Viasat Introduces HaloNet Portfolio for Advanced Space Communications
HaloNet enables simultaneous links with thousands of space vehicles across all orbital inclinations, including polar and retrograde paths, supporting missions up to 1,100 km in LEO and in MEO.
Viasat has introduced its HaloNet portfolio, a modular suite of capabilities featuring a next-generation connectivity architecture that seamlessly integrates space and terrestrial networks into a single, cohesive service. Developed by global teams within Viasat Government and the company’s Defence and Advanced Technologies segment, HaloNet is aimed at transforming near-Earth communications with flexible, multi-orbit network and data services tailored to meet specific mission needs.
The system addresses the growing demands of government and commercial low Earth orbit (LEO) operators, who require agile, secure and cost-effective infrastructure to transport mission-critical data. As LEO operations expand, operators face the challenge of moving large volumes of information back to Earth for analysis and distribution while maintaining real-time command and control, managing latency, and ensuring continuous connectivity.
HaloNet is capable of providing simultaneous communications to thousands of space vehicles across all orbital inclinations, including polar and retrograde paths, and can operate at any latitude. The service supports missions in LEO up to 1,100 km as well as medium Earth orbit, offering multi-band GEO-relay and Direct-to-Earth (DTE) satellite communications for a wide array of applications.
Craig Miller, President of Viasat Government, said: “With today’s space environment becoming increasingly complex, customers need agile, reliable and secure communications infrastructure that can support real-time command and control and data transport needs. Our HaloNet portfolio enables us to continue meeting these evolving near-earth mission communications needs, as well as government customers’ capability requirements for critical scientific and defense missions.”
By combining Viasat’s advanced space and ground systems, HaloNet offers an integrated approach to command, control and data dissemination. Its core services include Telemetry, Tracking and Command (TT&C) Data Relay Service, Launch Telemetry DRS, High-Capacity DRS, Direct-to-Earth Service, and Mobile Command & Control, creating a comprehensive and scalable communications solution for the next era of space operations.
John Reeves, Vice President of Space and Mission Systems, Viasat Government, added: “HaloNet is helping transform near-Earth communications, combining our advanced space, ground, and networking infrastructure into a solutions portfolio addressing customer needs. Through HaloNet services, Viasat is providing a one-stop-shop for multi-band, multi-path, secure connectivity and data transport solutions that will enable both government and commercial customers’ missions.”
Based on mission parameters, HaloNet will use GEO relay satellites to dynamically deliver data. The relay transport paths will be L-band, Ka-band or optical links with expected data rates ranging from 10’s of Kbps to more than 10 Gbps for secure data dissemination on demand or pre-scheduled. Viasat’s global DTE ground antennas provide increased optionality and further resilience. HaloNet’s portfolio will provide a comprehensive solution for government and commercial users to access diverse data transport options that can be leveraged for different mission requirements.
