A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is set to launch four MicroGEO satellites for California-based Astranis into a geosynchronous transfer orbit.
The mission, named Astranis: From One to Many, includes the UtilitySat, a satellite designed to move within geostationary Earth orbit during its lifetime to meet varying mission requirements. It will launch alongside three other satellites.
The launch is scheduled for 10:39 p.m. EST (0339 UTC) from Pad 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, with live coverage available through Spaceflight Now, starting about an hour before liftoff.
According to the 45th Weather Squadron, the forecast predicts more than a 95% chance of favorable weather for the launch on Friday night. Meteorologists noted no significant weather concerns that could delay the mission.
“A broad area of high pressure over the central U.S. will bring northwest winds and drier air to the Cape on Friday and Saturday,” they stated. “While the backup day has a slightly higher chance of violating the Cumulus Cloud Rule, weather is expected to remain favorable for either launch window.”
The Falcon 9’s first-stage booster, designated B1077, will fly for the 17th time, having previously supported missions such as Crew-5, GPS 3 Space Vehicle 06, and CRS-28.
Approximately 8.5 minutes after liftoff, B1077 will land on SpaceX’s droneship, A Shortfall of Gravitas, in the Atlantic Ocean. If successful, this will mark the 91st booster landing on the droneship and the 386th landing overall.
The mission patch for the Astranis: From One to Many mission. Graphic: SpaceX
Small Package, Big Impact
The four satellites on board are called MicroGEO satellites, each about the size of a washing machine. Built at Astranis’ facilities in San Francisco, they are designed for an operational lifespan of 8 to 10 years.
Two of the satellites, NuView Alpha and NuView Bravo, will support Anuvu’s aviation and marine customers in North America and the Caribbean. This agreement, announced in July 2021, aims to provide scalable and flexible connectivity solutions for Anuvu’s mobility clients.
Josh Marks, CEO of Anuvu, said in 2021, “Astranis and its MicroGEO satellites will offer Anuvu customers freedom from decades-long contracts and outdated systems. They are quick to market, have mission lifetimes of 7 to 10 years, and can be easily controlled and updated from the ground.”
In addition to the two satellites launching on Friday, Anuvu has placed an order for six more MicroGEO satellites for future launches.
Also aboard is AGILA, a satellite named after the national bird of the Philippines. It is the first of two satellites that will provide service to the Philippines through a partnership with Orbits Corp. This program will connect remote islands in the country, offering internet access to millions of people, many living on less than $5,000 per year.
Astranis founder and CEO John Gedmark noted in a blog post, “Orbits Corp estimates this program will create up to 10,000 jobs in the Philippines, accelerating economic growth and development in some of the nation’s most remote communities.”
The four MicroGEO satellites displayed in an Astranis cleanroom before being shipped to Cape Canaveral for the Astranis: From One to Many mission launch. Image: Astranis
GEO Mobility
The final satellite, UtilitySat, will initially serve Apco Networks, an internet provider in Mexico. This marks the first of two MicroGEO satellites sold to Apco. Gedmark explained that UtilitySat will help connect up to five million people in Mexico, where over 30% of the population lacks internet access, especially in remote areas.
“Connectivity is a constitutional right in Mexico, and the President has made improving satellite internet a national priority,” Gedmark wrote. UtilitySat is unique because it is the world’s first multi-mission commercial GEO satellite, capable of shifting its orbital position to meet changing customer needs.
According to Astranis, UtilitySat is a fully maneuverable satellite equipped with onboard propulsion, allowing it to adjust its position and perform multiple broadband missions in different frequency bands, including Ka, Ku, and Q/V bands. The company plans to launch more UtilitySat satellites in the coming years.
