Viasat Awarded Contract by U.S. Space Force for Protected Tactical SATCOM-Global (PTS-G) Program

Rhea-AI Summary

Viasat (NASDAQ: VSAT) was selected as one of five awardees for an initial Delivery Order 1 (DO1) under the U.S. Space Force Protected Tactical SATCOM-Global (PTS-G) IDIQ program.

The DO1 work lasts 7 months and will mature a dual-band X/Ka-band GEO small-satellite and anchor-station design covering TT&C, satellite and network operations, and cybersecurity, with a targeted first PTS-G launch in 2028. The program has an IDIQ ceiling of $4B for all awardees and aims to deploy proliferated, anti-jam, maneuverable GEO satellites to deliver resilient tactical SATCOM for government users.

Positive

• Selected as one of five DO1 awardees
• DO1 design phase duration: 7 months
• Targeted first PTS-G launch: 2028
• Program IDIQ ceiling: $4B
• Dual-band X/Ka-band low SWaP GEO satellite design

Negative

• DO1 is an initial design award, not a production contract
• IDIQ ceiling $4B is shared among all awardees

Insights

Defense Space Systems Analyst

Prime delivery-order award positions Viasat to supply anti-jam GEO capability and pursue a share of a up-to-$4B USSF program.

Viasat will execute a 7-month Delivery Order 1 to mature a dual-band X/Ka-band GEO satellite and anchor station design, including TT&C, operations, and cybersecurity. The work culminates in a technical design review and a demonstration, and the program targets a first constellation launch in 2028. The company is one of five initial awardees under an IDIQ that has an overall ceiling of $4B.

The award creates a clear pathway for Viasat to compete as an end-to-end supplier for a government anti-jam SATCOM constellation, which directly ties engineering milestones to follow-on production opportunities. Key dependencies include successful delivery of the technical design review within the 7-month DO1 window and validation of the dual-band architecture during the demonstration. Monitor completion of the technical review, any follow-on delivery orders, and the program’s launch schedule through 2028.

Viasat was selected for an initial design award under the larger Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract for future anti-jam satellites

CARLSBAD, Calif., Oct. 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Viasat, Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global leader in satellite communications, today announced it has been selected for a prime contract award by the U.S. Space Force (USSF) Space Systems Command (USSF SSC) for the Protected Tactical SATCOM-Global (PTS-G) program. Viasat is one of five awardees to receive an initial Delivery Order 1 (DO1) contract under what is a large Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract that aims to develop a proliferated, small satellite geosynchronous Earth orbit (GEO) constellation that will deliver resilience and anti-jam capabilities. The first launch of this PTS-G constellation is projected for 2028 to serve government end-users.

Under this initial award, Viasat’s Space and Mission Systems team within its Defense and Advanced Technologies segment will mature a design for a dual-band X/Ka-band satellite and anchor station architecture, inclusive of tracking, telemetry, and command (TT&C), satellite and network operations, and cybersecurity requirements. This work under the DO1 phase will take place over a 7-month period, culminating in a technical design review and demonstration of this capability. Viasat’s low size, weight, and power (SWaP) GEO satellite will be capable of enhancing end-user speeds and delivering resilient performance.

This technology is crucial for providing secure, reliable and cost-effective communication capabilities to support evolving USSF and U.S. Department of War (DoW) missions. The PTS-G program aligns with the USSF initiative to deploy maneuverable GEO satellites, significantly improving the resilience and agility of military communications. The contract positions Viasat as a potential end-to-end satellite manufacturer for the USSF, further solidifying its role in the development of advanced space communication systems.

John Reeves, Vice President of Space and Mission Systems, Viasat Government, said: "Viasat is honored to be selected by the U.S. Space Force for the PTS-G program. This contract underscores our proven track record in designing and delivering secure, resilient, and high-performance satellite communication solutions. We believe our dual-band X/Ka-band design, combined with Viasat’s extensive understanding of capacity economics, maneuverable GEO architectures, and heritage of delivering secure communication solutions to DoW users, will provide critical capabilities to enable global connectivity and enhance warfighters’ situational awareness and operational effectiveness to meet emerging threats. We are excited to contribute to this transformative program and support the Department of War in achieving its strategic objectives."

The PTS-G program, which has an IDIQ ceiling value of $4B for all potential program awardees, is a key initiative of the USSF aimed at enhancing the security and performance of military satellite communications. By integrating advanced commercial technologies, the program seeks to create a more resilient and agile communication network, capable of withstanding and mitigating potential threats.

Visit our website to learn more about Viasat Government’s work to support US and global government customers.

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 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.

Viasat, Inc. Contacts
Dan Bleier, Public Relations, Viasat Government, +1 (202) 383-5074, daniel.bleier@viasat.com
Lisa Curran/Peter Lopez, Investor Relations, +1 (760) 476-2633, IR@viasat.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 that refer to Viasat’s PTS-G program Delivery Order 1 award, including the anticipated design, features and performance of the Viasat dual-band X/Ka-band satellite; and Viasat’s receipt of any future manufacturing or other awards related to the program. 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; changes in relationships with, or the financial condition of, key customers or suppliers; our reliance on a limited number of third parties to manufacture and supply our products; our ability to successfully develop, introduce and sell new technologies, products and services; increased competition; the effect of adverse regulatory changes (including changes affecting spectrum availability or permitted uses) on our ability to sell or deploy our products and services; changes in the way others use spectrum; our inability to access additional spectrum, use spectrum for additional purposes, and/or operate satellites at additional orbital locations; competing uses of the same spectrum or orbital locations that we utilize or seek to utilize; and introduction of new technologies and other factors affecting the communications and defense industries 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.

FAQ

What did Viasat announce about the PTS-G contract (VSAT) on October 8, 2025?

Viasat said it was selected as one of five initial DO1 awardees for the USSF PTS-G program to mature a dual-band X/Ka-band GEO design.

How long is Viasat’s DO1 design phase under the PTS-G award?

The DO1 design phase lasts 7 months, ending with a technical design review and demonstration.

When is the first PTS-G launch targeted and how does that affect VSAT?

The first PTS-G launch is projected for 2028; Viasat’s work is focused on design maturity ahead of that timeline.

What is the financial scale of the PTS-G program tied to Viasat’s award (VSAT)?

The PTS-G IDIQ has a program ceiling of $4B for all potential awardees.

What capabilities will Viasat’s DO1 design develop for the USSF under VSAT?

Viasat will mature a low SWaP dual-band X/Ka-band GEO satellite and anchor station including TT&C, operations, and cybersecurity.

Does Viasat’s DO1 award guarantee it will build PTS-G satellites for the USSF?

No; the DO1 award is an initial design contract and does not guarantee production or full program awards.