Falcon Heavy launches ViaSat-3 F3 from Kennedy Space Center

SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy launched Viasat’s ViaSat-3 F3 communications satellite from Kennedy Space Center on April 29, and Viasat says the spacecraft is now healthy in orbit.

The company said the satellite acquired signal shortly after separation, confirming a successful launch and early on-orbit check. The mission lifted off from Launch Complex 39A after a delay from an earlier April 27 target.

ViaSat-3 F3 is the third satellite in Viasat’s high-capacity ViaSat-3 network. The company says it is intended to deliver more than 1 Tbps of capacity over the Asia-Pacific region.

The launch is an important milestone for both SpaceX and Viasat after weather pushed the flight back by two days. Viasat said the spacecraft is healthy and that further checkout will continue before the satellite enters service later in 2026.

The mission adds another major commercial launch to Falcon Heavy’s record and gives Viasat a key step toward expanding its satellite communications coverage.