An agreement has been signed by International Launch Services (ILS) for the launch of the ViaSat-1 satellite, under construction by Space Systems Loral, on an ILS Proton. The satellite is scheduled to launch in the first half of 2011 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. ViaSat-1 is a high capacity Ka-band spot beam satellite, which is expected to be the highest capacity of all current and planned North American satellites with 10 times the throughput of any other Ka-band satellite. ViaSat-1 will provide broadband Internet services to customers and businesses across North America.

“We are honored with ViaSat’s selection of an ILS Proton for the critical role of launching the ViaSat-1 satellite. With Proton, ViaSat’s launch on demand requirements with a dedicated, heavy-lift vehicle will be met. ViaSat has put their trust in us to launch their first broadband services satellite and we look forward to an ongoing, successful partnership,” said Frank McKenna, President of ILS.

ViaSat Inc. CEO Mark Dankberg said, “The selection of ILS and Proton to launch ViaSat-1 provides the best overall value to meet our business and program requirements. We needed a dedicated, heavy-lift vehicle with a proven record for on-time delivery. We are pleased to partner with ILS in meeting the expectations of our customers.”

ILS provides mission and launch services for global satellite operators. The company has exclusive rights to market the Proton vehicle and is a U.S. company headquartered in Reston, Va., near Washington, D.C. Khrunichev holds the majority interest in ILS and is one of the cornerstones of the Russian space industry. The company manufactures the Proton system and is developing the Angara launch system. The Proton launches from facilities at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, and has a heritage of over 340 missions since 1965.