Viasat to selects Blue Origin to launch its InRange satcom demonstrator for NASA
CARLSBAD, Calif. - Satellite communications company Viasat Inc. has selected Blue Origin as its launch partner for two upcoming missions to demonstrate its InRange launch telemetry relay service.
The partnership supports Viasat’s work under NASA’s Communications Services Project (CSP), which aims to replace the agency’s decades-old Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) system with commercial satellite communications solutions. Viasat’s Space and Mission Systems division, part of its Defense and Advanced Technologies segment, will integrate the InRange system aboard Blue Origin’s New Glenn launch vehicle.
The first New Glenn rocket launched successfully on 16 Jan. 2025. Viasat’s initial demonstration of InRange is expected to take place later this year, with a full service demonstration planned for 2026.
"We are excited to be working with Blue Origin as our launch partner to showcase our innovative launch telemetry services," said Susan Miller, president of Viasat Government. "As NASA looks ahead to replacing the TDRS system, commercial capabilities need to deliver greater performance, flexibility and resilience to support future missions."
NASA announced in November 2024 that no new missions would be added to the TDRS network. As a result, commercial launch providers must now rely on new, space-based telemetry systems.
L-band network
InRange uses Viasat’s global L-band satellite network to maintain a constant relay connection to ground stations during launch, providing real-time telemetry data even beyond the range of ground-based infrastructure. The system aims to eliminate communication "blackouts" during launches when vehicles pass through areas not covered by traditional Earth-based systems.
"It is a privilege to work with Viasat on this mission," said Jarrett Jones, senior vice president for Blue Origin’s New Glenn program. "This collaboration not only supports NASA’s transition to commercial SATCOM solutions, but also showcases the innovative capabilities of our New Glenn launch vehicle."
Viasat is also working with NASA’s Launch Services Program (LSP), which has traditionally handled TDRS data for launch vehicles and shared it with operators. The upcoming InRange demonstrations are part of a broader NASA initiative to test multi-band relay communications for low-Earth orbit missions and satellite constellations.
Jamie Whitney
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