Viasat collaborates with SSTL and MDA Space UK for lunar communication system

Viasat partnered with Surrey Satellite Technology (SSTL) and Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) Space UK to design a lunar communications satellite system by 2030.

In collaboration with key players in the UK space sector, Viasat, Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT) plans to develop designs for a Satellite Communications (Satcom) system aimed at enhancing data connectivity around the Moon. The initiative aligns with the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Moonlight program, which seeks to establish a lunar orbiting navigation and communication network.

The Moonlight communications system, expected to achieve initial capability by 2028 and full operations by 2030, aims to serve as a vital communication link for missions on the Moon and between Earth and lunar operations. This infrastructure is intended to bolster a future lunar economy by facilitating more frequent missions and potentially supporting commercial activities such as space tourism and resource utilization.

As the lead on the communications network design for the Moonlight program, Viasat collaborates with Telespazio, the program lead, while also contributing to the specifications for ground and lunar infrastructure. SSTL and MDA Space UK will provide advanced technology designs and infrastructure requirements, assisting in the program's ambition to ensure effective lunar communications.

Yasrine Ibnyahya, Vice President of Innovation at Viasat, remarked, “Moonlight is among the most exciting and ambitious projects being undertaken right now and will support future generations of space exploration.”

Andrew Cawthorne, Managing Director at SSTL, highlighted their commitment to turning Electrical Substation Automation (ESA)’s Moonlight vision into reality, leveraging expertise from previous satellite missions. Mike Greenley, CEO of MDA Space, noted the importance of communications technologies in enabling future lunar missions.

Laurent Jaffart, ESA Director of Connectivity and Secure Communications, acknowledged that the collaboration with SSTL and MDA Space significantly advances efforts to establish navigation and communication capabilities for lunar missions.