Viasat Inc. reports developments across satellite communications, broadband connectivity, commercial mobility services and defense networking technologies. Company news commonly covers the ViaSat-3 satellite program, multi-orbit network expansion, in-flight connectivity platforms such as Viasat AMARA and Viasat AERA, and customer or technology collaborations in aviation, automotive and government communications markets.
Updates also include Defense and Advanced Technologies products such as Viasat Tactical Mission Fabric, secure edge-to-cloud networking, cybersecurity, tactical gateways, modems and waveform capabilities. Governance news has included board appointments, strategic review activity and cooperation agreements tied to shareholder engagement.
Viasat (NASDAQ: VSAT) has announced two strategic appointments to its Board of Directors: Dr. William "Bill" LaPlante, former Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, and Michael Paull, CEO of RBmedia and former President of Direct to Consumer for Disney Entertainment. LaPlante brings extensive defense and national security expertise, while Paull contributes significant experience in digital streaming and consumer technology.
The appointments come as James "Jim" Bridenstine, former NASA administrator, steps down from the Board effective May 9, 2025. Bridenstine, who served on the Nomination, Evaluation and Corporate Governance Committee and chaired the Banking and Finance Committee, will continue to provide advisory services through his firm, The Artemis Group.
Viasat (NASDAQ: VSAT) has announced that its GX10A and GX10B satellite payloads are now operational for government customers in the Arctic region, with commercial services planned for fiscal year 2026. The payloads, launched in August 2024, are part of Space Norway's Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission spacecraft and operate in a Highly Elliptical Orbit (HEO).
The project marks Viasat's first extension beyond geostationary orbit, providing uninterrupted connectivity across the polar region through its Global Xpress (GX) network. The satellites include hosted payloads for Norwegian Military, U.S. Government, and radiation monitoring for the European Commission. Viasat plans to expand its capabilities with five new Ka-band satellites under construction.
Inmarsat Maritime, a Viasat company, has signed an agreement with Sallaum Lines to upgrade to their NexusWave fully managed bonded connectivity service. The leading Roll-on/Roll-off cargo shipping company will implement this ultra-fast, secure connectivity solution with unlimited data across its 14-vessel fleet, including six newbuilds.
The agreement positions Sallaum Lines as an early adopter in the region, supporting their fleet digitalization strategy through IoT sensors and collaborative tools. The service includes Inmarsat's Care Premium programme for 24/7 support and will enable enhanced data collection, analysis, and advanced monitoring capabilities.
The implementation aims to improve crew welfare by providing reliable high-speed connectivity for communication with families and access to educational tools through a planned fleetwide learning platform, even in connectivity hotspots.
Viasat Inc (NASDAQ: VSAT) has announced the early full redemption of its outstanding 5.625% senior notes due 2025. The company will redeem the remaining $442.55 million aggregate principal amount ahead of the September 15, 2025 maturity date. The redemption will occur on May 2, 2025, at a cash redemption price of 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest. Viasat plans to utilize its cash on hand to fund this redemption.
Inmarsat Maritime, a Viasat company, has announced that Caribe Tankers USA (CTU) will trial their new NexusWave connectivity service on two chemical tankers, Caribe Maria and Caribe Luna. The trial aims to evaluate the performance of this fully managed bonded connectivity solution.
NexusWave combines multiple network underlays into a single bonded solution, enabling applications to utilize the aggregate capacity of all available networks simultaneously. This technology provides vessels with seamless high-speed internet access, featuring global coverage, unlimited data, and managed performance levels.
The implementation aligns with CTU's goals to enhance crew welfare and operational efficiency. The service promises to deliver consistent connectivity whether vessels are in open waters or anchored at ports, supporting both business communications and crew internet access needs.
Viasat (NASDAQ: VSAT) has unveiled Amara, its next-generation In-flight Connectivity (IFC) solution for commercial aviation. The system features advanced satellite network design, hardware improvements, and digital products suite. Currently deployed on over 3,000 aircraft serving approximately 10,000 daily flights, Amara offers multi-network connectivity through a simple software upgrade.
