NASA has selected Carlsbad, California-based Viasat as one of four satellite communications firms to support its future missions in space and its research on Earth.

The Carlsbad technology firm will employ its Real-Time Earth network — a global network of satellite ground stations — to beam data more efficiently for NASA’s direct-to-Earth capabilities. Viasat’s network has a footprint across six continents, which will also enhance NASA’s near space network.

Historically, these satellites have been our connection to space, allowing people on the ground to talk to astronauts and receive images of celestial bodies. As for scientific missions, NASA’s near space network supports everything from climate studies to researchers’ long-term exploration of the Moon.

NASA is gradually phasing out its Tracking and Data Relay System, a network of satellites that has been in service since 1983. Across three generations of satellites, this network supports the International Space Station, Hubble Space Telescope and other observation missions. It is expected to be phased out by mid-2030.

In the meantime, NASA is leaning on the innovations and resources of the private sector. Other companies selected for the multi-year contract include Intuitive Machines of Houston, Kongsberg Satellite Services of Norway and SSC Space U.S. Inc. of Horsham, Pennsylvania.

The program’s overall contract is worth up to $4.82 billion and over the next five years, Viasat will have a piece of that work. From there, NASA has the option to extend the contract an additional five years. In total, the $4.82 billion value of the contract spans 10 years.

Kent Leka, vice president and general manager of Antenna Systems at Viasat, said its satellite-to-ground communications network was designed to support “the most critical and data intensive missions in space” through its high throughput, scalable and automated ground service.

“Through our work with ATLAS Space Operations and the Alaska Satellite Facility, NASA will gain access to a cutting-edge communications solution that improves performance, significantly increases efficiencies over legacy systems, and provides a more cost-effective service for delivering mission data,” Leka said in the announcement. “We are excited to bring these advanced ground services forward to support NASA’s evolving (Near Space Network) Services requirements.”

This new contract builds on Viasat’s existing work with NASA in recent years. In 2022, NASA provided $278.5 million in funding to six satellite communication firms, including Viasat and Inmarsat.

Viasat also announced this week that it is reorganizing its executive team. The company’s president, Guru Gowrappan, will leave the company in April after a “mutually agreed upon departure.”

He will serve in an advisory role to aid in the transition period and will continue to receive his benefits and base salary of $1 million, according to SEC filings. He joined the company in April 2023 and oversaw the integration of Inmarsat, a European satellite firm Viasat acquired for $7 billion.

The company said it “has no current plans to replace the role of president.”

Additionally, Craig Miller has become senior vice president of strategic initiatives. Miller, who previously served as president of global space networks, will work closely with Viasat CEO Mark Dankberg on growth plans.

The company’s chief technology officer, Girish Chandran, will take on additional responsibilities by also becoming the president of global space networks.

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