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Featured

MDA selected by L3Harris for SDA’s Tranche 1 Tracking Layer constellation

June 7, 2023

MDA Ltd. (TSX:MDA) has been awarded a contract from L3Harris Technologies (NYSE:LHX) as part of the Space Development Agency’s (SDA) Tranche 1 Tracking Layer program.

MDA will design and build 14 flight sets of Ka-b,and steerable antennas and control electronics for L3Harris as part of SDA’s LEO constellation. The antennas and control electronics will be designed, built, assembled and tested at MDA’s state-of-the-art high-volume, satellite production facility in Montreal.

MDA technology has been integrated into more than 350 satellite missions to date, with more than 2,000 antenna subsystems and 3,000 electronic subsystems on approximately 850 satellites currently in orbit.

“We are very pleased to work with L3Harris on this important space security program as the need for space-based capability increases. This award from one of the largest U.S. defence industry primes is a strong endorsement of MDA’s best-in-class design and manufacturing capabilities and another example of our strategy in action as we expand MDA’s share of the growing global LEO constellation market.”
— Mike Greenley, CEO, MDA

Filed Under: Agencies, Business Moves, Constellation, Contracts, L3Harris Technologies, LEO, MDA, Military Space, SmallSat, Space Development Agency (SDA), Steerable Antennas, Tranche 1 Tagged With: Featured

ESA’s Partnership Project’s first Triton-X satellite enroute to inaugural flight

June 7, 2023

The first satellite developed under the Triton-X multi-mission platform program for low Earth orbit is on its way to be integrated onto the launcher for its inaugural flight. Developed under an ESA Partnership Project with LuxSpace, the small satellite, called Triton-X Genesis, will demonstrate the performances of newly developed and highly innovative elements including: the avionics architecture that embeds a high-performance on-board computer; a telecommunications system that will enable the ability to command, control and monitor the satellite; and a star tracker that provides high pointing accuracy of the satellite.

The satellite was built in less than 10 months using generic off-the-shelf building blocks, high-performance field programmable gate arrays and micro-controllers.

Triton-X is a new competitive and multi-mission European micro-satellite platform product line. It is designed to give low-cost and fast-track access to space for commercial and institutional applications in low Earth orbit.

Tailored to be compatible with the new generation small launchers, rideshare and hosted payload mission architectures, Triton-X Genesis is due to be launched on board a SpaceX Falcon 9 in October.

The Triton-X platform can accommodate payloads up to 90 kg for a wide range of applications including telecommunications, Earth observation, situational awareness and in-orbit demonstration and validation.

Triton-X is LuxSpace’s ultimate platform for micro- to mini- LEO smallsat systems. Designed as “multi-purpose” cost-effective products, the scalable and powerful Triton-X platforms are easily adaptable to various typologies of LEO missions and payloads, also in small and/or hybrid constellations.

Six ESA member states have subscribed to Triton-X Partnership Project. The program is led by LuxSpace in Luxembourg together with six industrial partners and 10 suppliers in Belgium, the Czech Republic, Germany, Portugal, Switzerland, and across Europe.

Triton-X is a new competitive and multi-mission European small satellite platform product line currently under development as part of ESA’s program of Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES). It is designed to give low-cost and fast-track access to space for both commercial and institutional applications in low Earth orbit.

Filed Under: Avionics, Belgium, Controllers, Earth Observation (EO), ESA, Europe, Germany, Hosted Payload, LEO, On-Orbit Demonstration, Portugal, Situational Awareness, SmallSat, SpaceX, Switzerland, Telecom Services, Telecommunications Tagged With: Featured

UPDATE: SpaceX Dragon delivering replenishments to ISS + smallsats for deployment

June 5, 2023

On Monday, June 5th., at 11:47 a.m., ET, a SpaceX Falcon 9 launched Dragon’s 28th Commercial Resupply Services mission (CRS-28) to the International Space Station (ISS) from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida — this is the fourth flight for this Dragon capsule.

Following stage separation, Falcon 9’s first stage landed on the Just a Shortfall of Gravitas droneship in the Atlantic Ocean, being the 198th successful 1st stage landing for the company.

Dragon will autonomously dock with the space station on Tuesday, June 6th, at approximately 5:50 a.m. ET (9:50 UTC). to deliver 7,000+ pounds of supplies to the ISS.

