Viasat Launches HaloNet Modular Communications System for Near-Earth and Beyond Connectivity

Viasat has launched HaloNet, a modular communications system unifying space and terrestrial connectivity. The system supports thousands of space vehicles in various orbits and offers data rates from kilobits to over 10 Gbps. HaloNet provides comprehensive solutions, including TT&C Data Relay Service, Launch Telemetry DRS, and Direct-to-Earth Service.

Viasat, Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a leading provider of satellite communications, has introduced HaloNet, a modular communications system designed to unify space and terrestrial connectivity. The system supports thousands of space vehicles across various orbits and offers data rates ranging from kilobits to over 10 Gbps. HaloNet provides comprehensive solutions, including Telemetry, Tracking & Command (TT&C) Data Relay Service, Launch Telemetry DRS, and Direct-to-Earth Service.

Developed by Viasat Government and the company's Defense and Advanced Technologies segment, HaloNet is designed to meet the growing needs of government and commercial low Earth orbit (LEO) operators. These operators require agile, reliable, and secure communications infrastructure to transport mission data, maintain real-time spacecraft command and control, and manage latency across complex constellations [1].

The system supports simultaneous connectivity to thousands of space vehicles across all orbital inclinations, including polar and retrograde, at altitudes up to 1,100 km in LEO as well as medium Earth orbit. It offers turnkey launch and orbital communications through multi-band GEO relay and Direct-to-Earth (DTE) satellite communications services [2].

Key services included in the HaloNet portfolio are:
- Telemetry, Tracking & Command (TT&C) Data Relay Service (DRS): Low-latency, secure connectivity with spacecraft via Viasat’s L-band network for real-time situational awareness.
- Launch Telemetry DRS: Real-time launch phase telemetry relay without building or leasing downrange ground stations.
- High-Capacity DRS: On-demand Ka-band data transport for high-volume payloads such as video or imagery, without prescheduling.
- Direct-to-Earth (DTE) Service: High-performance TT&C and payload downlinks via a global GSaaS network spanning six continents.
- Mobile Command & Control: Field-deployable mobile satellite gateways for secure TT&C from virtually any location.

HaloNet dynamically leverages GEO relay satellites with L-band, Ka-band, or future optical links, supporting data rates from tens of Kbps to more than 10 Gbps. Its global DTE ground network adds resilience and optionality, enabling government and commercial users to tailor solutions for diverse mission requirements—from climate science to tactical defense [3].

Viasat’s Satellite Services business is progressing well, with key metrics such as ARPU and revenues showing impressive growth. The company's strong bandwidth productivity sets it apart from conventional and lower-yield satellite providers. Recently, Viasat reported strong first-quarter fiscal 2026 results, with both top and bottom lines beating the respective Zacks Consensus Estimate. Management expects low single-digit revenue growth and flattish adjusted EBITDA year over year for fiscal 2026 [2].

References:
[1] https://spacenews.com/viasat-unveils-halonet-capability-portfolio-for-near-earth-communications-and-beyond/
[2] https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/viasat-unveils-halonet-portfolio-near-earth-communications
[3] https://satelliteprome.com/news/viasat-launches-halonet-to-unify-space-and-terrestrial-connectivity/