Approximately 29 minutes after liftoff, the ViaSat-2 mission was underway with the satellite separating from the launch vehicle. First signals from the satellite were acquired shortly thereafter through a ground station at Hassan, India. In the coming days, ViaSat-2 will start orbit raising with its chemical propulsion system, followed by solar array deployments, and will then switch over to its electric propulsion system to complete orbit raising over the coming months. ViaSat expects it will take several months for ViaSat-2 to reach its final orbital destination, located at 69.9° west longitude.
Read more here.
Read more here.
Alex, Viasat Corporate Communications
Posted 2 years ago
Deku (The #1 Hero Data Saver), Champion
my bday may 30th be 68
Deku (The #1 Hero Data Saver), Champion
well i guess you will have an late bday present for ya :D its launching onto the 1st :D so i cant wait!!! :D
Hope it makes it up soon and safely!
Deku (The #1 Hero Data Saver), Champion
me also i hope it makes it safe up into space :3 and without no problems... also if it gets destoryed then ill be sad and all that money went to waste ;-; ALSO i hope its guarded safely also so no one goes and breaks it :3 (oh i know i shouldnt worry but it stills worries me since alotta people want to break it but i know itll be safe :3 )
Brad, Viasat Employee
Yeah that would be sad, but those rocket scientists seem to know what they are doing and the satellite is safe.
xode0000, Champion
Caution is likely the reason the launch date was pushed back to Jun 1, 2017 and not earlier.
It was pushed back first because SpaceX, who ViaSat first contracted with, blew up one of their space station supply ships which grounded their fleet. So ViaSat made a new contract with the more reliable Arianespace, a French company. But then as the new launch date approached there was a mass protest movement in French New Guinea which saw the spaceport being occupied and shut down by angry protestors. So that delayed the launch even further until order was restored and missions could continue.
Exede has had a lot of bad luck which has them behind when it comes to competing with HughesNet.
Exede has had a lot of bad luck which has them behind when it comes to competing with HughesNet.
Brad, Viasat Employee
That is correct Nathan. Had a few "events" that were out of our control. (we originally looked at last summer). We're thrilled that we have successfully launched and can't wait to see the benefits next year. In the meantime lots and lots of testing to get it ready.
Deku (The #1 Hero Data Saver), Champion
This reply was created from a merged topic originally titled New Exede Satellite.
I was reading somewhere that there was a New satellite to be launched in April, just wondering if it has made it to it geostationary orbit. also is these leased by Hughes and is this the New generation 5 Sat.
I was reading somewhere that there was a New satellite to be launched in April, just wondering if it has made it to it geostationary orbit. also is these leased by Hughes and is this the New generation 5 Sat.
Brad, Viasat Employee
Nope this is our satellite. Not tied to Hughes in any form or fashion. We DID have a scheduled launch in April but due to the civil unrest in French Guiana we were delayed to the new Jun 1 launch date.
How long will it take for the satellite to become operational once it is launched?
Diana, Viasat Employee
Hi Allan, It may take up to 6 months as it reaches it's orbital slot location and becomes operational with new plans and service.
Thanks so much for answering!
69.9° west is quite a lot more southerly than Viasat-1's 115.1° west.
I wonder what's the elevation will be for the new bird? May be a hill in the way to it from here if it's lower than Viasat-1.
I wonder what's the elevation will be for the new bird? May be a hill in the way to it from here if it's lower than Viasat-1.
I hope the trees around my house don't get in the way. I'll probably just stick with keeping the dish aimed at ViaSat 1 and hope enough customers switch to the new satellite to free up bandwidth.
When ViaSat-2 is put into service, are the current customers going to be able to move to the new bird for the faster service or is there going to be a waiting period for current customers to upgrade? Or, is ViaSat-1 capable of faster speeds? Basically I would like to get off of ViaSat-1 as y'all have jam packed it.
(Edited)
Yeah... I'm getting 395.7 kbps atm. And it's 3 A.M. something needs to change...
