Connecting the planet with our global partners in space
05-06-2025
6-minute read
Discover how we are collaborating with space agencies around the world to amplify global connectivity
Partnering with some of the world’s most impressive space agencies continues to inspire us to shape the future of satellite communication technology.
By working with Space Norway, Indian Space Research Organization, European Space Agency (ESA), UK Space Agency (UKSA), Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Viasat is helping build upon on an incredible legacy of technological breakthroughs and remain future-focused on solving some of the space industry’s most challenging missions.
Space Norway
Space Norway was one of the European space agencies to leverage satellites for the benefit of society.
Today, Space Norway is the leading satellite operator in Northern Europe, providing critical connectivity services across the Arctic and Antarctic regions, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
Space Norway’s satellite services provide essential connectivity for media broadcasting, data communications, and earth observation, supporting governmental, public, and commercial sectors. It also operates an advanced hybrid infrastructure that includes satellites, teleports, and fiber optic networks.
Our polar partner
The Arctic Circle is an area where we are seeing rapidly growing connectivity requirements for government and commercial mobility customers.
That is why we joined Space Norway’s Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission (ASBM), which successfully deployed two satellites in a highly elliptical orbit (HEO) in August 2024. The two satellites – ASBM-1 and ASBM-2 – host the GX10A and GX10B Ka-band payloads, which we will use to extend our high-speed global network with dedicated Arctic region coverage. These payloads are Viasat’s first in non-geostationary orbit and represent the world’s first HEO mission to carry a commercial broadband service payload.
The GX payloads in HEO will integrate with our Global Xpress fleet and are another example of how we are extending into multi-orbit, cooperative networks to provide our customers with the seamless mobile connectivity they demand.
Did you know...
As early as 1974, Space Norway established the first domestic satellite system in Western Europe to provide the petroleum industry with a reliable connection to its North Sea production.
Space Norway was the second organization to deliver television programming via satellite in Europe.
Space Norway established the first antenna dedicated to satellite communication at the Troll Station in Antarctica, one of the most remote regions on Earth.
Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)
From its humble beginnings working from an old cattle shed, ISRO has conducted almost 124 space missions. It has even developed its own satellite navigation system, IRNSS.
With the emergence of private players and startups in the space sector, ISRO is now adding a new dimension to the space economy by fostering innovation, embracing competition, and facilitating collaboration.
India’s global space economy is projected to reach $1 trillion by 2040 and is expected to attract new commercial partners, to deliver satellite connectivity solutions for its defense, maritime, and aviation sectors.
How we support ISRO mission
Viasat is investing in India’s burgeoning space economy through strategic partnerships and innovative technology, including;
- Engineering centers to support global connectivity solutions
- Utilizing our I-6 F1 satellite to provide coverage over the Indian Ocean and enable GPS service to the Indian Government
- Providing in-flight connectivity over India via our GX4 satellite
- Ground infrastructure to enable L-band (ELERA) and Ka-band (Global Xpress) connectivity
- Satellite gateway antennas that are used for GSAT-N2 (GSAT 20) and other satellites
Did you know...
ISRO’s first deep space mission, Chandrayaan-1, played a crucial role in the discovery of water molecules on the Moon.
ISRO is one of six government space agencies in the world that possess full launch capabilities with the ability to deploy cryogenic engines.
It is one of four governmental space agencies to have demonstrated unmanned soft-landing capabilities
European Space Agency (ESA)
With 23 member states, ESA harnesses the collective brain trust of its members, enabling it to undertake ambitious programs and activities that no single European country could likely achieve alone.
From exploring Earth and its immediate space environment, to delving into the mysteries of our universe, ESA’s initiatives are designed to expand our scientific prowess. The agency also focuses on developing advanced satellite technologies and services, while actively promoting European industries.
How we support ESA missions
Project Moonlight
Viasat recently announced it will join Telespazio, along with a coalition of other commercial partners, in supporting the European Space Agency's (ESA’)s Moonlight Program, a project aiming to create Europe’s first lunar orbiting satellite system. This will include navigation and communication services for European and international missions operating on the surface of the Moon and in lunar orbit.
