Viasat and Blue Origin to Partner on Launch Telemetry Demonstration for NASA Communications Services Project

Rhea-AI Summary

Viasat (NASDAQ: VSAT) has partnered with Blue Origin to demonstrate its InRange launch telemetry relay service on two future New Glenn rocket missions. This collaboration is part of NASA's Communications Services Project (CSP), aiming to transition from NASA's Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) system to commercial SATCOM solutions.

The InRange technology utilizes Viasat's global L-band satellite network to provide real-time telemetry data during launches, enabling continuous beyond-line-of-sight communications and eliminating ground communication "blackouts". The first demonstration flight is expected in 2025, followed by a full service demonstration in 2026.

This partnership comes after NASA's November 2024 announcement that no new missions will use TDRS services, creating a need for commercial SATCOM-based launch telemetry solutions.

Positive

• Partnership with Blue Origin provides validation and exposure for Viasat's InRange technology
• Strategic positioning to capture market share as NASA transitions from TDRS to commercial solutions
• Technology eliminates communication blackouts during launches, offering competitive advantage
• Two confirmed demonstration missions provide clear path to service validation

Negative

• Service demonstrations won't be completed until 2026
• Success depends on flawless execution of both demonstration missions
• Faces potential competition from other commercial SATCOM providers

Viasat will demonstrate its InRange launch telemetry relay solution on Blue Origin’s New Glenn Rocket on two future missions

CARLSBAD, Calif., May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Viasat Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global leader in satellite communications (SATCOM), today announced it has selected Blue Origin as its launch mission partner to support Viasat’s demonstration of its InRange launch telemetry relay service as part of its work with NASA’s Communications Services Project (CSP). Viasat’s Space and Mission Systems team, part of the company’s Defense and Advanced Technologies (DAT) segment, will work with Blue Origin across two future launches to integrate the user terminal and InRange solution on the New Glenn launch vehicle to showcase this innovative space-based launch communications capability. Blue Origin successfully launched the first New Glenn rocket on January 16, 2025.

By demonstrating the InRange launch service capability with Blue Origin, Viasat will support NASA’s aim to transition orbital communication users from NASA’s Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) system to commercial SATCOM solutions. NASA announced in November 2024 that no new missions will be onboarded to use TDRS services, which means launch providers will need a commercial SATCOM-based launch telemetry solution. TDRS has long provided launch communications support for U.S. government, commercial sector and other global national space agency missions. Providers globally are now seeking alternative commercial telemetry relay services for their launch missions. In alignment with this, Viasat is also partnering with the NASA Launch Services Program (LSP) team, which has been responsible for collecting TDRS relayed data for launch vehicles and sharing it with launch operators.

“We are excited to be working with Blue Origin as our launch partner to showcase our innovative launch telemetry services,” said Susan Miller, President of Viasat Government. “As NASA looks ahead to replacing the TDRS system, commercial capabilities need to deliver greater performance, flexibility and resilience to support future missions.”

InRange is designed to provide a constant relay connection to the ground through Viasat’s network, enabling real-time data transmission during launch to support mission operations. The technology uses Viasat’s global L-band satellite network to provide real-time telemetry data for launch missions, enabling launch mission controllers to maintain communications and monitor the performance of their vehicles beyond-line-of-sight and avoid reliance on ground communications, which can experience communication “blackouts” when the launch vehicle moves into an area not covered by Earth-based connections.

“It is a privilege to work with Viasat on this mission. By demonstrating Viasat’s InRange launch telemetry relay service with New Glenn, we are taking a significant step towards enhancing the reliability and efficiency of launch communications,” said Jarrett Jones, Senior Vice President, New Glenn. “This collaboration not only supports NASA’s transition to commercial SATCOM solutions, but also showcases the innovative capabilities of our New Glenn launch vehicle.”

Viasat’s first New Glenn launch will be the initial InRange flight test of these services and is currently anticipated to launch this year. This is also expected be the first in-flight demonstration of Viasat’s data-relay services being developed under the NASA CSP program, which include a portfolio of multi-band space-relay communications services that support low-Earth orbit missions and constellation operations. The second mission, which will be a full InRange service demonstration, is currently planned for 2026.

Visit the Viasat website for more information on Viasat’s data relay communications services.

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. In May 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 LinkedIn, X, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, Threads, and YouTube. 

Copyright © 2025 Viasat, Inc. All rights reserved. Viasat, the Viasat logo and the Viasat Signal are registered trademarks in the U.S. and in other countries of Viasat, Inc. All other product or company names mentioned are used for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners.

About Blue Origin
Blue Origin is building a road to space for the benefit of Earth, humanity’s blue origin. Blue Origin is focused on radically reducing the cost of access to space and harnessing its vast resources while mobilizing future generations to realize this mission. Blue Origin builds and operates reusable rocket engines, launch vehicles, in-space systems, and lunar landers. Discover more at BlueOrigin.com.

Viasat, Inc. Contacts
Dan Bleier, Public Relations, Viasat Government, +1 (202) 383-5074, daniel.bleier@viasat.com
Lisa Curran/Pete Lopez, Investor Relations, +1 (760) 476-2633, IR@viasat.com      

Blue Origin Contact
Brett Griffin, Public Relations, media@blueorigin.com

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 about the features, expected benefits and performance of Viasat's InRange service; and the timing of the Blue Origin missions and in-space demonstrations of the InRange demonstrations. Readers are cautioned that actual results could differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ include: our ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the Viasat global L-band network; construction, launch and operation of satellites, including the effect of any anomaly, operational failure or degradation in satellite performance; contractual problems, product defects, manufacturing issues or delays, regulatory issues, technologies not being developed according to anticipated schedules, or that do not perform according to expectations; delays in approving U.S. government budgets and cuts in government defense expenditures; and increased competition and other factors affecting the government and defense sectors generally. In addition, please refer to the risk factors contained in Viasat's SEC filings available at www.sec.gov, including Viasat's 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. Viasat undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements for any reason.

FAQ

What is Viasat's InRange launch telemetry relay service?

InRange is a technology that uses Viasat's global L-band satellite network to provide real-time telemetry data during launch missions, enabling continuous communications beyond-line-of-sight without ground communication blackouts.

Why is VSAT partnering with Blue Origin for the NASA Communications Services Project?

Viasat is partnering with Blue Origin to demonstrate its InRange technology on New Glenn rockets as NASA transitions from its TDRS system to commercial SATCOM solutions, positioning itself as a key provider in the launch communications market.

When will Viasat's InRange demonstrations with Blue Origin take place?

The first InRange flight test is expected in 2025, with a full service demonstration planned for 2026.

What problem does Viasat's InRange technology solve for launch missions?

InRange eliminates communication 'blackouts' that occur with traditional ground-based systems by providing constant relay connection through Viasat's satellite network, enabling continuous real-time data transmission during launches.

How does NASA's TDRS transition affect Viasat (VSAT)?

NASA's decision to stop onboarding new missions to TDRS creates a market opportunity for Viasat to provide commercial SATCOM-based launch telemetry solutions to future missions.