Brad, Viasat Employee
I think once our testing and beta test period is over you might not even have to be put on ViaSat 2. ViaSat 2 will completely double our full bandwidth and part of the first job it'll do is to sort of help take some of the workload on ViaSat 1 But I think it may be more location based to determine if you'll have to be on the new satellite or not. Once some of the workload is transferred over, ViaSat 1 will be able to support the plans we have in mind once ViaSat 2 is ready to service our customers. It's still a little too early to say but if you were to be put on the new satellite we'll probably be looking at a "migration" (basically changing your dish or to re-point it. Stay tuned we'll likely announce closer to time
Diana, Viasat Employee
Hi Scott, ViaSat-2 has about twice the capacity of ViaSat-1, with an anticipated 300 Gbps of capacity versus 140 Gpbs on ViaSat-1.That additional capacity will be layered on top of the capacity of our other three satellites (ViaSat-1, Anik F2 and WildBlue-1) and will allow us to offer enhanced services, higher speeds and even better data plans.
However, depending upon your location, the plan you want and some other factors, it may not be necessary for you to switch to the new satellite. In fact, once ViaSat-2 service begins we expect service levels on ViaSat-1 to improve.
However, depending upon your location, the plan you want and some other factors, it may not be necessary for you to switch to the new satellite. In fact, once ViaSat-2 service begins we expect service levels on ViaSat-1 to improve.
(Edited)
Other people in my area seem to have lower ping times. About half of what I'm pinging at 800. My download times have improved at peak times but uploads continue to time out at all times. I just hope hope hope. The pings improve.
Bev, Champion
About the best you are going to get on Exede is around 600ms. That is largely dependent on how congested your beam and, the server you are connecting to is at the time.
It is, slightly dependent on your hardware as well. A slower CPU will mean slightly higher ping times. Nothing noticeable unless you are a gamer, in which case, a measly 50ms can make a difference.
Not much you can do about your latency, some games work well with it, others fail miserably, most fall in the middle someplace.
It is, slightly dependent on your hardware as well. A slower CPU will mean slightly higher ping times. Nothing noticeable unless you are a gamer, in which case, a measly 50ms can make a difference.
Not much you can do about your latency, some games work well with it, others fail miserably, most fall in the middle someplace.
I just want to go back to what it was a couple years ago. Not a new customer. Top notch hardware. With ALL the posts concerning the speeds, and after waiting for new Sat for a few more months, I would love to have ping times around 600. I'm on beam 605 (pretty sure). But I think that I am right on the line of 604. The people on 604 seems to go much faster. If it's congestion, and I'm on the border couldn't they check? I'd also appreciate knowing which gateway I'm on if anyone can tell me.
Steve Frederick-VS1/Beam314, Champion
Imma, I don't see any beams in the 600s for Exede. Here is a link to the beams and gateways http://www.northlc.com/_images/beam_priority_map.png
If you can access the eSVT tool, it shows you your beam and gateway in the top area.
If you can access the eSVT tool, it shows you your beam and gateway in the top area.
Exede-beams.PDF. I found that link for Viasat1. I'll try the esvt link, but it wasn't working for me before. Thanks for responding Steve
xode0000, Champion
For the eSVT tool, you can login with your Exede account username and password at: https://myssoapps.exede.net/federation/UI/Login?goto=https%3A%2F%2Fmyesvt.exede.net%3A443%2F
Brad, Viasat Employee
keep in mind that the eSVT tool that our customers can access is a Beta test that we used to develop a soon to be released data meter that utilizes the information you will see on eSVT but in a much easier to navigate tool.
I've pretty much given up on online gaming with satellite. However a lower ping would be nice because I think high ping has something to do with Facebook returning lots of 'page cannot be displayed' errors. Not sure though.
I've pretty much given up on online gaming with satellite. However a lower ping would be nice because I think high ping has something to do with Facebook returning lots of 'page cannot be displayed' errors. Not sure though.
my exede has been crap and a total disappointment. maybe this will help. if I'm still with them.90.00 for 6 hrs a month for Internet stinks.
