A rendering of the ViaSat-3 constellation. Photo: Viasat

Viasat was awarded a contract from Northrop Grumman to support the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) initiative, called the Defense Experimentation Using Commercial Space Internet (DEUCSI) also referred to as ‘Global Lightning.’

Northrop Grumman’s four-year contract aims to bring defense contractors and commercial satcom providers together to implement space internet services into existing military systems. As part of its contract with Northrop Grumman, Viasat will provide its ViaSat-3 satellite communications network to equip military users with satellite internet connectivity from existing USAF aircraft or ground vehicles.

Viasat will integrate its ViaSat-3 modem into Northrop Grumman’s open systems processors and antenna solutions to conduct experiments. The modem is aligned with open communications and IP-protocol standards in use by the military, for example, OpenAMIP, CMOSS, and SOSA. 

“Global Lightning is about delivering flexibility and agility for military users. Our reliable satellite services — coupled with the open source optimized ViaSat-3 modem — are designed to be able to offer game-changing communications capability so they can connect with ease and deliver mission success,” said Victor Farah, head of Viasat Government Systems.