Paris – Viasat, a global leader in satellite communications, has officially joined the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Moonlight program, with Telespazio serving as the prime contractor responsible for the entire system.
Moonlight is ESA’s initiative to develop a lunar navigation and communication system that will enhance combined services for European and international missions, both on the Moon’s surface and in lunar orbit. The communication system will act as a data highway around and between the Earth and the Moon. People, spacecraft, and lunar vehicles will be able to access this data network, simplifying and accelerating communications to make scientific and exploration projects more efficient, including precise positioning on the lunar surface.
In the coming years, Moonlight is expected to support commercial activities on the Moon, including space tourism and programs utilizing rare materials found on the surface. Viasat will be responsible for designing and developing the communication network, leading the definition of end-to-end communication services to be provided to lunar landers, rovers, and orbiters. The company will also oversee the ground communication infrastructure and user terminals on the lunar surface.
As the leader of the Moonlight program, Telespazio has signed a contract with Viasat for the initial design phase of the communication system, which will be entirely funded by the European Space Agency during Phase 1. The UK Space Agency, a key financial backer of the Moonlight program, has selected Viasat to lead the UK’s ecosystem in delivering communication capabilities. Moonlight services will be rolled out in successive phases, with initial capacity expected by the end of 2028 and full operational capability by 2030. (9colonne)