The SpaceX Dragon will deliver a pair of IROSAs (International Space Station Roll Out Solar Arrays) that, once installed, will expand the energy-production capabilities of the microgravity complex.

The spacecraft will also deliver the following:

Thunderstorm Watch
What Happens Above Thunderstorms (Thor-Davis), an investigation from ESA (European Space Agency), will observe thunderstorms from the space station. This vantage point will allow researchers to see the electrical activity from above, particularly the inception, frequency, and altitude of recently discovered blue discharges. Scientists plan to estimate the energy of these phenomena to determine their effect on the atmosphere. A better understanding of lightning and electrical activity in Earth’s atmosphere could improve atmospheric models and provide a better understanding of Earth’s climate and weather.

Helping Plants Chill in Space
Plants exposed to environmental stress, including spaceflight, undergo changes to adapt, but those changes may not be passed on to the next generation. Plant Habitat-03 (PH-03) will assess whether plants grown in space can transfer such adaptations to the next generation and, if so, whether a change continues through subsequent generations or stabilizes.The investigation will create a second generation of plants using seeds previously produced in space and returned to Earth. Results could provide insight into how to grow multiple generations of plants to provide food and other services on future space missions. This investigation also could support development of strategies for adapting crops and other economically important plants to marginal and reclaimed habitats on Earth.

Testing a Telomere Technique
Telomeres, genetic structures that protect our chromosomes, shorten with age and wear. But research has shown that telomeres lengthen in space. Genes in Space-10 will test a technique for measuring telomere length in microgravity, where methods typically employed on Earth are difficult to use due to gravity. The experiment will explore whether telomere lengthening in space is caused by proliferation of stem cells –undifferentiated cells that give rise to specific body components and that typically have long telomeres. Understanding the mechanism behind telomere lengthening could reveal possible effects on astronaut health during long-duration missions. Results also could lay the groundwork for a variety of related research to benefit future space travel and people on the ground. Genes in Space is a national contest for students in grades seven through 12 to design biotechnology experiments for space. The program is sponsored by miniPCR, Math for America, Boeing, New England Biolabs Ltd., and the International Space Station National Laboratory.

Thawing Ice, Solar Storms, and Attitude Recovery
Mission 26 for the station’s Nanoracks CubeSat Deployer (NRCSD) includes Educational Space Science and Engineering CubeSat Experiment Mission (ESSENCE), sponsored by the International Space Station National Laboratory and developed by universities in Canada and Australia. It carries a wide-angle camera to monitor thawing of ice and permafrost in the Canadian Arctic, which could provide a better understanding of the effects on Earth’s climate and support better local infrastructure planning. The satellite also carries a solar energetic proton detector to collect data on periods of solar activity that emit highly energized radioactive protons that can damage the structure and electronic components of spacecraft. Understanding these effects could help make future CubeSats more resistant to radiation. In addition, the investigation demonstrates a novel method to recover control of a satellite’s attitude, or orientation, if a control mechanism fails. ESSENCE is part of the Canadian CubeSat Project, led by CSA (Canadian Space Agency).

Watching Cosmic Weathering
Iris, sponsored by the International Space Station National Laboratory, observes weathering of geological samples exposed to direct solar and background cosmic radiation and determines whether changes are visually detectable. The investigation also demonstrates experimental sun sensors, torque rods (which provide attitude control and detumbling for satellites), and a battery heater. A collaboration between graduate, undergraduate, and middle school students in Canada, the project provides hands-on experience that promotes interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics studies and careers. Results also could provide insight into weathering processes on planetary bodies and, when combined with data from asteroid sampling missions, improve understanding of the origins of asteroids. Iris is part of the Canadian CubeSat Project, led by CSA.

Filed Under: Commercial Resupply Services (CRS), Cosmic Weather, Dragon, International Space Station (ISS), Kennedy Space Center, Science Experiments, SmallSat, SpaceX Tagged With: Featured

Momentus to deliver 9 IoT sats to orbit for Apogeo Space

June 5, 2023

Momentus Inc. (NASDAQ: MNTS) has signed an agreement with Apogeo Space to provide orbital transportation services for nine satellites that are part of Apogeo’s planned, 100-satellite, Internet of Things (IoT) constellation.

Apogeo Space aims to build a constellation of smallsats that are capable of providing connectivity to IoT devices across the globe. The delivery with Momentus represents the second batch of nine satellites and another key step toward the creation of the 100-satellite network. The constellation is scheduled to enter service by the second half of 2023.

