Viasat and Rocket Lab partnered to showcase On-Demand, Low-Latency Data Relay Services

Viasat selected Rocket Lab to support its NASA CSP program demonstrations of multi-band space-relay capabilities

Viasat, Inc., a renowned player in satellite communications on a global scale, has announced its collaboration with Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB), a prominent company specializing in launch and space systems. This partnership aims to support Viasat's hybrid space communications network demonstrations through the production of a spacecraft bus and the provision of mission operation support. These demonstrations are part of Viasat's initiatives under two awards totaling $80 million within NASA's Communications Services Project (CSP). The project evaluates commercial satellite communications services and technologies to fulfill NASA's near-Earth communications requirements following the phase-out of the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS).

Scheduled for launch in early 2026, the demonstration mission will also include direct-to-ground communications via Viasat's Real-Time Earth (RTE) Ground-Station-as-a-Service, covering S-, X-, and Ka-bands. All transports will be integrated through Viasat's Integrated Space Access Network (ISAN) to demonstrate the benefits of adaptable transport, empowering LEO operators to access data while balancing network availability, cost, and time-sensitive applications. Rocket Lab's spacecraft will provide the essential elements for the mission demonstration, including power, communications, propulsion, and attitude control. The spacecraft will integrate Rocket Lab's satellite components and sub-systems, including star trackers, reaction wheels, solar panels, S-band radios, flight software, ground software, and the new L-band radio designed for the future InCommand service.