Viasat joins DIU Hybrid Space Architecture programme

Broadcast Pro

4 days ago

Viasat joins select industry companies in demonstrating key HSA capabilities, with AI-based network maneuverability.
Viasat has been chosen by the US Defence Innovation Unit (DIU) to support the next phase of the Hybrid Space Architecture (HSA) project, a transformative initiative aimed at integrating civil, commercial and military space assets into a unified communications network. This cutting-edge effort is designed to provide secure, resilient and adaptive communications that will significantly enhance situational awareness and decision-making for US and allied military forces.
As part of the HSA initiative, DIU has awarded contracts to multiple companies, including Viasat, to prototype and demonstrate technologies that push forward hybrid space capabilities. These demonstrations will take place over the coming year in various global theatres, including the Indo-Pacific, Europe, Central and South Command areas, with some activities set to begin as early as this summer.
Craig Miller, President of Viasat Government, said: 'We’re proud to be part of this joint effort between government and the commercial sector to bring modern, rapidly available hybrid network capabilities to the battlespace to increase resilience, protection and provide warfighters with the real-time information they need. Our vision is to deliver agile, resilient capabilities that adapt in machine time to deter or overcome any adversary’s attack plans – making it impractical and self-defeating to consider conflict with US or allied forces.'
Viasat’s Resilient Space Missions team, under the Defence and Advanced Technologies segment, will focus on demonstrating inter-Network Maneuvering, which is designed to allow seamless roaming and interoperability across government and commercial networks. This network interoperability and commercial integration are key to achieving US Space Force (USSF) objectives and capabilities as outlined in multiple strategic documents (USSF Commercial Space Strategy, USSF Doctrine Document and USSF Space Warfighting Framework).
As part of its demonstration plans, Viasat will use its software-defined networking platform, NetAgility, to enable multi-path routing of communications to optimize data transport across the battlefield, delivering a dynamic capability that enhances network resilience. Viasat’s solution uses real-time network and mission situational awareness to drive intelligent, data-informed network selection and orchestration, offering continuous space-based connectivity through multi-orbit, multi-vendor networks.
Miller continued: 'We believe our expertise in satellite communications and network integration can be instrumental for the DoD’s HSA capability aims, delivering the network optionality that provides a strategic advantage. Viasat is committed to this effort because not only is a unified space network critical to the future operational needs of data-centric warfare, but it will also demonstrate effective resilience and help preserve the freedom to maneuver in space.'
The HSA project is a collaboration between DIU and US Space Systems Command, in consultation with other Department of Defense agencies and combatant commands, to engage the commercial sector in the development of hybrid network technologies and solutions. Agile acquisition will facilitate the rapid integration, testing, and validation of these commercial technologies, with the goal to pilot an operational hybrid commercial and government space architecture by 2026.