“We are thrilled to start this collaboration with Momentus, which will allow us to launch an additional nine picosats shortly and permit us to anticipate our road map of the deployment of a global telecommunication service for the Internet of Things. Since our first deployment of satellites, data can be retrieved from IoT devices anywhere in the world. We anticipate full coverage will be achieved by 2027 with almost 100 satellites with successive launches approximately every three months.”
— Guido Parissenti, CEO Co-Founder, Apogeo

“IoT satellites are a model of using space to benefit life on Earth,” said . “Use of the Momentus Orbital Service Vehicle is an efficient and effective way to support the deployment of large satellite constellations like Apogeo’s. We look forward to supporting them as they work toward full deployment of their constellation.”
— Chris Kinman, Chief Commercial Officer, Momentus

Filed Under: Apogeo Space, Business Moves, Constellation, Contracts, Launch Contract, Momentus, News, Orbital Transportation Services, Satellite IoT, SatIoT, SmallSat, SmallSat Builds, Smallsat Fleet Tagged With: Featured

LeoStella manufactures + delivers their 20th smallsat

June 5, 2023

LeoStella has delivered their third satellite to Loft Orbital Solutions which also happens to be the 20th satellite manufactured by the company since formation in 2019.

This latest satellite was modeled on LeoStella’s LS-100 bus platform and delivered to Loft Orbital who extended their production agreement with LeoStella to secure additional satellites in support of their mission to provide a reliable path to orbit for any payload for customers.

LeoStella satellites have a cumulative on-orbit heritage of more than 31 years, reinforcing the firm’s reputation for providing high-mission availability to commercial and government customers.

The standardization of LeoStella’s smallsat bus enables the company to reduce production costs and timelines to deliver spacecraft efficiently and economically. LeoStella’s satellite buses are known for their ability to support multiple types of payloads without any added time required for mission-specific configurations.

“LeoStella is a trusted and proven satellite-bus provider. LeoStella’s commercial-off-the-shelf satellite buses help streamline our production timeline. Coupled with our technologies, we’re able to provide our customers with a fast and simple path to orbit.”
— Pierre-Damien Vaujour, CEO of Loft Orbital

“We’re proud of our ongoing relationship with Loft Orbital and their strategy of partnering with best-in-class bus providers. Our team manufactured and delivered another spacecraft in less than 13 months from the time of contract extension. Our production line’s efficiency and commitment to on-time delivery are significant for Loft Orbital in meeting their customers’ needs.”
— Tim Kienberger, CEO of LeoStella

Filed Under: Constellation, LeoStella, Loft Orbital, Satellite Delivery, SmallSat, SmallSat Builds, Smallsat Development Tagged With: Featured

World’s 1st hacking testbed in space to launch on the SpaceX CRS-28 mission on June 5th

June 4, 2023

SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket, with the company’s Dragon spacecraft atop, stands ready for liftoff at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Complex 39A in Florida on June 4, 2023, ahead of the company’s 28th resupply services mission to the International Space Station. Liftoff is scheduled for 12:12 p.m. EDT. Photo credit: NASA

Six cubesats are set to launch on SpaceX’s 28th Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) mission to the International Space Station (ISS), where they will be deployed — among these smallsats, the Aerospace Corporation will launch Moonlighter, the world’s first and only hacking sandbox in space.

A hacking sandbox is a form of cyber security technology that allows hackers to perform tests that could identify methods for preventing the hacking of satellite systems in space. Through this project, which is sponsored by the ISS National Laboratory and supported by Nanoracks, Aerospace will introduce the nation’s top cyber professionals to Moonlighter and its ability to fill gaps in cyber security testing in space.

Developed in partnership with U.S. Space Systems Command and the Air Force Research Laboratory, Moonlighter, a mid-size 3U smallsat, will enable real-time cyber security testing on-orbit for the first time. Moonlighter will allow cyber security professionals and some of the world’s best hackers to do space-based cyber experiments that are repeatable, realistic, and secure.

Moonlighter is a 3U cubesat developed to enable real-time cyber security testing on-orbit.
Image is courtesy of The Aerospace Corporation

Moonlighter will be part of Hack-A-Sat 4, an annual challenge supported by the Aerospace Corporation, the U.S. Air Force, and the U.S. Space Force, where finalists will get the chance to hack the CubeSat in orbit during DEF CON, a convention for hackers held in August. With a growing space-based economy and increasing competition in the space environment, Myrick said Moonlighter is a critical tool for strengthening cyber security in space.

