Key insights
- Viasat's ViaSat-3 F3 satellite is scheduled to launch on April 27, completing its three-satellite constellation. The satellite aims to provide increased bandwidth over the Asia-Pacific region. While Viasat has experienced losses, analysts predict profitability this year. InvestingPro analysis suggests the stock may be overvalued. The launch and completion of the satellite constellation could positively influence investor sentiment, but valuation concerns may temper enthusiasm.
CARLSBAD, Calif. - Viasat Inc. (NASDAQ:VSAT) announced Sunday that its ViaSat-3 F3 satellite is scheduled to launch on April 27 during an 85-minute window opening at 10:21 a.m. EDT from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The satellite company’s stock has surged 640% over the past year, trading near its 52-week high of $64.46 with a current market capitalization of $8.5 billion.
The satellite will launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket from Launch Complex 39A. The Falcon Heavy will deliver the satellite to a transfer orbit, where electric propulsion will guide it to geostationary orbit over several months.
ViaSat-3 F3 is designed to provide more than 1 terabit per second of throughput over the Asia-Pacific region. The satellite will undergo in-orbit testing before entering service, expected by late summer 2026, according to the company’s press release statement.
The satellite will complete Viasat’s three-satellite ViaSat-3 constellation. ViaSat-3 F1 entered service in 2024. ViaSat-3 F2 is currently undergoing in-orbit testing, with its reflector completing deployment. The company stated that final deployments for F2 are expected to be completed over the next several weeks after delays caused by the spring eclipse season.
"ViaSat-3 F3 will substantially increase capacity that is secure, reliable and highly flexible for customers operating in APAC while delivering greater bandwidth economics," said Mark Dankberg, Chairman and CEO of Viasat.While the company posted a loss of $2.55 per share over the last twelve months, analysts predict Viasat will turn profitable this year. According to InvestingPro analysis, which offers comprehensive insights on over 1,400 US stocks including detailed Pro Research Reports, the stock currently appears overvalued based on Fair Value metrics.
The satellites are designed to provide bandwidth for commercial mobility, fixed services and defense customers. Viasat stated that ViaSat-3 F3 will introduce new capabilities including resilience features for U.S. and international government customers.
Viasat completed its acquisition of Inmarsat in May 2023. The company operates with offices in 24 countries.
The launch window is subject to change.
In other recent news, ViaSat Inc. reported its fiscal third-quarter 2026 earnings, surprising analysts with an earnings per share (EPS) of $0.79, significantly surpassing the forecast of -$0.46. However, the company’s revenue slightly missed expectations, coming in at $1.16 billion compared to the anticipated $1.17 billion. Despite the earnings beat, the revenue shortfall raised investor concerns. In another development, Barclays upgraded ViaSat’s stock rating to Equalweight from Underweight, citing the company’s approaching free cash flow break-even and the upcoming launch of a key satellite. Needham also raised its price target for ViaSat to $58 from $45, maintaining a Buy rating, following discussions with CEO Mark Dankberg. The company recently demonstrated satellite-enabled voice calling for vehicles at the Mobile World Congress 2026, in collaboration with Cubic³, Qualcomm Technologies, and Fraunhofer IIS. This technology aims to enhance driver safety and emergency access when cellular networks are unavailable.
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