The company also announced Viasat Aera, a new electronically steered antenna (ESA) terminal, scheduled for commercial service in 2028. This terminal will enable dual-beam connections across GEO, HEO, and LEO satellites, featuring quick installation using existing ARINC 791 attach points.
The solution integrates with multiple satellite orbits, including recently announced LEO Ka-band capacity from Telesat Lightspeed, designed to provide global coverage and scalable connectivity to meet increasing airline demands.
Viasat (NASDAQ: VSAT) has announced a significant advancement in its multi-orbit services roadmap through a new agreement with Telesat. The partnership will integrate Telesat Lightspeed LEO Ka-band capacity into Viasat's multi-orbit network, enhancing connectivity services across mobility and defense business portfolios.
The integration aims to combine Telesat Lightspeed's LEO capacity with Viasat's ultra-high throughput satellites, delivering fast and reliable connectivity backed by comprehensive Service Level Agreements (SLAs). The service will particularly benefit high-demand locations like hub airports, seaports, and high-traffic routes.
This strategic move expands Viasat's existing multi-orbit network, which currently serves government, maritime, and energy services businesses, to include commercial aviation's in-flight connectivity solutions. The partnership represents Viasat's commitment to developing cost-effective, high-performance, and resilient multi-orbit solutions while ensuring sustainable space resource utilization.
Viasat (NASDAQ: VSAT) has been selected by Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia's new premium international airline, to provide complimentary in-flight connectivity on their Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet. The service will offer free streaming, social media, web browsing, and gaming from gate to gate for all Riyadh Air loyalty members.
The connectivity solution features Viasat's advanced multi-orbit ready satellite network and will enable Live TV on seatback screens. Non-loyalty members can easily sign up onboard to access these services. According to Viasat's 2024 Passenger Experience Survey, 71% of passengers prioritize streaming on personal devices during flights.
The partnership aims to transform the travel experience through hyper-personalization, powering Riyadh Air's apps, seatback screens, and digital channels. The airline will utilize Viasat's Ka-band technology and multi-orbit capabilities, ensuring flexibility to adopt future satellite technologies and meet growing connectivity demands.
Viasat (NASDAQ: VSAT) has been selected to join the European Space Agency's (ESA) Moonlight project, collaborating with program lead Telespazio to develop Europe's first lunar orbiting satellite network. The project aims to create a comprehensive lunar navigation and communication system.
Viasat will lead the design and development of the communication network, including earth ground infrastructure and lunar surface user terminals. The system will function as a data highway connecting the Moon and Earth, facilitating communications for spacecraft, lunar vehicles, and future commercial activities like space tourism.
The project will be implemented in phases, with initial capability targeted for late 2028 and full operations by 2030. The UK Space Agency, a major ESA Moonlight program contributor, has chosen Viasat to lead the UK ecosystem for communications capability. The project's Phase 1 is fully funded by ESA, with Telespazio having previously secured a €123m contract for infrastructure implementation.
Inmarsat Maritime, a Viasat company, has signed an agreement with Solvang to implement NexusWave connectivity service across their gas carrier fleet. The fully managed bonded connectivity service will support the company's 27-vessel fleet, including six semi-refrigerated ethylene carriers, eight large gas carriers, and 13 very large gas carriers.
NexusWave combines LEO, GEO, LTE, and L-band networks to deliver maximum download speeds of 340 Mbps and upload speeds of 80 Mbps, with network availability exceeding 99.9%. The service provides unlimited data and global coverage, supporting cloud-based business applications and video conferencing while enabling crew members to maintain contact with family.
Initial testing on the Clipper Explorer, a Solvang very large gas carrier, has demonstrated smooth operation of online applications with higher connection speeds and zero downtime, according to vessel Master feedback.