Viasat wins US Air Force space internet test contract from Northrop Grumman

Friday, March 1, 2024

Viasat, Inc , a prominent figure in satellite communications worldwide, has secured a contract from Northrop Grumman to bolster the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) initiative known colloquially as ‘Global Lightning,’ officially termed the Defense Experimentation Using Commercial Space Internet (DEUCSI) Call 003 program.

This initiative, spearheaded by Northrop Grumman under a four-year contract, aims to explore the integration of space internet services from both defense contractors and commercial satellite communication providers into existing military frameworks. Viasat, as part of this collaboration, will deploy its ViaSat-3 Satellite Communications Network, facilitating seamless access to high-bandwidth satellite internet for military personnel via current USAF aircraft and ground vehicles.

As per the agreement, Viasat will embed its ViaSat-3 modem into Northrop Grumman’s open systems processors and antenna solutions for conducting experiments across various platforms. This modem aligns with critical open communications and IP-protocol standards utilized by the military, including OpenAMIP, CMOSS, and SOSA. Open standards are of paramount importance to the Department of Defense as they expedite the adoption of novel communication technologies, enabling military users to stay abreast of industry advancements. The ViaSat-3 modem, designed as a compact, lightweight, and power-efficient module, seamlessly integrates with multiple mission systems, operating in tandem with open standards.

“Global Lightning is about delivering flexibility and agility for military users,” said Victor Farah, Head of Viasat Government Systems. “Our reliable satellite services – coupled with the open source optimized ViaSat-3 modem – are designed to be able to offer game changing communications capability so they can connect with ease and deliver mission success. We are delighted to be working on the program to offer our expertise across USAF’s defense platforms.”

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