The world’s most powerful communications satellite ViaSat-1 is scheduled to launch atop a Proton-M rocket from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 2:48 pm ET.
Video courtesy of SpaceflightNow via LiveStream
ViaSat says the new Ka-band satellite will carry more bandwidth than all the other satellites over North America combined, with 140 Gbps of throughput. In addition to ground-based television and data products, ViaSat-1 will provide internet for JetBlue’s planned in-flight broadband services. The airline said it would be hosting launch viewing parties for its employees around the country.
75% of the continental United States will be reached by ViaSat-1, as well as most populated areas of Alaska, Hawaii and Canada.
The 191 ft tall Proton M/Breeze M launch vehicle will weigh 1,554,000 lb at liftoff, including the 14,859 lb mass of the satellite itself.