Steve Frederick-VS1/Beam314, Champion
I pay $100 a month and get 720 hours of good internet, with 90 hours a month with unlimited downloads. If you are having connectivity problems, I would suggest you contact the moderators via email at exedelistens@viasat.com. Include your account number and a phone number, and explain your problem. The moderators are Exede employees at the corporate level, and will get back to you with help.
Bev, Champion
Sounds like me, Steve. Even if I had the lowest plan, I would get 240 hours of fast speeds before I used all of my priority data.
I can see 1 to 1.5 GB used per day, more here and there for updates, beyond that, it might be time to ask for some help managing usage.
I can see 1 to 1.5 GB used per day, more here and there for updates, beyond that, it might be time to ask for some help managing usage.
Steve Frederick-VS1/Beam314, Champion
I have the 50 GB Liberty Plan, and even watching a few hours of Netflix every day, I have yet to use more than 40 GB, but even if I did get on the Pass, I get close to 4 or 5 most of the time, even during the evening hours.
good for you, the same hasn't been for me, and the many others I see on here.And I have talked and talked the few times my call wasn't dropped.
Steve, like you we switched to the 50 liberty plan. We usually have 20gs left. That being said our speeds typically run at 5 Mbps during the day and crawl at night to nearly unusable. I'm assuming congrestion since school is out, but not happy about the unexpected extreme slowness. We do love not having to obsess over lack of data. Just disappointed with the low speeds at night. Expected that if we over used, not so much with our situation.
Brad, Viasat Employee
Summer is sort of when those night speeds struggle a bit during peak hours and late nights as a lot of folks are on at those times doing large downloads and some of the busier areas may slow. You should be able to browse but some activities like streaming may struggle. If you are seeing a major slow down please call us at 855-463-9333 as it is happening
Would be nice to have a 50 plan here ! But of course another fine feature we only have 30G here. Rose, good luck if you keep breaking your caps. The "slow down" is unusable for even simple web browsing. Not talking video clips just browsing and pages won't even load! Constant hang ups JUST like DSL (remember that?). Your Excede "help" will go down a maze fixes that will end with " data saving suggestions". This is code for don't use anything that is standard internet service in today 's world. I wonder if they share these data saving tips with their airline customers? Hmmmmmmmmmmm.
Bev, Champion
Ever use in flight WiFi? Ever pay for it? I'd guess airlines are on a variation of the Business plans - no throttling but, pay dearly for excess data. Just two hours of that to a passenger averages 12-15.00, depending on the airline in question.
Steve Frederick-VS1/Beam314, Champion
Rose, it all depends on what beam you are on, and how heavily subscribed your beam is. I am fortunate to be on one of the beams that is only moderately subscribed, and thus far speeds are in the 18 to 20 Mbps during the daytime, and 8 to 12 during the evening prime time. Even on the Pass, I get in the 2 to 4 Mbps speeds in prime time, enough to still watch Netflix movies without buffering.
Once 2018 rolls around, and ViaSat 2 comes on line, we all should see much faster speeds with the extra capacity.
Once 2018 rolls around, and ViaSat 2 comes on line, we all should see much faster speeds with the extra capacity.
Thanks Steve. We are grateful to have internet access and live in our beautiful rural home. Sure beats those old dial up speeds. Looking forward to school starting up and 2018 via sat2!
Bev, please! It's obvious you haven't been in the business world. The airlines have contracts with Excede and these contracts are worth millions to Excede. I will promise you airlines do not pay "overage" fees. Excede does everything it can to hold on to the airline contracts up to and including making sure they get the best service . In addition, if you are not a frequent flyer and have to pay for the internet, that goes right into the airlines profit center not Excedes. Rose, don't count on it. I was sold the bill of goods that the "liberty Pass" would give what Steve says above. Once I hit my cap Netflix was unusable at anytime. The internet was unusable.
