Astranis Block 3 launch slips to March 2027 after a power-component anomaly hits all five satellites

Astranis/MicroGEO

Thaicom said its Astranis-built Thaicom 9 will now launch around March 2027. In March 2026 a power anomaly turned up in parts shared by all five Block 3 satellites, and Thaicom 9, already 90% built, needed major rework. Thaicom will miss its ITU deadline of September 2026 to start service and has asked for an extension.

• All five Block 3 satellites share one Falcon 9 and the faulty parts, so every customer waits.
• Block 3 had first been targeted for 2025, then 2026.
• Affected: Thaicom 9, Apco-1 and Apco-2 for Mexico, Chunghwa Telecom and MB Group.
• Thaicom now expects service to start in October 2027.