The Moonlight communications system will act as a data highway on and around the Moon, and between Earth and the Moon. Over time, the Moonlight system could also be used for additional commercial activities on the Moon such as space tourism, and manufacturing programs leveraging rare materials found on the lunar surface.
Viasat will be responsible for the design and development of the communication network and will lead the definition of the end-to-end communications services: aiming to provide a communications network for lunar landers, rovers, orbiters, and other technology.
Viasat will also be responsible for the communication earth ground infrastructure and communication lunar surface user terminals.
Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES 4.0) program
We recently signed an agreement to work with ESA to accelerate the development and deployment of Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) low Earth orbit (LEO) Direct-to-Device (D2D) systems in Europe and across the world.
This agreement will pave the way for us to submit a project to ESA’s Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES 4.0) program. ARTES 4.0’s mission is to explore innovative concepts in optical and quantum communications, space systems for safety and security, and space for 5G/6G.
This new proposal is focused on the design and build of an open architecture LEO network that can provide 5G services directly to handheld devices, even in areas without ground-based coverage.
Multi-layered Satellite Communication (SATCOM) study
Multi-layered, hybrid networks are becoming increasingly critical to improving communication flexibility, performance, and resiliency against disruptions or attacks.
This need led ESA to choose Viasat to conduct a multi-layered Satellite Communication (SATCOM) study. The project’s goal was to provide a roadmap for future applications of satellite communication systems using networks operating in different orbits.
The study focused on designing a system that can support both current and future satellite services, improve the efficiency of how data is transmitted, and ensure that different systems can work together seamlessly. It involved several tasks, such as assessing the current market and technologies, developing system requirements, conducting trade-off exercises, and creating models and simulations.
Did you know...
Its first deep-space mission studied Comets Halley and Grigg-Skejllerup
It launched the first fully European-led mission to a planet with its Mars Express orbiter and lander, Beagle
Its Huygens probe landed on Saturn’s largest moon, Titan
UK Space Agency
The UK Space Agency is an executive agency, sponsored by the UK government’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. It includes a network of investors, scientists, engineers, academia, and research labs.
UKSA priorities include providing satellite launch services, ensuring space is safe and accessible for all, supporting space science and exploration missions, investing in bold new technologies, studying our planet and tackling climate change, and delivering vital everyday satellite services. It is developing new technologies to clean up space debris, new ways to extend the life of satellites, and new spaceports.
How we support UK Space Agency missions
Launch telemetry relay service
We are collaborating with the UK Space Agency and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to provide a new in-orbit telemetry relay service called "InRange," which will be tested on Japan's H3 launch vehicle.
InRange will use our global L-band satellite network, while Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) will develop the transmitter and antenna for the H3 launch vehicle.
InRange will reduce the need for ground-based infrastructure, allowing for more efficient and optimized launch trajectories, which could save fuel and increase payload capacity. Viasat and MHI will work together to validate and demonstrate the service, with NEC Space Technologies, Ltd. designing the L-band transmitter and JAXA providing technical support.
GPS and Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT)
We recently demonstrated a UK satellite-based augmentation system (UK SBAS) for the first time, showing how highly accurate GPS data can maximize safety and improve efficiency.
The test flight, flown from Cranfield Airport using the National Flying Laboratory Centre’s Saab 340B aircraft, showcased a UK-based SBAS that delivers more precise, reliable navigation data. The UK is no longer part of the EU’s similar European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS), following its exit from the European Union. While EGNOS can still be used for non-safety applications in the UK, the trial aims to provide a first step toward a complementary UK SBAS which can be used for critical safety of life navigation services across air, land, and sea.
Did you know...
Its stations provided communication and tracking of rockets and satellites during the Space Race, including Sputnik and Pioneer 5
The UK Space Agency invented carbon fiber composite material, which is widely used on spacecraft, rockets, telescopes and large deployable energy systems
The concept of the communications satellite was first proposed by British citizen Sir Arthur C. Clarke
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has ventured into space with missions that have landed on the Moon and orbited Venus. The agency regularly launches satellites for telecommunications and Earth observation, space telescopes, and robotic probes. JAXA also trains astronauts, designs human-rated space vehicles, and develops military space infrastructure.
