ANCHORAGE, ALASKA -- Pacific Dataport is preparing for the launch of their first purpose-built satellite named “Aurora 4A”. Aurora 4A will launch on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, from pad 39-A. The current launch window is scheduled for Sunday, April 30, 2023 at 3:29pm AK. The above photo is the actual SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket loaded and ready to go!

• Microcom and Pacific Dataport are LOCAL companies
• This satellite launch is five years in the making
• This is the first micro-GEO HTS satellite ever launched into space
• Aurora 4A will cover Alaska with affordable broadband

UPDATE: Pacific Dataport's first attempted launch was Wednesday (4/26), but scrubbed due to a pre-launch testing hold. The second attempt was Thursday (4/27). The second attempt was scrubbed when weather around the Cape Canaveral area became beyond acceptable for launching. This included a torrential downpour, continuous lightning, thunder, and even a few tornado watches in the launch pad area. The third attempt, Friday (4/28), was scrubbed with one minute to liftoff. Pacific Dataport's fourth attempt is scheduled for today, Sunday, April 30, 2023 at 3:29pm AK. Weather is very favorable and not expected to be a factor.

Aurora 4A provides ubiquitous, statewide middle mile coverage. This new middle mile option will allow all NTIA BEAD and TBC fiber buildout award recipients to build out their last mile first and use satellite middle mile to get communities connected immediately. When the subsea or terrestrial middle mile to the community is completed years later, the satellite middle mile can be used as a backup middle mile source. This method ensures every Alaska Native community gets connected with affordable broadband quickly without waiting and provides communities with a resilient broadband network.

WATCHING ONLINE

For those planning to view the launch online, a live video feed can be found at the SpaceX YouTube page HERE. After launch, the video can be accessed at our website: www.pacificdataport.com.

There will not be a launch party in Anchorage for this launch attempt.

Pacific Dataport's Mission:

Affordable, High-Quality Broadband for All Alaskans

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About Pacific Dataport Inc. – Pacific Dataport Inc. (PDI) is a satellite middle mile provider headquartered in Anchorage, Alaska. PDI was founded “by Alaskans, for Alaskans” to enable Internet access for everyone, everywhere in Alaska. PDI is focused on providing affordable middle mile and last mile broadband using the newest satellite technology from the Aurora (GEO HTS) and OneWeb (LEO) Networks. PDI clients include telecoms (wired & wireless), non-profits, hospitals, health clinics, schools, libraries, governments (Tribal, local, state & federal) and Alaska Native Corporations, Villages, Tribes, and Tribal broadband consortiums. www.auroraiv.com

About Microcom – Microcom is a direct-to-consumer broadband provider located in Anchorage, Alaska. Microcom also offers the design, sales, installation and maintenance of WISP (wireless internet service provider) systems throughout Alaska. These systems work best in remote Alaska where a Tribal organization is bringing broadband to their community. Microcom services include feasibility studies, engineering, system design, equipment procurement, installation, network operation and management, billing and customer support, and backhaul/Internet capacity. Serving all of Alaska for nearly 40 years, Microcom is fully staffed with technicians across the state. www.microcom.tv

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Please contact Shawn Williams for more information:

[email protected]

907-440-1185