In addition to Moonlighter, five student-developed CubeSats are also launching on SpaceX CRS-28. These CubeSats are part of the Canadian CubeSat Project, which was created to increase student engagement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and prepare the future space industry workforce.

SpaceX CRS-28 is targeted for launch no earlier than June 5 at 12:35 p.m. EDT. This mission will include multiple ISS National Lab-sponsored payloads.

“We wanted to build something new from the ground up to fill gaps in cyber activities in space, where the vehicles to do cyber security testing in orbit have not existed,” said . “When we say it’s a sandbox, Moonlighter is like a playground where we provide the space and the tools for professional hackers to perform cyber exercises and test out new technology. We hope this will lead to more cyber-resilient architectures for future space missions.”
— Aaron Myrick, project leader for Aerospace

Filed Under: Aerospace Corporation, CubeSat, Cybersecurity, Dragon, Hack-A-Sat, Hacking Sandbox Smallsat, In-Space Testing, ISS National Lab, Launch, Military, Nanoracks, News, On-Orbit Testing, SmallSat, SpaceX, U.S. Air Force Research Lab (AFRL), U.S. Space Force Tagged With: Featured

Northrop Grumman’s rapid preparation in the Pacific Region for next-gen relay ground stations

June 4, 2023

Relay Ground Station-Asia (RGS-A) will be deployed in Guam and connect legacy and next-generation missile-warning and tracking satellites. Artist Rendering (Credit: Northrop Grumman)

Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) recently completed a successful preliminary design review (PDR) of Relay Ground Station-Asia (RGS-A) for the U.S. Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Pacific.

Aaron Dann, vice president, strategic force programs, Northrop Grumman said, “The preliminary design review exceeded our customers’ expectations and is the next step in delivering much-needed new capabilities to the Pacific region. Our advanced technologies will deliver what is needed to support missile-warning and missile-tracking satellites that protect our nation and its allies.”

The U.S. Space Force is working to transform the existing missile-warning system with the Future Operationally Resilient Ground Evolution (FORGE) system. A cornerstone of the FORGE architecture includes developing relay ground stations capable of supporting existing and new satellite constellations with the ability to handle changes in bandwidth and availability.

At Northrop Grumman, we’re on the forefront of national security and space exploration.

Northrop Grumman was awarded a $99.6 million five-year contract from NIWC Pacific last year to design, develop, integrate, test and deliver the relay ground station. The majority of the work will take place at Northrop Grumman’s campus in Boulder, Colorado.

NIWC Pacific will develop six antennas for RGS-A to enable the Space Systems Command (SSC) next generation Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS) ground system which keeps legacy satellites in geosynchronous orbit. RGS-A will be deployed to Guam and is on schedule to be installed by late 2025.

Filed Under: Antennas, Ground Stations, Military, Northrop Grumman, Pacific, SBIRS, Space Systems Command Tagged With: Featured

Galileo Second Generation enters full development phase

June 4, 2023

The main procurements batch of Galileo Second Generation initiated last summer has been finalized — the system is now ready for its In Orbit Validation development phase.

Galileo Second Generation will be made up of two independent families of satellites meeting the same performance requirements, produced by Thales Alenia Space in Italy and Airbus Defence and Space in Germany.

ESA Director of Navigation, Javier Benedicto, invited Thales Alenia Space (Italy), Airbus Defence and Space (Germany) and Thales Six GTS (France) to sign respective contracts to initiate System Engineering Support for the next generation of Europe’s navigation satellite system.

With 28 satellites in orbit, Galileo provides meter-level accuracy to more than four billion users around the globe. There are currently 10 further Galileo satellites due to be launched, after which the first of the Galileo Second Generation (G2) satellites with enhanced capabilities are expected to begin joining the constellation later in the coming years.

Satellite-building contracts were already been awarded in May of 2021 to Thales Alenia Space (Italy) and Airbus Defence & Space (Germany) to create two, independent families of satellites amounting to 12 G2 satellites in total, as well as separate contracts with Safran Electronics & Defence – Navigation & Timing (France) and Leonardo (Italy) covering the ultra-precise atomic clocks carried aboard.