Gwalk900, Champion
Sat Internet is NOT for "cord cutters", it IS a (shared) data capped service.
Learn oh to manage your limited data allotment. Do not depend on LNFZ or "pass" types of transfer data delivery rates,
Your $60-$100 per month residential plans do NOT purchase a 3/4 Billion dollar satellite plus ground side gateway infrastructure.
Prices charged to Corporate, Business, Government and Military offset residential costs.
There are many areas that if your systems are properly "tightened" up will allow you to get more "bang for you buck".
Understand the strengths and weaknesses of your system.
Find out what is using your data .. all across your Network.
I guess I must be on a good spot beam because even on Liberty Pass I can still stream Netflix. I might have to reload the page a few times and the resolution might look like a junkyard cathode monitor but it still works without constant buffering.
Gwalk, I really don't care what or how they purchase their satellites! All I know is they advertise " high speed internet" in signs up and down the roads here. Nowhere to they advertise " this is a shared data capped service". They take my $100 a month and by the middle of the month I can't even load an internet page. I want what I pay for and I'm not happy "tightening up" when I pay for something. Thank God for people like me. We drive companies to meet the needs of their customers.
Bev, Champion
Thank the powers that be for people that read contracts they sign and, at least try to understand how the things they pay for work.
xode0000, Champion
author = John B: I can't even load an internet page. I want what I pay for and I'm not happy "tightening up" when I pay for something.Oh really? That is why I have no problem with my internet connection throttled on my end at 150 kbps (about 3X dial up) for everyday internet activities. However, when I really need the speed, such as when I download a large file, I can and do get it, the speed record to date being 2.5 Mbytes a second.
Regarding streaming video, I personally consider that to be about the biggest waste of resources I can think of. I can get far more information by simply reading an article, which requires a very small fraction of the data that the streaming video would.
xode0000, Champion
author = John B: I can't even load an internet page. I want what I pay for and I'm not happy "tightening up" when I pay for something.Oh really? That is why I have no problem with my internet connection throttled on my end at 150 kbps (about 3X dial up) for everyday internet activities. However, when I really need the speed, such as when I download a large file, I can and do get it, the speed record to date being 2.5 Mbytes a second.
Regarding streaming video, I personally consider that to be about the biggest waste of resources I can think of. I can get far more information by simply reading an article, which requires a very small fraction of the data that the streaming video would.
Lol, well aren't you just special! Such good defenders of Excede. Whenever I see a bunch of individuals marching in step I worry about folks. Research Eisenhower and the military industrial complex since your a deep thinker.
xode0000, Champion
It all boils down to this John B: my internet works; you say yours doesn't; we both have the same service; what is the problem you have that I don't. If, instead of spending all this time arguing on this forum, you tried to look for that problem, you might actually find that problem and fix it.
Brad, Viasat Employee
Hi John,
I would recommend you contacting us at exedelistens@viasat.com. We can review your service, data usage and see what's happening with your connection.
I would recommend you contacting us at exedelistens@viasat.com. We can review your service, data usage and see what's happening with your connection.
Bev, Champion
Bottom line folks, if your like me, moving from the city and fiber optic cable to satellite, your in for a shock......major shock. Satellite internet is in the "stone ages". Excede offers a maximum 30 GB plan in my area for about $150.00/month. We go through that in about two weeks, in what would be considered low to normal use in the city. After we hit the cap, the speed reduces so much even web browsing slows to a crawl. Think of DSL where internet pages "hang up" and won't fully load MOST of the time. We can only hope that the exaggerated claims of Viasat -2 are correct, but I won't hold my breath. Viasat-2 uses technology considered standard 7-10 years ago, and there's really know excuse for the perpetual slowness of satellite companies. If your lucky enough to have line of sight ability to a wireless internet provider, use it. You have to look it up as they are smaller and only service small areas. One last thing, don't be fooled that the reason their current satellite is maxed out is because of users like you and me. Excede contracts with airlines, the military. And other government agencies . They get #1 priority because of the revenue stream they pay and because they put in minimum standards in their contracts that Excede must meet. They use the everyday users like you and me as the control mechanisms to assure their top customers get the service they demand.
