Viasat and Rocket Lab unveil advanced data services for LEO satellites

Viasat and Rocket Lab unveil advanced data services for LEO satellites
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Mar 08, 2024

In a strategic move to enhance space communications, Viasat Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT) has partnered with Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) to introduce a groundbreaking spacecraft bus and mission operation support for its upcoming hybrid space communications network demonstrations. These initiatives aim to showcase Viasat's comprehensive suite of multi-band, space-based communication services designed to significantly improve the flexibility, latency, and throughput of data management for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite missions in real time.

This collaboration is part of Viasat's involvement in two projects, awarded a combined total of $80 million, under NASA's Communications Services Project (CSP). The CSP's objective is to assess commercial satellite communication services and technologies to fulfill NASA's near-Earth communication needs, transitioning away from the traditional Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS).

Addressing the challenge of data latency due to the need for LEO satellites to maintain a direct line of sight with ground stations, Viasat's innovative Ka- and L-band relay solutions aim to provide near-instantaneous, low-latency data communications. The Real-Time Space Relay (RTSR) system, utilizing Viasat's high-capacity Ka-band satellite network in geostationary orbit (GEO), will grant LEO operators on-demand access to crucial mission data. Meanwhile, the InCommand system, leveraging Viasat's global L-band network, will offer immediate telemetry, tracking, and command (TT&C) operations across any spacecraft orbit. As part of this partnership, Rocket Lab will contribute a novel L-band radio, Frontier, to facilitate various TT&C applications during the demonstrations.

The demonstration mission, slated for early 2026, will also feature direct-to-ground communication capabilities through Viasat's Real-Time Earth (RTE) Ground-Station-as-a-Service, supporting S-, X-, and Ka-band frequencies. These technologies will be integrated via Viasat's Integrated Space Access Network (ISAN), demonstrating the advantages of adaptable transport technology and providing LEO operators with enhanced data access capabilities tailored to their specific network, cost, and timeliness requirements.

Michael Maughan, Vice President of Space and Mission Systems at Viasat Government Systems, expressed pride in supporting NASA's need for real-time space relay communications and enthusiasm for the ongoing partnership with Rocket Lab to expand Viasat's space mission portfolio. He highlighted the flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and scalability of their space relay services for various applications, from Earth observation and scientific missions to defense operations.

Brad Clevenger, Vice President of Space Systems at Rocket Lab, emphasized the company's commitment to providing configurable, high-performance spacecraft platforms that allow customers to concentrate on their unique hardware and services while Rocket Lab handles spacecraft development and operations. He looks forward to aiding Viasat in the NASA CSP mission and enhancing Rocket Lab's satellite communication capabilities.

Rocket Lab's spacecraft will be equipped with necessary components for mission demonstration, including power, communication, propulsion, attitude control, and new technologies like the L-band radio for the upcoming InCommand service.