[[Home|🏠]] <span style="color: LightSlateGray">></span> [[Missions]] <span style="color: LightSlateGray">></span> Viasat Echo ## Mission Details **Customer**: [[Viasat]] As a part of NASA's [Communications Services Project (CSP)](https://www.nasa.gov/communicating-with-missions/communications-services-project/), Viasat Inc. was awarded a $53.3 million contract to demonstrate a commercial radio frequency Ka-band relay network that can provide high and low-rate communications services to spacecraft in low-Earth orbit (LEO). Viasat chose Rocket Lab to supply the [[Pioneer]] satellite bus and ground systems support for the mission. ## Launch Targeted for Early 2026. No provider selected. ## Spacecraft & Payloads ### [[Viasat#Echo|Viasat Echo]] ![[Viasat#Echo]] ## Objectives ✅ Demonstrate Ka-band real-time data relay from LEO through Viasat’s GEO satellite network using the RTSR terminal. ✅ Validate L-band TT&C services using Viasat’s InCommand system and Rocket Lab’s new Frontier L-band radio. ✅ Prove end-to-end integration with Viasat’s Integrated Space Access Network (ISAN), showing adaptive routing across Ka-, L-, S-, and X-bands. ✅ NASA CSP goals of commercializing near-Earth comms as the TDRSS system is phased out. ## Mission Phases 🚀 1.Launch & Commissioning - Deploy into LEO via TBD launcher; bus checkout, power-up, and comms validation using Rocket Lab subsystems. 🟪 2. Relay Operations Demo - Conduct live Ka-band relay via RTSR and GEO network; validate low-latency, high-throughput data links. 🟪 3. TT&C Demonstration - Demonstrate persistent telemetry, tracking, and command using L-band InCommand and new Frontier radio. 🟪 4. Direct-to-Ground Validation - Utilize Viasat’s Real-Time Earth (RTE) ground stations across S-, X-, and Ka-bands to test hybrid transport. 🟪 5. System Integration & Flex Testing - Evaluate routing, throughput, and cost balancing through ISAN with simulated mission operations. ## News ### Mission Patch Leaked  ## Links 🔗 [Mission Brochure](https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/viasat-csp.pdf?emrc=67cefbd47d000) 🔗 [Rocket Lab Selected as sub-contractor](https://www.viasat.com/news/latest-news/government/2023/viasat-and-rocket-lab-partner-to-showcase-on-demand-low-latency-data-relay-services-for-leo-satellites/) 🔗 ['Leaked' Mission Patch](https://x.com/RocketLab/status/1850985036029538688/photo/1)