Satellite communications operator Viasat has been selected to lead the lunar orbiting satellite communications portion of the European Space Agency's (ESA) Moonlight Program, alongside space systems operator Telespazio.
ESA's Moonlight program aims to develop a lunar orbiting navigation and communications system or European and international missions both on the surface of the Moon and in lunar orbit.
Viasat will be responsible for the design and development of the communication network and the end-to-end communications services.
The program will aim to provide a communications network for lunar landers, rovers, orbiters, and other technology.
Viasat will also be responsible for the communication earth ground infrastructure and communication lunar surface user terminals.
Telespazio, as Moonlight program lead, has executed a contract with Viasat for the initial design phase of the communication system, which will be fully funded by the ESA..
Moonlight services will target initial capability at the end of 2028 with full operations aimed by 2030.
According to Viasat, the Moonlight communications system will act as a data highway on and around the Moon, and between Earth and the Moon
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"People, spacecraft, and lunar vehicles can access that data highway to simplify and speed communications among themselves and back to earth to better enable their scientific and exploration projects including their position over the Moon," Viasat says.
"Over time, Moonlight is anticipated to support additional commercial activities on the Moon such as space tourism, and manufacturing programs leveraging rare materials found on the lunar surface."
Mark Dankberg, Chairman and CEO, Viasat, said Moonlight is among the most forward looking and exciting projects undertaken by the European Space Agency and the UK Space Agency.
"Viasat’s participation builds on our heritage of delivering and operating highly innovative and ambitious satellite communication programs," Dankberg said.
"Alongside Telespazio, we look forward to supporting the Space Agencies by leveraging our commercial orientation, network engineering and operational skills, to reliably and securely support future generations of space exploration.”
Gabriele Pieralli, CEO, Telespazio described Viasat's involvement as a pivotal milestone in its commitment to the Moonlight program.
"By partnering with a global leader in satellite communications, we can harness cutting-edge technologies to create a secure and efficient communications and navigation infrastructure — essential for the success of lunar missions," Pieralli said.
"This collaboration reinforces our drive to innovate and deliver comprehensive solutions, paving the way for a new era in lunar exploration and resource utilisation.”