Miles Jamison 
Viasat has expanded beyond commercial broadband services to develop customized satellites for defense applications, leveraging its commercial satellite portfolio to meet the Pentagon’s growing demand for secure, resilient communications in orbit, SpaceNews reported Thursday.
How Is Viasat Advancing the PTS-G Program?
The company is developing a dual-band X/Ka-band geostationary satellite for the U.S. Space Force’s Protected Tactical Satcom-Global, or PTS-G, program, which seeks smaller, jam-resistant satellites based on commercial technologies. The satellite’s design is built on the Viasat-3 high-throughput broadband satellite, built for geostationary Ka-band communications.
What Role Will Viasat Play in the $4B Space Force Contract?
The Space Systems Command awarded Viasat a spot on a potential 15-year, $4 billion multi-award contract, along with Astranis, Boeing, Intelsat and Northrop Grumman. Under the $37.5 million task order, the awardees will deliver satellite and ground architecture designs by early 2026, with launches set to begin in 2028.
What Is Viasat’s Plan for the MGEO & Golden Dome Efforts?
Viasat’s entry into the defense satellite sector follows its 2023 Inmarsat acquisition, which broadened its space portfolio and refocused its priorities on mobility and government markets. The company plans to explore opportunities on the Maneuverable Geosynchronous Orbit Commercial Satellite-Based Services, or MGEO, program and the Golden Dome missile defense initiative.
