Viasat selects Rocket Lab to support demonstration of multiband space relay capabilities for NASA CSP program
Carlsbad, CA and Long Beach, CA, March 7, 2024–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Viasat Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global leader in satellite communications, today announced that Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB), a leading launch and space systems company, will support Viasat. announced that it had been selected. Demonstration of a hybrid space communication network by building a spacecraft bus and supporting mission operations. Demonstration reveals Viasat’s portfolio of multi-band space-based relay communication services to support Low Earth Orbit (LEO) space missions with significant flexibility in data management with low data latency and higher throughput in real-time It will be.
This demonstration is part of Viasat’s efforts across two awards totaling $80 million under NASA’s Communications Services Project (CSP). CSP evaluates commercial satellite communications services and technologies to support NASA’s near-Earth communications requirements as tracking and data relay satellites retire. System (TDRSS).
LEO satellites typically require direct line-of-sight with ground stations to communicate, introducing significant data delays to mission operations. Viasat’s Ka and L-band relay solutions are designed to address this challenge with near real-time, low data latency communications. The Real-Time Space Relay (RTSR) space-certified Ka-band terminal uses Viasat’s high-capacity Ka-band network of geostationary orbit (GEO) satellites to give LEO operators on-demand access to critical mission data . The InCommand system uses Viasat’s global L-band network to provide real-time telemetry, tracking and command (TT&C) operations at any point in a spacecraft’s orbit. Rocket Lab also offers a new L-band radio for InCommand called Frontier that supports demonstrations of various TT&C applications.
Scheduled to launch in early 2026, the demonstration mission will also include direct ground communications via Viasat’s Real-Time Earth (RTE) Ground-Station-as-a-Service for S, X, and Ka bands. included. All transports are integrated through Viasat’s Integrated Space Access Network (ISAN), demonstrating the benefits of adaptive transport and helping LEO operators balance network availability, cost, and time-sensitive applications. The data will be accessible.
“We are proud to support NASA with this much-needed real-time space relay communications capability and look forward to our continued partnership with Rocket Lab to support Viasat’s growing space mission portfolio. We’re excited about this,” said Michael Maughan, Vice President of Government Space and Mission Systems at Viasat. system. “From Earth observation and science missions to supporting defense operations, our space relay services are highly flexible and allow both government and commercial LEO operators to transfer data based on application and mission needs. We designed it to be a cost-effective and scalable solution.”
Brad Clevenger, Rocket Lab’s vice president of space systems, said: “Rocket Lab’s spacecraft are built on configurable, high-performance subsystems based on Constellation-class manufacturing. Our goal is to provide a configurable platform that can be tailored to suit even the most complex missions. “Our customers can focus on their own new hardware and services and leave the development and operations of their spacecraft to us. We’re also adding responsive satellite communications capabilities to our configurable platform. We look forward to supporting Viasat on the NASA CSP mission.”
The Rocket Lab spacecraft will provide power, communications, propulsion, and attitude control for mission demonstrations. Rocket Lab will develop its own satellite components and subsystems, including star trackers, reaction wheels, solar panels, S-band radios, flight and ground software, and new L-band radios being developed for future InCommand services. It is planned to be installed in a spacecraft. .
For more information and background on Viasat’s intersatellite communications services, please visit the Viasat website.
About Viasat
Viasat is a global communications company that believes in connecting everyone and everything in the world. With offices in 24 countries, our mission is to shape how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the world communicate and connect. Viasat delivers high-quality, reliable, secure, affordable, and high-speed connectivity that positively impacts people’s lives everywhere – on land, in the air, and at sea – while building a sustainable future in space. We are developing the ultimate global communications network. In May 2023, Viasat completed his acquisition of Inmarsat, combining the teams, technology and resources of both companies to create a new global communications partner. For more information, visit www.viasat.com, Viasat News Room, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. X Or YouTube.
Copyright © 2024 Viasat, Inc. All rights reserved. Viasat, the Viasat logo, and Viasat Signal are registered trademarks of Viasat, Inc. in the United States and other countries. All other product or company names mentioned are used for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners.
About Rocket Lab
Founded in 2006, Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company with an established track record of mission success. We provide reliable launch services, satellite manufacturing, spacecraft components, and in-orbit management solutions that make access to space faster, easier, and more affordable. Rocket Lab, headquartered in Long Beach, Calif., designs and manufactures the Electron small orbital launch vehicle, the Photon satellite platform, and the company is developing the large Neutron launch vehicle for Constellation deployment. Since its first launch into orbit in January 2018, Rocket Lab’s Electron launch vehicle has become the second most frequently launched vehicle in the United States annually, delivering 177 satellites into orbit for private and public sector organizations. and enable activities in the fields of national security, scientific research, and space debris mitigation. , Earth observation, climate monitoring, and communications. Rocket Lab’s Photon spacecraft platform was selected to support his NASA missions to the Moon and Mars, as well as the first private commercial mission to Venus. Rocket Lab has three of his launch pads at two launch sites, including two at a commercial orbital launch site in New Zealand and a third in Virginia. www.rocketlabusa.com.
Forward-looking statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to safe harbors under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements regarding Viasat’s agreement with Rocket Lab. Capabilities, expected benefits, and performance of Viasat’s Real-Time Space Relay Service. InCommand system functionality over L-band network. Characteristics of the high-capacity Viasat satellite constellation in geostationary orbit. Development of Ka-band terminals that allow LEO operators to access the Viasat network for data transfer. and the timing of Rocket Lab missions and demonstrations in space. Readers are cautioned that actual results may differ materially and unfavorably from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ include: Satellite construction, launch, and operation. This includes the effects of anomalies, operational failures, or satellite performance degradation. contractual issues, product defects, manufacturing problems or delays, regulatory issues, technology that is not developed according to anticipated schedules or does not perform as expected; delays in approving the U.S. government budget and reductions in government defense spending; Increasing competition and other factors impact government and the defense sector generally. In addition, please refer to the risk factors contained in Viasat’s SEC filings, including Viasat’s most recent Annual Report (Form 10-K) and Quarterly Report (Form 10-Q), available at www.sec.gov. please. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. These statements speak only as of the date on which they are made. Viasat undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements for any reason.
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contact address
Viasat, Inc. Contact Information
Dan Bleier, Public Affairs, Viasat Government, +1 (202) 383-5074, daniel.bleier@viasat.com
Peter Lopez, Investor Relations, +1 (760) 476-2633, IR@viasat.com
Rocket Lab contact information
Media Contact: Muriel Baker, media@rocketlabusa.com
Investor Information: Colin Canfield, vestors@rocketlabusa.com
