NASA Partners with Four Companies for Lunar and Earth Orbit Communications
NASA has awarded contracts to four companies—Intuitive Machines, Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT), SSC Space U.S., and Viasat—to enhance its Near Space Network (NSN) and meet growing communication demands for missions within two million kilometers from Earth, including those on the moon.
Expanding NASA’s Communication Capabilities
The Near Space Network supports NASA’s missions in Earth orbit and cislunar space. These newly awarded task orders will provide critical services, including direct-to-Earth communication and support for lunar exploration.
- Intuitive Machines received two additional task orders to improve direct-to-Earth communications. To expand its space communications services, it will utilize its network of ground stations and radio astronomy telescopes.
- KSAT secured task orders to support NASA’s Lunar Exploration Ground Segment and Earth-orbiting spacecraft using its KSAT Lunar service, the first commercial lunar network.
- SSC Space U.S. will provide communication services for spacecraft in low Earth orbit and highly elliptical orbits.
- Viasat won a task order for direct-to-Earth communication with spacecraft in Earth orbit.
Long-Term Contract Details
The contracts cover services from February 2025 through September 2029, with an option to extend until September 2034. While NASA has not disclosed individual task order values, the total contract ceiling for all Near Space Network services is $4.82 billion.
Transition to Commercial Communications
NASA is gradually shifting away from its legacy Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) system, focusing instead on commercial data relay services. In October, NASA announced that new missions would no longer be added to the TDRS system, which currently supports existing missions like the International Space Station and the Hubble Space Telescope.
The fleet of seven TDRS satellites will remain operational in geostationary orbit until the 2030s, ensuring continuity for vital missions. However, NASA has no plans to launch additional TDRS satellites, marking a significant transition to commercially provided communication services.
Strengthening Lunar and Cislunar Operations
This move supports NASA’s broader vision of expanding lunar exploration and cislunar operations through partnerships with innovative commercial providers. These companies bring advanced technologies and robust networks, enhancing NASA’s ability to maintain seamless communication across vast distances.
Rolf Skatteboe, CEO of KSAT, emphasized the importance of this milestone, stating, “KSAT’s commercial lunar network will serve as a cornerstone for future NASA missions.” Similarly, Intuitive Machines CEO Steve Altemus noted, “These awards complement our current contracts, enabling us to expand space communications and navigation services.”
The Future of NASA Communications
By leveraging commercial solutions, NASA is poised to enhance its Near Space Network, ensuring reliable, high-capacity communication for current and future missions. This strategy aligns with NASA’s goal of fostering public-private partnerships to advance space exploration and technology.
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