➀ NASA has selected four companies to develop its Near Space Network, enhancing communication capabilities for spacecraft. The network supports missions ranging from climate studies to lunar exploration. The companies include Intuitive Machines, Kongsberg Satellite Services, SSC Space, and Viasat. The project is valued at $4.82 billion and spans from February 2025 to September 2029 with an option to extend until September 2034. ➁ The network includes ground stations and Tracking Data and Relay Satellite (TDRS) systems, providing communication and navigation services for missions up to 1.2 million miles. It supports missions like the Hubble Space Telescope and the International Space Station. ➂ The ground stations and TDRS satellites enable spacecraft to transmit data directly to Earth, facilitating critical mission operations.

➀ Skyrora, in partnership with Viasat and CGI, has successfully completed a ground test of Viasat’s InRange system. ➁ The system is designed to provide continuous telemetry data transmission from launch to payload deployment, using geostationary satellites. ➂ The ground test fulfills the initial stage of an ESA contract and will proceed to the second stage, involving integration with Skyrora’s Skylark L launch vehicle.

➀ Viasat is introducing Enhanced LAISR, an L-band service for airborne, maritime, and mobile land users, aimed at governmental organizations. It is designed to meet the increased demand for crewed and uncrewed ISR missions. ➁ Enhanced LAISR is supported by new Enhanced L-band Maritime Antenna (ELMA) and LAISR-COTM terminals. It connects through Satellite Access Stations and the company’s secure MPLS network. ➂ Viasat also secured a contract to provide network services for the U.S. Army’s Blue Force Tracker (BFT) programme, enhancing situational awareness and information sharing among military forces.

➀ Space Norway and Viasat are collaborating on the Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission (ASBM) to provide broadband connectivity in the Arctic region from polar orbits. ➁ The mission, led by Space Norway's subsidiary Heosat, has successfully launched two satellites (ASBM-1 and ASBM-2) carrying Ka-band payloads to extend Viasat's global network. ➂ The satellites are expected to enter service in early to mid-2025, offering coverage north of 65°N with a unique highly elliptical orbit (HEO).