Satellite operator Viasat and Cobham Satcom have announced that they are collaborating on the production of a new satellite connectivity system for the maritime and energy industries in preparation for the launch of Viasat’s next generation satellite constellation, ViaSat-3.
The system will include a portfolio of antennas from Cobham Satcom, designed to leverage the 1 Terabit per second (1Tbps) data capacity expected to be delivered by each of the planned three ViaSat-3 satellites.
In addition, the collaboration will include the introduction of an upgrade kit that will allow conversion of existing Ku and other Ka-band services to Viasat services, the companies said.
Viasat and Cobham Satcom will work with Cobham Satcom’s global distribution network to deliver the new antennas to customers after production, and provide pre-sales and after-sales support.
“Building off our long-standing relationship, we have been able to closely collaborate during Cobham Satcom’s development of next-generation terminals to optimise the broadband connectivity experience on our future satellites,” said Shameem Hashmi, VP and GM, Maritime, Viasat.
“The terminal solution will be important as the ViaSat-3 constellation, once complete, is expected to, incredibly, increase Viasat’s total satellite fleet capacity by 600%. Plus, layered upon this immense capacity will be the ability to flexibly move the capacity, directing it to high demand areas, such as the Caribbean, the Mediterranean or Straits of Singapore and Malacca where demand for maritime connectivity is often concentrated.”
The companies have an existing relationship that dates back to 2015, with hundreds of vessels connecting to Viasat’s existing Ka-band network using Cobham Satcom’s SAILOR user terminals.
Viasat is currently in the process of trying to acquire Inmarsat in a $7.3 billion deal first announced in November 2021.
