Viasat Inc. has secured a five-year contract with NASA, potentially valued at $4.82 billion, to provide direct-to-Earth communications support under the Near Space Network Services.

This contract signifies NASA's transition from the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) to a more commercial approach, utilizing direct-to-Earth capabilities and commercial relay services.

The initiative aligns with NASA's strategy to integrate commercial solutions for its communications and navigation needs, enhancing data transfer for both current and future missions.

The contract aims to bolster communications for NASA missions operating from low Earth orbit to distances of up to two million kilometers.

Viasat's Defense and Advanced Technologies division will facilitate direct-to-Earth connectivity, supporting NASA's increasing reliance on commercial providers for near-space communications.

To achieve this, Viasat will utilize its Real-Time Earth ground network, offering a high-throughput, globally distributed communications solution capable of multi-gigabit per second downlinks across six continents.

Viasat's network incorporates advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cloud-based optimization to enhance performance.

Future enhancements to Viasat's network will include integration with advanced space relay services for L-band and Ka-band communications.

To improve service delivery, Viasat has partnered with ATLAS Space Operations and the Alaska Satellite Facility.

ATLAS will contribute its Freedom Ground Software and Global Federated Network, while the Alaska Satellite Facility will provide additional satellite ground support.

The contract includes an option for a five-year extension and is part of a multi-award, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity agreement with four selected companies.

Kent Leka, Viasat's vice president, expressed enthusiasm about supporting NASA's critical mission needs with a scalable and automated ground service.