Pacific Dataport is preparing for the launch of their first purpose-built satellite named the “Aurora 4A” (aka Arcturus).
The Aurora 4A satellite will go up as secondary payload on the SpaceX Falcon Heavy, which launches from the largest pad at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, pad 39A. The launch is scheduled for Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at 3 p.m. Alaska time.
The Aurora 4A satellite follows a series of satellites with similar names launched decades ago to help connect Alaskans. This satellite utilizes the most advanced technology and recently developed innovations, such as on-board processing and physically smaller sizing. The Aurora 4A is also operating with “high-throughput” (HTS) capabilities which allows much more data capacity than older satellites.
Pacific Dataport is focused on providing affordable middle mile backhaul and last mile broadband using the newest satellite technology. Clients using this satellite include telecoms (wired & wireless), non-profits, hospitals, clinics, schools, libraries, governments (Tribal, local, state & federal) and Alaska Native Corporations, Villages, Tribes and Tribal consortiums. The Aurora 4A will transmit both broadband and cellular backhaul data.
A local launch party is planned inside the Microcom flagship store located at International and C Street in Anchorage, starting at 2pm.
This event is open to the public and reservations can be made HERE.
For those hoping to view the launch online, a live video feed can be found at the SpaceX YouTube page HERE.
