ANCHORAGE, ALASKA -- Pacific Dataport is preparing for the launch of their first purpose-built satellite named “Aurora 4A” (aka Arcturus). Aurora 4A will launch on the sixth SpaceX Falcon Heavy from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, from pad 39-A. The launch window is scheduled for Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at 3pm AK time.

• SpaceX is sending up three satellites on this launch
• This satellite launch has been five years in the making
• The SpaceX Falcon Heavy is the seventh largest rocket in history
• The will only be the sixth Falcon Heavy launch ever
• This is the first micro-GEO HTS satellite ever launched into space

Microcom, a long-time provider of satellite TV and broadband in Alaska, realized backhaul capacity serving our most remote communities was extremely limited and waiting for existing firms to provide a solution was no longer an option. Chuck Schumann, CEO of Pacific Dataport, said "We just couldn't take it any longer. The digital divide was growing every month in Alaska and we knew using the newest innovations in satellite technology was the answer. So, we set course and put that ship in motion."

Aurora 4A follows a series of satellites with similar names launched decades ago to help connect Alaskans. This satellite utilizes the most advanced technology, such as on-board processing and physically smaller sizing. Aurora 4A is also operating with “high-throughput” (HTS) capabilities which allows much more data capacity than older satellites. 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 starting at 2pm AK. 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.

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 Cambium 2.5 GHz and unlicensed 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 more than 37 years, Microcom is fully staffed with technicians across the state. www.microcom.tv

Please contact Shawn Williams for more information:

[email protected]

907-440-1185

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