Gwalk900, Champion
John B,
Bottom line:
You are trying to compare terrestrial ISP's with a satellite connection and frankly there can be no comparison for a number of reasons.
First and foremost the ground based systems have chosen to NOT invest in your current location despite having a MUCH lower cost basis than a sat ISP.
If you have an issue ... you really should take your problem up with the companies you hold in such high regard despite the fact that they refuse .... let me repeat that, REFUSE to invest and service your area despite the fact they can use, use an reuse that equipment investment ... as well as expand and repair that infrastructure for decade upon decade.
A satellite has a projected lifespan of roughly 15 years ... VS-2 is said to have had a cost of $625 Million for the bird and an additional $107 million for launch and insurance costs ... costs that not only need to be recouped in 15 years or less ... let alone turn a profit.
Do you think your paltry $100 per month (or whatever) is going to cover 3/4 Billion $$$ ViaSat has invested in just ViaSat-2?
I think you need to educate yourself on communications and economics of same.
You simply have not explored all aspects of the issue.
I don't need to be educated. I'm educated on knowing I don't get what I pay for, no matter how much the satellite costs.
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So educate us on why you're not getting what you pay for. There may be a solution.
For those who aren't shy of deterred by a little education look at:
https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/us/Documents/technology-media-telecommunications/us-t...
Caution 8MB download, but even with a $130-150 billion dollar investment in fiber, satellite internet is probably here to stay and the only option for many for the foreseeable future. See the sidebar on page 23 entitled "Why rural broadband is more of a challenge in the US than abroad"
https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/us/Documents/technology-media-telecommunications/us-t...
Caution 8MB download, but even with a $130-150 billion dollar investment in fiber, satellite internet is probably here to stay and the only option for many for the foreseeable future. See the sidebar on page 23 entitled "Why rural broadband is more of a challenge in the US than abroad"
(Edited)
Bev, Champion
And, people live places like I do, it simply isn't worth running 20 miles of fiber for 2 potential customers because they can't make it affordable for any but the two highest incomes in that 20 mile stretch - most of the rural people here can't afford even 30/month on top of their current bills. If you only make 30,000 a year and, your rent alone is over 400/month you can't afford internet and,, that's those that are able to work out here, of the 7 families here, 4 are on welfare or disability and, live out here because rent is even higher in town and, they can't afford that.
Bev, Champion
And yet, satellite costs more! $$$$$$$$$$$$$$
xode0000, Champion
And how would you feel if you had no means to connect to the internet at all?
If it was fiber or cable ran to low population density areas it would be unfeasibly expensive because so many more meters of line would be required per subscriber. That's why those companies only build infrastructure in populated areas. They're not coming. So you're stuck with satellite or maybe WISP from a tower if you're lucky enough to be near one.
You know, the phone companies said the same thing about running copper phone lines out to the sticks. Then the government said they had to do it if they wanted to operate in the area. So they hooked everybody up--and collected the fees for decades. There's really no reason why we couldn't have a national fiber network other than lack of political will.
Bev, Champion
Legally, Viasat does provide high speed or, broadband internet so, everyone in America and, a few other countries does have access to high speed internet. All it takes is download speed of 25Mbps or better to qualify - Viasat delivers that if you choose to subscribe to such a plan.
Politicians have no reason to push for anything else, satellite internet already provides us "country bumpkins" with high speed internet service. Maybe some of the "bumpkins" can't afford it, maybe it's metered, maybe it isn't always 25Mbps or better, but it is at times, if you choose the right plan and, that's all politicians see - it's high speed internet available out in the sticks.
The better plan would be to help Viasat improve the technology by providing subsidies for providing high speed internet to rural areas, help Viasat make plans more affordable and, more liberal on data usage as well as faster. Invest our tax dollars in improving what is already out here, and working rather than spend them on something new we don't need.
