X Report 6 Aug 2025
SpaceX has adapted Pad 1 for Ship Static Fire tests while addressing the recent downtime at Massey’s, showcasing its commitment to maintaining launch schedules despite setbacks.
VIASAT-2 (42740)
COSPAR: 2017-029A | Alt Name: ViaSat-2
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
June 1, 2017
Launch Site
FRGUI
Launch Pad
ELA3
Launch Vehicle
Ariane 5ECA
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
42740
International Designator
2017-029A
Epoch
Thu, 02 Jul 2026 13:38:57 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
0.02°
Right Ascension
295.96°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
128.68°
Period
1436.14 min
Mean Motion
1.00 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
VIASAT-2
Alternative Name
ViaSat-2
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
VIA
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 42740U 17029A 26183.56872633 -.00000254 00000-0 00000+0 0 9997
2 42740 0.0220 295.9562 0000414 128.6843 350.8345 1.00269077 33356
Source: Celestrak
Summary
VIASAT-2, also known as ViaSat-2, is a communication satellite launched by BOES on June 1, 2017, from ELA3 in French Guiana using an Ariane 5ECA launch vehicle. It has a configuration of BSS-702HP and measures 6 meters in length with a diameter of 2 meters and a span of 34 meters. The satellite's dry mass is 3,500 kg while its launch mass was 6,418 kg. ViaSat-2 is equipped with a Ka-Band high-throughput payload and two deployable solar arrays along with batteries for power. Its mission is to provide communication services and it has an expected lifetime of 14 years. The satellite's shape consists of a box design with two panels attached, and it belongs to the owner VIA.
Physical Characteristics
Length
6
Diameter
2
Span
34
Dry Mass
3500
Launch Mass
6418
Shape
Box + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
ViaSat-2
Purpose
Communication
Mission
Communication
Manufacturer
BOES
Life Expectancy
+14 years
Bus
BSS-702HP
Configuration
BSS-702HP
Motor
R-4D
Equipment
Ka-Band high-throughput payload
Power System
2 deployable solar arrays, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Artemis 2 Targets April 1 Lunar Flyby with 4-Person Crew | KeepTrack Space Brief
NASA's Artemis 2 launches April 1 with Commander Reid Wiseman and 3 crew members for first crewed lunar flyby since Apollo 17 in 1972.
Starship V3 Static Fire Sets Up Flight 12, X Report 16 Apr 2026
Starship V3 completes its first full-duration static fire in April 2026, with Flight 12 targeting May. Dual Falcon 9s push Starlink to 10,242 working.
Space Force Acquisition Workforce Shortfall Threatens Modernization | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force modernization stalls over workforce gaps. Deutsche Telekom targets 2028 for Starlink Mobile V2 across 10 EU nations. Iran ops strain US munition stocks.
China Caps Record Year With 92 Orbital Launches, New Reusable Rocket Planned | KeepTrack Space Brief
China hits record 92 orbital launches in 2025. Vandenberg opens new launch site for providers. Former ULA CEO Tory Bruno joins Blue Origin for national security projects.
The Looming Crisis of Orbital Debris
As humanity increasingly relies on satellites, the escalating space junk problem poses a dire threat to our space-based infrastructure. With debris counts reaching alarming levels, urgent action is needed to prevent a cascade of collisions that could make key orbits unusable.
X Report 14 Nov 2025
SpaceX progresses on Starship testing while Rocket Lab delays its Neutron rocket debut, potentially impacting the competitive landscape in space launches.
X Report 7 Oct 2025
SpaceX successfully launched 28 Starlink satellites on October 7, further expanding its broadband constellation while hosting an active launch schedule this week.