Atlas’ Federated Global Ground Network Antenna Map. Photo: Atlas Space Operations

Viasat contracted Atlas Space Operations to provide support for ongoing and future NASA missions, Atlas announced on March 18. 

Viasat, one of four companies selected for NASA’s near space network (NSN) services contract, will use its real-time Earth (RTE) network to expand direct-to-Earth capabilities. Atlas will contribute network capacity and integrate its Freedom ground software as a service into the solution.

Viasat’s initial task order focuses on supporting Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) missions using RTE’s network, providing NASA with ground segment services to meet their latency, accuracy, and availability requirements. Atlas said it plans to enhance the network’s adaptability with the Freedom software and ensure antenna availability with the Global Federated Network.

Atlas CTO Brad Bode commented: “By leveraging a software-defined, cloud-based architecture, we integrate the Viasat RTE and Atlas Global Federated Network, ensuring rapid scalability and adaptability. This approach accelerates NASA’s ability to replace legacy processes, reducing operational overhead and delivering faster, more flexible mission support—from Earth orbit to cislunar space and beyond.”

The collaboration aims to increase NSN’s capacity and resilience for various missions, including climate studies, celestial object research, and the Artemis campaign.

The five-year NSN contract, with a five-year extension option, has a potential value of $4.82 billion shared among awardees.