International Telecommunication Union (ITU) denies approval for Viasat's proposal
The International Telecommunication Union's (ITU) Radio Regulations Board (ITU/RRB) has not extended the deadline for the launch of Viasat's GX7 satellite, despite pressure from the satellite operator to do so. The original plan was to place the GX7 satellite into the 28 degrees West slot, but delays and complications have arisen.
The ITU/RRB met in July at their Geneva office to discuss the extension of the deadline for the Ka-band frequencies held by Viasat at 28 degrees West. However, the ITU/RRB has not made a decision on the extension of the deadline, nor has it approved a new deadline of July 15th, 2027 for the launch of the GX7 satellite.
The ITU/RRB has expressed concerns about the timely launch of the GX7 satellite, as it is reported to be 3 years behind schedule. The ITU/RRB has requested Norway, where the frequencies were obtained via the Norwegian regulator, to provide additional information regarding the delay of the GX7 satellite launch.
The satellite manufacturer that builds the GX7 satellites is not explicitly named in the provided search results. The GX7 satellite was originally ordered by Inmarsat, now owned by Viasat. In 2017, Norway and its then Inmarsat licensee had planned to technically occupy the slot with an earlier satellite (Inmarsat 6 F2). However, the Inmarsat 6 F2 satellite failed after orbit and before achieving the target orbit, and was later hit by a micro-meteorite.
The failure of the Inmarsat 6 F2 satellite was described by the Norwegian Communications Authority as "unforeseen and extremely rare." If launched, the GX7 satellite would take about 130 days to reach its designated orbit. The satellite is expected to be ready for launch in early 2027, according to Viasat.
Despite the delays and concerns, the ITU/RRB has not extended the December 17, 2025 deadline for the launch of the GX7 satellite. The ITU/RRB has not recognised the force majeure claim made by Norway, and has not established a launch window for the GX7 satellite. The ITU mandated deadline for the launch of the GX7 satellite remains December 17, 2025.
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