SpaceX is preparing to launch the final ViaSat-3 satellite on a Falcon Heavy rocket from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. The mission, scheduled for Monday at 10:21 a.m. EDT, will be the first Falcon Heavy launch in over 18 months. The rocket will carry the six-metric-ton satellite to a geosynchronous transfer orbit, with deployment expected nearly five hours after liftoff. The two side boosters are expected to land at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, a routine part of Falcon Heavy missions.
The launch marks the end of a decade-long effort for Viasat. Dave Abrahamian, Viasat’s vice president of Satellite Systems, called it “kind of the end of an era.” He noted the company has grown significantly since the program began, launching two ViaSat-3 satellites, merging with Inmarsat, and preparing a third satellite for deployment. “It’s a different world now than when we started,” Abrahamian said, reflecting on the program’s evolution from a handful of satellites in orbit to a major global communications network.
The Falcon Heavy will fly on an easterly trajectory from Launch Complex 39A, with an 85-minute launch window opening at 10:21 a.m. EDT. Spaceflight Now will provide live coverage starting about two hours before liftoff. Weather forecasts from the 45th Weather Squadron indicate a 70% chance of favorable conditions, though meteorologists are monitoring potential issues with cumulus cloud formations and surface electric fields. A Carolina Low is expected to push a weak cold front through central Florida early Monday, which could influence cloud cover during the launch window.
The position of the frontal boundary will determine whether cloud violations occur, according to launch weather officers. The sea breeze, which typically develops in the morning, could interact with the cold front, potentially affecting visibility. Despite the weather concerns, the launch team remains confident in the timeline, with no delays announced as of now. The mission represents a significant milestone for both SpaceX and Viasat as they transition to the next phase of their operations.