Viasat and Safran have signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) to innovate with Viasat's
InRange rocket telemetry system and accelerate its use
by launch providers and spaceports.
LONDON, Dec. 18,
2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Viasat, Inc. (NASDAQ:
VSAT), a global leader in satellite communications, is working with
Safran Data Systems to jointly bring InRange to market so launch
providers and spaceports can relay launch vehicles' telemetry in
flight throughout their trajectory - and without having to rely on
ground networks.
InRange uses Viasat's global L-band satellite fleet - which
Viasat now operates following the acquisition of Inmarsat in May -
to provide real-time telemetry data for launch missions. By using
space-based communications, InRange will allow launch mission
controllers to monitor the performance of missions beyond the line
of sight, without the need for ground communications
infrastructure. A global satellite communications network can also
prevent so-called 'blackout zones' when a launch vehicle moves into
an area not covered by Earth-based connectivity.
Under the MoU, Safran Data Systems will provide its telemetry
antennas, onboard transmitters, and Cortex modems to support the
InRange system for commercial launch systems virtually anywhere in
the world. The companies will also explore different commercial
models to allow launchers to purchase and use the InRange system
'off the shelf'. The move will be another commercial milestone for
InRange, following a recent European Space Agency joint contract to
test the system on Skyrora's sub-orbital Skylark L launch vehicle
next year.
InRange is part of Viasat's wider in-orbit communications
services which are designed to enable real-time data transfer
between satellites in different orbits, for uses like government
communications, earth observation, or climate monitoring. This
includes the IDRS space relay service, which enables operators to
command and control Low Earth Orbit satellites whatever the
mission.
Gary Lay, Vice President of
Viasat's Strategic Programmes, said: "In the last 10 years
we've seen the commercial launch industry really take off with many
private launch providers coming to market. Accurate telemetry is a
critical part of any launch mission, so global connectivity that
provides accurate, real-time data could be game changing as we
continue to see rapid growth."
"InRange is designed to give launch operators greater
flexibility and reliability for their launch telemetry. This
partnership with Safran is aiming to bring the service to market
faster and help it become an indispensable tool for mission
success."
Jean-Marie Bétermier, Safran Electronics & Defense Space
Director, said "Meeting the new needs of launch operators is
our main objective at Safran Data Systems. We have been
anticipating them over the last few years and are proud of the
progress made with this InRange service offered jointly with
Viasat. This is a great recognition of our expertise in the field
of advanced telemetry, as we can provide data in real time and
continuously, whatever the position of the launch vehicle."
About Viasat
Viasat is a global communications
company that believes everyone and everything in the world can be
connected. With offices in 24 countries around the world, our
mission shapes how consumers, businesses, governments and
militaries around the world communicate and connect. Viasat is
developing the ultimate global communications network to power
high-quality, reliable, secure, affordable, fast connections to
positively impact people's lives anywhere they are—on the ground,
in the air or at sea, while building a sustainable future in space.
On May 30, 2023, Viasat completed its
acquisition of Inmarsat, combining the teams, technologies and
resources of the two companies to create a new global
communications partner. Learn more at www.viasat.com, the
Viasat News Room or follow us on
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or YouTube.
Copyright © 2023 Viasat, Inc. All rights reserved. Viasat,
the Viasat logo and the Viasat Signal are registered trademarks in
the U.S and in other countries to Viasat, Inc. All other product or
company names mentioned are used for identification purposes only
and may be trademarks of their respective owners.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements that are
subject to the safe harbors created under the Securities Act of
1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking
statements include, among others, statements that refer to the
features, availability and benefits of the InRange solution and
other in-orbit communications solutions owned or operated by
Viasat. Readers are cautioned that actual results could
differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking
statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ
include: risks associated with the construction, launch and
operation of satellites, including the effect of any anomaly,
operational failure or degradation in satellite performance;
operation of third party networks and satellite technology; the
ability of Viasat to successfully integrate Inmarsat operations,
technologies and employees following the recent closing of the
Inmarsat acquisition; the ability to realize anticipated benefits
and synergies of the Inmarsat acquisition; the combined company's
ability to successfully develop, introduce and sell new
technologies, products and services; the combined company's
reliance on a limited number of third parties to manufacture and
supply their respective products; and other factors affecting the
communications industry generally. In addition, please refer
to the risk factors contained in our SEC filings available at
www.sec.gov, including our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K
and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Readers are cautioned not to
place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak
only as of the date on which they are made. We undertake no
obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements for
any reason.
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SOURCE Viasat, Inc.