Viasat has selected Rocket Lab to build a spacecraft for the U.S. Space Force’s Protected Tactical SATCOM-Global (PTS-G) program, marking the companies’ move into production of a small geosynchronous communications satellite.
The announcement, made August 17, follows Viasat’s May 22 award of a prime contract from the Space Systems Command to deliver one of the first small, maneuverable satellites planned for the PTS-G constellation. The initial production order, known as Swarm 1, covers manufacturing, integration and testing, launch and on-orbit checkout of the satellite system.
Rocket Lab will supply a GEO version of its Lightning spacecraft platform. The satellite bus will carry Viasat’s dual-band X/Ka-band communications payload and incorporate Rocket Lab-developed subsystems, including tracking, telemetry and command radios, solar power systems, star trackers, reaction wheels, and flight and ground software.
The PTS-G program is intended to provide the Space Force with a more resilient and scalable satellite communications architecture for military users. The program emphasizes smaller satellites that can be produced more quickly and incorporates anti-jamming capabilities for operations in contested environments.
Viasat’s order is one of two delivery orders awarded through a competitive Fair Opportunity acquisition. The approach is designed to create a diversified PTS-G architecture rather than rely on a single supplier.
Beyond spacecraft and payload delivery, Viasat’s contract includes five years of operations and sustainment. Those responsibilities cover telemetry, tracking and command, satellite and network operations, as well as cybersecurity requirements.
For Rocket Lab, the agreement adds another national-security spacecraft assignment to its growing satellite systems business. The company said the program is moving from the design phase into production, while Viasat will provide the protected communications payload and related operational expertise.
The resulting mini-GEO satellite is intended to provide secure, anti-jam communications for U.S. and allied forces, particularly in areas where communications networks face disruption or other threats.
Source ; Viasat Selects Rocket Lab to Build GEO Satellite for U.S. Space Force’s Protected Tactical SATCOM-Global Program | Rocket Lab
