USAF asks Viasat to develop space prototypes
Communications company to provide broad range of services under new IDIQ contract.
The Air Force Research Laboratory has awarded Viasat a $50.8 million IDIQ contract to develop ‘prototype space systems’, the US DoD announced on 2 February.
Viasat will provide studies, design, manufacturing, integration, performance qualification, network space segment elements, launch, flight and demonstration services for these systems.
The contract also includes the development, integration and demonstration with ground terminals ‘in conjunction with the government ground segment’, the DoD noted, to reduce risk and assess performance and functionality for future protected service.
Work will be performed in Carlsbad, California, and is expected to be completed in early May 2028.
Viasat traditionally focused on geostationary satellite-based communications but it has recently expanded into low-Earth orbit satellites, cybersecurity and network operations.
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