SpaceX launched the Viasat-3 F3 satellite from Launch Complex 39A at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on October 5, 2023. The mission marks the third satellite in Viasat’s constellation designed to expand high-speed internet coverage across the globe. The Falcon 9 rocket carried the satellite into orbit, with the first stage landing on a drone ship in the Atlantic Ocean. Viasat officials said the satellite will enhance connectivity for millions of users, particularly in underserved regions.
The Viasat-3 F3 satellite is part of a $3 billion project to deploy three satellites capable of delivering internet speeds up to 100 times faster than current systems. Each satellite weighs about 6,500 pounds and features advanced Ka-band and Ku-band technologies. SpaceX’s reuse of a previously flown Falcon 9 booster highlighted the company’s focus on reducing launch costs. The mission also included a test of Starlink’s satellite internet service, which has been expanding in Brevard County since 2020.
Local businesses and residents have welcomed the increased aerospace activity, which has brought new jobs and investment to the area. The Kennedy Space Center and surrounding communities have seen a surge in interest from companies involved in satellite manufacturing and data transmission. However, some residents expressed concerns about increased traffic and noise near the launch site.
Viasat plans to complete the constellation by 2025, with the final satellite expected to launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The project is expected to create hundreds of jobs in Brevard County, though exact numbers have not been disclosed. SpaceX’s continued use of Cape Canaveral underscores the region’s growing role in commercial spaceflight.