NASA commissions relay links that existing spacecraft can use
NASA selected three companies to develop Ka-band satellite relay concepts compatible with spacecraft already in orbit. The work supports a gradual move from the agency’s own relay fleet toward commercial services. Initial contracts run into May 2027, with options that could extend development through 2029 and allow an orbital demonstration.
Science··Morning
Relays for spacecraft already flying
NASA selected three companies on 4 November to develop Ka-band space-relay concepts compatible with missions already in orbit. A relay passes communications between a spacecraft and the ground through another satellite. The awards concern links that existing spacecraft can use without changing their onboard equipment. NASA’s aim is to preserve communications for missions whose flight hardware cannot feasibly be altered or switched to an incompatible commercial service. The work starts with concepts and reduction of technical risks, with later contractual options allowing an in-orbit demonstration. The selection brings existing mission requirements into the agency’s transition toward commercial relay services.[1], [2]
Initial work runs into May
The initial performance period runs from 4 November to 3 May 2027. Priced options could continue work through 2029. NASA listed maximum potential contract values, including all future options, of 264.3 million dollars for Astranis Space Technologies, 340.4 million dollars for Global Enterprise Solutions and 460.9 million dollars for Viasat. These are ceilings that include possible later stages. The fixed-price awards give the agency the option to add funding as the work advances from initial concept development and risk reduction toward an orbital flight demonstration. Each award therefore covers a staged development programme, with later work depending on the options NASA exercises.[1]
A commercial replacement for the relay fleet
The work falls under NASA’s Space Communications and Navigation programme, through its Communications Services Project. It supports the agency’s decision to gradually retire the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite fleet and use commercial services for future missions. NASA intends to buy an end-to-end service covering space and ground elements, launch, operations and integration, participating as one customer among others in the commercial market. Ka-band capability addresses a specific continuity requirement alongside commercial systems already under development by project partners. The compatibility requirement follows from the spacecraft that need the link: their existing communications equipment must remain usable throughout the transition. The awards were issued under the agency’s Next Space Technologies for Exploration Partnerships call. That programme uses industry partnerships for space technologies; the relevant appendix covers this relay work. NASA placed the compatibility effort alongside other commercial capabilities being developed by its existing project partners.[1]
