transfer orbit roughly 3.5 hours after launch.
After separation, the satellite will gradually ascend to geostationary orbit (GEO), located about 22,236 miles (35,786 kilometers) above Earth. At this altitude, a satellite’s orbital period matches Earth’s rotation, allowing it to remain fixed over the same region. This orbit is ideal for communications and surveillance missions.
ViaSat-3 F2 is expected to begin providing broadband internet services to customers in early 2026.
Author’s Summary
The Atlas V rocket will launch ViaSat-3 F2 tonight from Cape Canaveral, aiming to expand global communications with full broadband service expected to begin in 2026.