ViaSat1

ViaSat1 is a high-capacity geostationary communications satellite operated by Viasat Inc. Launched on October 19, 2011, aboard a Proton rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome, it was the first satellite designed to offer satellite broadband internet service at speeds comparable to terrestrial broadband. Its primary mission was to provide high-speed internet access to unserved and underserved areas, particularly in North America.

The satellite utilizes a Ka-band frequency, which allows for significantly higher bandwidth compared to traditional L-band or C-band satellites. This enables it to deliver download speeds of up to 100 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 10 Mbps. ViaSat1's innovative spot-beam technology, which focuses its transmission power on specific geographic regions, is crucial to its high performance. This allows for efficient reuse of frequencies and maximizes capacity.

ViaSat1 has been instrumental in Viasat's strategy to bridge the digital divide. Its services are used for residential internet, in-flight Wi-Fi for airlines, and connectivity for businesses and government agencies. The satellite's success paved the way for subsequent Viasat satellites, such as ViaSat2, which further expanded its global coverage and capacity. ViaSat1 continues to be a key component of Viasat's satellite broadband network.