Viasat real-time space relay
Intersatellite communication leveraging Viasat's advanced space, ground, and networking infrastructure for real-time, global data transfer
Viasat enables real-time data links through intersatellite communication
Also known as "crosslinking," intersatellite communication allows satellites in a constellation to link to one another and relay data in space. Since small satellite constellations in low Earth orbit (LEO) are not in constant contact with the ground, intersatellite links allow data to be shared between adjacent satellites. Viasat offers several types of crosslinking solutions, including Ka-band and two types of V-band using a phased array antenna. By placing a miniature modem and router on each satellite, the constellation can have full transmit and receive capability for real-time data links.
Cost-effective data relay capabilities for LEO operators
Many satellites, or space vehicles, operating in LEO routinely collect data, such as Earth and weather observations, radar measurements and other science data, that must be sent back to Earth in real-time. In choosing how to transport this data back to Earth for analysis and distribution, satellite operators often must consider a tradeoff between data latency, the time between data collection to when it is received back on Earth, and cost. To overcome this issue, Viasat is developing a space relay capability that is intended to give LEO operators the ability to send data — in real-time, from all around the globe — over the planned ViaSat-3 geostationary orbit (GEO) network.
Anticipated to leverage the combined power of Viasat's satellite, real-time earth, and networking solutions
Viasat's real-time space relay solution brings together the best of our space, ground, and networking technologies to serve near-Earth space users. At the heart of the solution is our planned global ViaSat-3 constellation, anticipated to deliver 1Tbps capacity/satellite for secure, reliable, and scalable throughput. Our space terminals are expected to deliver a turnkey space relay solution, providing all the network and radio hardware necessary to access the ViaSat-3 constellation — and our growing real-time earth ground station network provides fast, reliable downlinks across 6 continents, allowing satellite operators to command, downlink, and rapidly disseminate GEO, LEO, and MEO data in a timely and secure manner with real-time streaming to your end point of choice
A fast, flexible, and scalable solution for near-earth operators
With the pending ViaSat-3 launch, Viasat's real-time space relay capabilities are expected to further enhance our fast, flexible, and scalable solutions.
Real-time data transfer
- On-demand access to critical data
- Low latency for time-critical data,, allowing you to send/receive in real-time
- Up to 100 GB/orbit | commercial Ka-bands
Flexible and resilient architecture
- Maintain custody of SV even when it isn’t in view of a ground station
- Adaptable transport selection (RTE/SR)
- Seamless interoperability across networks, supporting S/X/Ka bands
- Optimized for mission and TT&C data
Scalable solutions
- Leverages our growing global network of real-time earth ground stations and high-capacity satellites to deliver persistent, global coverage over poles, oceans, and remote areas
- High-capacity satellites combined with high-speed downlinks help maximize throughput
Viasat has been selected to deliver real-time, near-Earth communications for NASA CSP
Viasat was recently selected by NASA to support its Communications Service Project (CSP), which seeks to accelerate the development of near-Earth communications by partnering with commercial satellite communication (SATCOM) providers.