JAXA is working with NASA to supply a pressurized rover for the Artemis missions to transport humans on the Moon’s surface as well as having JAXA astronauts join a NASA Moon landing. Additionally, JAXA is working with the ESA on the future Comet Interceptor mission and may partner with ISRO on a robotic lunar lander and rover.ies to clean up space debris, new ways to extend the life of satellites, and new spaceports.
How we support JAXA's mission
Through our combined collaboration with UKSA and JAXA , we plan to help increase the flexibility and flight trajectory of JAXA’s H3 Launch Vehicle with our InRange solution. The H3 is Japan’s go-to launch vehicle, with a goal to provide an “easy-to-use rocket.”
Did you know...
Its Hayabusa spacecraft was the first to return asteroid samples to Earth
Its IKAROS spacecraft was the first to use solar sail propulsion in interplanetary space
Its rocket, SS-520-5, is the world's smallest orbital launcher
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
NASA has transformed our understanding of the universe. From the historic Moon landings to the stunning images from the James Webb Telescope, NASA's missions have inspired the world for decades. NASA's international collaborations, such as the International Space Station, foster global cooperation and push the boundaries of what we can achieve together.
How we support NASA missions
NASA CSP – Multi-band Space Relay capabilities
Working in partnership with NASA’s Communications Services Project (CSP), Viasat is demonstrating commercial services that NASA missions can utilize as the Agency’s proprietary near-Earth Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) system approaches retirement. Under CSP, we plan to demonstrate our portfolio of on-orbit data communication services to deliver persistent, global coverage over the poles, oceans, and remote areas using Ka-band and L-band. For one of the demonstration missions, we selected Rocket Lab to produce the spacecraft bus and provide mission operations support.
Our hybrid space communications network demonstrations will highlight our growing portfolio of multi-band, space-based relay communication services. These services support LEO operator space missions and offer substantial flexibility in managing data. They also provide lower data latency and higher throughput in real time.
NASA NSN Direct-to-Earth Services
NASA will leverage Viasat’s capabilities under its recent Near Space Network (NSN) Services contract, which is part of a five-year multi-award indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract program with an option to extend five years at a total cumulative value of $4.82 billion. Viasat is one of four commercial companies NASA announced will receive Task Order awards under this initiative. Initially, Viasat will provide global ground segment support services to NASA missions, with the potential to provide additional services in the future.
Specifically, Viasat will provide its global Viasat Real-Time Earth (RTE) Ground-Segment-as-a-Service (GSaaS) network. This network, partnered with ATLAS Space Operations and the Alaska Satellite Facility (ASF), offers reliable, high-speed satellite-to-ground communication. It can handle multi-gigabit per second downlinks across six continents, increasing NASA's daily data downlink opportunities and ensuring timely delivery of mission-critical information. The network also integrates advancements in AI, machine learning, and cloud optimization.
Solar eclipse livestream video
In 2024, Viasat’s satellite service enabled livestream video from NASA’s WB-57F high-altitude aircraft flying at 50,000 feet to collect data of a rare scientific event – a total solar eclipse. The celestial phenomenon was first since 2017, offering a unique opportunity for both the public and NASA researchers to witness and study the eclipse.
NASA’s WB-57F high-altitude aircraft were integrated with Viasat’s lightweight satellite terminals. The aircraft followed the path of the solar eclipse and collected valuable data. Viasat’s flexible broadband SATCOM terminals, designed for comms-on-the-move applications, enabled livestream video from the aircraft flying at an impressive altitude of 50,000 feet. This real-time full motion video not only aided researchers in immediate analysis but also helped identify additional points of focus for further study.
Did you know...
Over the years, NASA has been the genesis of many of the products we use today, like cell phone cameras, memory foam, wireless headphones, scratch-resistant glasses, freeze dried food, infrared thermometers, cordless vacuums, invisible braces, foil emergency blankets, and many more innovations.
It discovered a “waterworld” 40 light years away, which they believe to have materials like hot ice and super fluid water
In 1972, NASA and the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare founded The Learning Channel (TLC)
Better together
These collaborations highlight our commitment to continuous innovation in connectivity solutions. By leveraging years of expertise and unique partnerships, we are not only enhancing the capabilities of leading space agencies but also paving the way for a more connected planet.
You may also be interested in