Viasat awarded contract for optical terminal development by U.S. Space Force

Viasat will continue development and testing of a new space optical terminal for crosslink communications between orbits.

CARLSBAD, Calif. — Viasat, Inc. has been selected by the U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command for Phase 2 of its Enterprise Space Terminal program. This phase focuses on prototyping and developing a new optical laser communications terminal designed to support military operations through crosslinking and interoperable communications across multiple orbits.

Viasat’s Space and Mission Systems team has completed the Preliminary Design Review for its Free Space Optical space terminal during Phase 1. In this next phase, the team will finalize the solution design and conduct initial testing of a hardware prototype. The optical communications solution aims to meet specific performance, interoperability, and size, weight, power, and cost requirements for future space systems.

The development of optical laser terminals as part of the EST program is critical for the U.S. Space Force’s space communications strategy. These terminals will support broader objectives for a unified space mesh network, allowing for information transfer between satellites and orbits.

“Developing high-throughput, secure optical communications will be a transformational capability for military space operations and the sharing of mission data in real-time across the battlespace,” said Susan Miller, President of Viasat government. “Viasat is excited to continue the development of its next-generation optical communications terminal for the EST program. Our experience in delivering flexible and scalable technology solutions will facilitate the timely development of this EST terminal.”