astranis’s Block 2 Satellites Pass Early Tests, Set to Revolutionize Regional Broadband Coverage
TAMPA, Fla. — In a significant milestone for regional satellite broadband, Astranis announced on January 10 that all four of its recently launched Block 2 satellites have successfully passed initial tests and are now using electric propulsion to reach geostationary orbit. These satellites, which were launched on a Falcon 9 rocket on December 29,represent a leap forward in the company’s mission to provide affordable,high-speed internet to underserved regions.
The block 2 satellites feature multiple upgrades over Astranis’s debut spacecraft, Arcturus, which encountered a critical malfunction during final testing in May 2023. The failure of both solar array drive assemblies on Arcturus—used to position solar panels that power the satellite—prevented it from fulfilling its original mission to provide continuous broadband over Alaska for local telco Pacific Dataport.Though,the Block 2 series has shown no such issues. Initial tests included placing the satellites in a sun-pointing mode to maximize power generation, a crucial step for ensuring optimal performance. “We’ve spent a week and a half checking out and testing every subsystem on the spacecraft, and everything looks fantastic,” said Astranis CEO John Gedmark in an email statement. “We are now through initial commissioning, with all systems operating nominally, and we’ve kicked off electric orbit raise.many potential mission risks are now behind us, and all four satellites came out the other side in great shape.”
Key Upgrades and Capabilities
Astranis has equipped the Block 2 satellites with several advanced features, including new software-defined radios, a gimbal system designed to extend operational life from seven to at least eight years, and a reflector capable of delivering 12 gigabits per second of Ka-band throughput. These enhancements position the satellites to deliver robust broadband services to their respective regions.
The company is operating the spacecraft on behalf of customers who have leased their broadband capacity. Services are expected to go live by mid-2025.
Regional Coverage and Future Plans
The Block 2 satellites are tailored for specific regional needs:
- NuView Alpha and NuView Bravo: These two satellites will provide coverage across the Americas for inflight connectivity provider Anuvu.
- Agila: Designed to deliver broadband services across the Philippines for local internet service provider HTechCorp.
- UtilitySat: A multi-mission spacecraft that will initially cover Mexico for Apco networks, a Mexican telecommunications company.
Looking ahead, Astranis is already preparing for its next launch. The block 3 series, set to launch later this year on an undisclosed rocket, will include a replacement satellite for Pacific Dataport, another spacecraft for Orbits Corp, and a satellite for thai fleet operator Thaicom.
A New Era for GEO Satellites
Each block 2 satellite weighs approximately 400 kilograms—roughly the size of a dishwasher—and is designed for smaller regional coverage. This contrasts sharply with conventional geostationary orbit (GEO) satellites, which are typically the size of a school bus and cater to broader, often global, coverage areas.
Astranis’s approach represents a paradigm shift in satellite technology, offering a cost-effective and scalable solution for regional broadband needs.
Summary of Key Points
| Feature | Details |
|—————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Satellite Series | Block 2 |
| launch Date | December 29, 2024 |
| Launch Vehicle | Falcon 9 |
| Weight | 400 kilograms (size of a dishwasher) |
| Key Upgrades | Software-defined radios, extended gimbal life, 12 Gbps ka-band throughput |
| Customers | Anuvu (Americas), HTechCorp (Philippines), Apco Networks (Mexico) |
| Operational Timeline | Services expected by mid-2025 |
Astranis’s Block 2 satellites are poised to redefine regional broadband connectivity, offering a scalable and efficient choice to traditional GEO satellites. With their successful early tests and advanced capabilities, these satellites are on track to bring high-speed internet to underserved regions across the globe.
For more updates on Astranis’s groundbreaking work in satellite technology,visit their official website.
