Key insights
- Viasat has been selected by NASA for phase 1 of its Network Extension for User Continuity and Sustainability (NEXUS) initiative. The contract, with a maximum potential value of $460.9 million, aims to develop Ka-band space relay capabilities as NASA retires its Tracking and Data Relay Satellite fleet. Viasat's solution includes a GEO relay satellite infrastructure and supporting ground segment, with future phases covering development and demonstration of a backward-compatible relay service. This award signifies a shift towards commercially provided space communications for NASA.
Viasat, Inc. (VSAT) has been selected by NASA as one of three commercial awardees for phase 1 of its Network Extension for User Continuity and Sustainability (NEXUS) initiative, according to a press release from the company.
The contract was awarded under NASA’s Next Space Technologies for Exploration Partnerships-3 (NextSTEP-3) Omnibus Broad Agency Announcement. The maximum potential contract value for Viasat, inclusive of future phases, is $460.9 million.
NEXUS is part of NASA’s Communications Services Project, which aims to transition near-Earth space communications services to the commercial sector. The initiative focuses on developing Ka-band space relay capabilities as NASA gradually retires its Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) fleet. The selected commercial providers are expected to support continuity for current TDRS users for a minimum of 15 years.
During phase 1, Viasat’s Space and Mission Systems team will develop designs for an end-to-end operational space architecture providing Ka-band relay connectivity to legacy TDRS missions. The proposed solution includes a small geosynchronous Earth orbit (GEO) relay satellite infrastructure, a supporting ground segment, and integration, launch, and operations capabilities.
"NASA’s vision for NEXUS reflects a significant evolution toward commercially provided space communications services," said John Reeves, Vice President of Space and Mission Systems, Viasat Government. "Our satellite networking and end-to-end system design expertise will enable us to provide a resilient Ka-band relay capability that supports both legacy and future NASA missions while providing a clear path to advanced communication relay services beyond TDRS."
Additional award phases are expected over the next three years, covering development and demonstration of a backward-compatible relay service encompassing space, ground, network, launch, integration, operations, and service-management elements.
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