Why build a new road when all you really need to do is fix a few potholes in the one that's there?
Politicians have no reason to push for anything else, satellite internet already provides us "country bumpkins" with high speed internet service. Maybe some of the "bumpkins" can't afford it, maybe it's metered, maybe it isn't always 25Mbps or better, but it is at times, if you choose the right plan and, that's all politicians see - it's high speed internet available out in the sticks.
The better plan would be to help Viasat improve the technology by providing subsidies for providing high speed internet to rural areas, help Viasat make plans more affordable and, more liberal on data usage as well as faster. Invest our tax dollars in improving what is already out here, and working rather than spend them on something new we don't need.
Why build a new road when all you really need to do is fix a few potholes in the one that's there?
VeteranSatUser, Champion
Well since an old post got bumped up, Exede has a LONG way to go to deliver up to 25Mbs across the nation. Many areas have no option for that high of speed today unless they get Hughesnet. Now maybe with Viasat-2 Exede can deliver that anywhere in the nation, but nobody knows for sure yet.
I tend to agree. The government subsidized rural electrification and the old copper wire phone system that is now crumbling. Would be nice for hard-wired, high-speed, unlimited internet whereever electric lines go to a home, but not in happening in my lifetime.
So, in the end, many of us rural customers are going to be left with satellite internet for the foreseeable future.
I tend to agree. The government subsidized rural electrification and the old copper wire phone system that is now crumbling. Would be nice for hard-wired, high-speed, unlimited internet whereever electric lines go to a home, but not in happening in my lifetime.
So, in the end, many of us rural customers are going to be left with satellite internet for the foreseeable future.
(Edited)
One person wrote, "Then the government said they had to do it."
With subsidies or course. I'm a rural person who works for a subsidized company but doesn't see the need for government involvement at all, but that's another subject.
With subsidies or course. I'm a rural person who works for a subsidized company but doesn't see the need for government involvement at all, but that's another subject.
What they fail to discuss is the competitive landscape. Most importantly, low earth orbit satellite systems that will destroy their market. I guess I wouldn't want to think about it either. Thank you Elon Musk!
xode0000, Champion
Low earth orbit satellite systems are much more involved and therefore much more costly right now, if they are feasible at all given current technology: https://community.exede.com/exede/topics/will-exede-viasat-ever-launch-into-low-orbit
Then again, if technology advances makes low earth orbit satellite systems feasible, what makes you think that ViaSat won't create its own piece of that action?
Then again, if technology advances makes low earth orbit satellite systems feasible, what makes you think that ViaSat won't create its own piece of that action?
This was discussed some time ago. Viasat has decided that LEO isn't the right choice.....https://community.exede.com/exede/topics/are-ssmall-sats-the-future
Get back to me when Elon starts connecting his first residential customers ;)
For now, I'll go with the horse that brought me this far until a better one comes along... needless to say we'd all still be waiting on the ViaSat-2 launch if ViaSat hadn't jumped ship from the SpaceX Falcon Heavy and we're still waiting on its demo flight.
For now, I'll go with the horse that brought me this far until a better one comes along... needless to say we'd all still be waiting on the ViaSat-2 launch if ViaSat hadn't jumped ship from the SpaceX Falcon Heavy and we're still waiting on its demo flight.
(Edited)
Bev, Champion
Yes well a RUD is a pretty compelling reason to jump ship, before you get on that brand of ship. :)
RUD - one of Elon's better euphemistic acronyms...
I hope LEO broadband networks work. I want to have a lower latency connection. It's a totally different system though because they zip around the Earth instead of staying in one spot you can aim a dish at. Ya need a whole lot more systems floating around out there to make it work. Elon Musk plans hundreds and then thousands of satellites. Very complex and quite honestly a bit pie in the sky if you ask me. But people said that about landing and reflying boosters too so I'm a little hopeful.
