Viasat has announced the successful test of its HaloNet launch telemetry solution for NASA, conducted onboard Blue Origin’s New Glenn. This demonstration marks a step in Viasat’s ongoing collaboration with NASA’s Communications Services Project, which seeks to transition near-Earth satellite communications services from government-operated systems to commercial offerings by 2031 as NASA retires its Tracking and Data Relay Satellite fleet.
The recent test showcased Viasat’s ability to deliver continuous, real-time data transmission during launch operations using its global L-band satellite network. The system employs operational Geostationary Orbit (GEO) satellites and related ground infrastructure to provide an end-to-end data relay service. During the demonstration, Viasat established a persistent connection throughout the launch, enabling flight data to be sent directly to the launch operations center for processing.
John Reeves, Vice President of Space and Mission Systems at Viasat Government, stated: “We are thrilled to successfully complete our first demonstration under NASA’s Communications Services Project and show how commercial technologies can help support critical launch telemetry data needs. We’re proud to be partnering with NASA on these near-Earth communications capabilities to help both government agencies and commercial operators benefit from the latest available solutions. We’re excited to build on this success and move toward a second demonstration mission with Blue Origin anticipated for early next calendar year.”
The capability demonstrated allows mission controllers to monitor vehicle performance in real time beyond line-of-sight, reducing dependence on ground-based communications that may experience blackouts over areas not covered by terrestrial connections.
This was Viasat’s first in-flight demonstration of its data-relay services for NASA. A second joint demonstration with Blue Origin is planned for next year, and further demonstrations involving other partners are expected in 2026.
For more information or investor inquiries, Lisa Curran or Peter Lopez at Viasat Investor Relations can be contacted at +1 (760) 476-2633 or IR@viasat.com.
