I assume that WildBlue is similar to HughesNet.
I use ssh to access some servers I have behind my HughesNet internet. That is, I ssh INTO HughesNet.
The initial logon takes about 30-60 seconds. It's pretty much standard 1-2 second delays after that.
I haven't done ssh OUT OF HughesNet. I don't know if it would be better in that direction, or if it makes any difference which direction you're traversing.
I don't think that I would want to spend all day using ssh, because I'm used to the instant connectivity that we get nowadays. It's not horrible, however, but the little delays take some getting used to.
Having said that, however, I've been around long enough to remember the horrible 2400 bps lines that we used to have back in the Dark Times. Once I learned to understand how my Unix machines work and respond, it's possible to get some reasonable productivity.
HTH