This is a "go" thing for SpaceX ( or one of his affiliates). They are currently working on it and plan to have first satellites in orbit by 2020. He will eventually have 4,000.
xode0000, Champion
They are currently working on it and plan to have first satellites in orbit by 2020.Except that none of Elon Musk's companies are showing a profit to date, and 4000 satellites and the infrastructure to manage them is going to be ultra expensive, which suggests that Elon Musk's companies might not survive. ViaSat, by contrast, is showing a very modest profit, so they are on track to survive. Obviously, I'm going to choose the service that is going to continue to exist.
Hmmmm, see this is where folks like you like to play like you know what your talking about. But then YOUR WRONG! Teslais now the third largest automobile manufacturer in the US, WITH A $40 billion market capitalization. They most definitely are showing a profit!!!!!
It's closer to $57 billion at COB yesterday, even Musk admits it's overvalued (based on past performance) and that the stock price only represents future potential. Last year's net "profit" was a loss of somewhere around $773 million.
http://www.marketwatch.com/investing/stock/TSLA
http://www.businessinsider.com/tesla-stock-price-too-high-elon-musk-2017-5
Not sure what metric you're referringtwo to with regard to third largest...
http://www.marketwatch.com/investing/stock/TSLA
http://www.businessinsider.com/tesla-stock-price-too-high-elon-musk-2017-5
Not sure what metric you're referring
(Edited)
xode0000, Champion
author = John B: Hmmmm, see this is where folks like you like to play like you know what your talking about. But then YOUR WRONG! Teslais now the third largest automobile manufacturer in the US, WITH A $40 billion market capitalization. They most definitely are showing a profit!!!!!John B: I hate to break it to you, but: market capitalization is not profit. The two are not even remotely connected. Your lack of knowledge here is dangerous for you if you are investing in the stock market.
Market capitalization is simply the number of common shares issued and outstanding multiplied by the latest price per share that someone paid in the stock market. Profit is what a company has left after all of its expenses are subtracted from its revenues. Market capitalization can soar or plunge over a period of less than one hour on a whim, and even for companies that are profitable. I have seen it happen multiple times to many different companies (e.g. VRNG (now FH); ACAD; CEDC and GE in the May 2010 "flash crash").
Tesla's annual report is at: http://ir.tesla.com/secfiling.cfm?filingid=1564590-17-3118&cik=1318605
If you look at page 34 of that annual report, you'll see that they have a net loss of 674,914,000.00 for 2016. However, more worrisome is that their long term debt is at 10 billion for 2016, up from 4 billion the year before. Translation: Tesla issued corporate bonds to finance its operating costs. This is further confirmed by their cash flow statement on page 59 of that annual report. Corporate bond debt is dangerous to a company that is not making a profit. All corporate bonds have a maturity date where the company has to pay back the face value of the maturing bonds as well as the interest. If the company isn't able to pay that, the result is always bankruptcy for the company. Look up Seadrill (SDRL) for an upcoming example. Were any hint to surface that Tesla could get into the same kind of bind that Seadrill is now in, its market capitalization would plunge so fast that trading on its stock would almost certainly be stopped for that day.
xode0000, Champion
Further, in exchange for saving massively on propellant, which will also increase its lifetime, it's going to take more time to get to its geostationary position. Now, all that is needed is a little patience on the part of Exede customers.
Gwalk900, Champion
"Now, all that is needed is a little patience on the part of Exede customers"
Hughes launched ES19 in mid-December. It was early to mid-April before the first beams were brought online.
My understanding is the Atlas rocket used for ES17 had a large last stage that was used for final orbit insertion resulting in a faster trip to the final position.
ViaSat-2 may take a longer but more fuel efficient approach that may result in a longer service life.
Steve Frederick-VS1/Beam314, Champion
It will be well worth the wait.
Dan White
Steve Frederick-VS1/Beam314, Champion
xode0000, Champion
Alex, Viasat Corporate Communications
vince mattingly
Brad, Viasat Employee
christina corrigan
Levi Garrison
Levi Garrison