Following a new procurement batch in the summer of 2022, all of the other fundamental building blocks for Galileo Second Generation are now ready to be built with European industry, such as the system testbeds, its ground segment and engineering support.

ESA, acting on behalf of the European Union Agency for the Space Program (EUSPA) as Galileo’s design authority and system development prime, has in recent months awarded up to one billion Euros in contracts, which bring the overall commitment in Galileo Second Generation close to three billion euros in this Financial Framework.

Employing electric propulsion for the first time, and hosting a higher-strength navigation antenna, the satellites will incorporate six (rather than four) enhanced atomic clocks as well as inter-satellite links, allowing them to communicate and cross-check with one another. They will be controllable with an increased data rate to and from the ground and will operate for 15 years in orbit.

In addition, G2’s fully digital payloads are being designed to be easily reconfigured in orbit, enabling them to actively respond to the evolving needs of users with novel signals and services.

“Galileo has always been intended as a permanent resource benefiting the lives of European and world citizens, and Galileo Second Generation will ensure the system goes forward into the future with novel capabilities and additional robustness, to ensure that Galileo services are available and reliable wherever and whenever they are needed.”
— Javier Benedicto, ESA Director of Navigation

“The state-of-the-art G2 satellites will represent a major step forward on what has gone before and will incorporate numerous technology upgrades, developed through EU and ESA research and development programmes H2020 and Horizon Europe.”
— Ennio Guarino, ESA’s Head of Galileo and EGNOS Programs Department

“As part of the overall Galileo program, G2 aims to ensure both the long-term provision of Galileo legacy services that more than four billion people around the globe have come to rely on and the exponential evolution of Galileo activities in the coming years, fostering the leading role of European industry across the positioning, navigation, and timing sector.”
— Miguel Manteiga Bautista, ESA Head of Galileo Second Generation

Filed Under: Business Moves, Constellation, Contracts, ESA, Europe, Galileo, Galileo Second Generation (G2), Navigation Satellite System, On-Oribt Validation, Payload Development, Satellite Development, System Engineering Support, Thales Tagged With: Featured

Inmarsat’s CEO Rajeev Suri stands down with sale to Viasat to serve as a Board Director of Viasat

June 1, 2023

Inmarsat, provider of global, mobile satellite communications, announced that Rajeev Suri will stand down as chief executive on completion of the company’s sale to Viasat, the U.S. satellite communications group. Mr. Suri has been nominated by the shareholder consortium that acquired Inmarsat in 2019 to serve as a Board Director of Viasat upon completion of the sale. He will also be involved with ensuring a smooth transition period in his role as a member of Viasat’s Board of Directors.

Inmarsat Chair Andrew Sukawaty will also stand down from his position on completion and will join the Viasat Board of Directors.  As announced previously, the shareholder consortium has the right to designate two nominees to the Viasat Board of Directors at the closing of the transaction, with one of those nominees being Andrew Sukawaty, current Chairman of Inmarsat, and the other being Mr. Suri.

Rajeev Suri

Mr. Suri said, “Inmarsat is a terrific company with first-class people. I am proud to have worked with such a great team, including our superb Chairman Andrew Sukawaty, to deliver record financial performance, strengthen employee engagement, accelerate innovation, and deliver a transaction that ensures Inmarsat will be part of a long-term industry leader. I look forward to joining Viasat’s Board of Directors and working to ensure the combined company achieves its full potential.”

The CEO’s strong track record at Inmarsat was recognized by Mr. Sukawaty, who said, “On behalf of our entire board, I want to thank Rajeev for significantly improving our business performance and enhancing our leadership in global mobility. In a fragmented industry needing consolidation, he delivered a first-mover advantage for Inmarsat through its combination with Viasat, took a strong position on the critical issue of space sustainability, and supported the development of the sector through his role as Chair of the Global Satellite Operators Association.”

Mr. Suri’s tenure at Inmarsat and his expected nomination to the Viasat board was endorsed by representatives of the shareholder consortium that acquired Inmarsat in 2019, comprising CPP Investments, Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board, funds advised by Warburg Pincus LLC, and funds advised by Apax Partners LLP.

Inmarsat’s maritime insights

In a joint statement, the shareholder consortium said, “We would like to thank Rajeev for the leadership he brought to the company at a critical time. He demonstrated what is possible when management has the right strategic focus and executes with discipline. Inmarsat’s financial performance has been outstanding, customers have benefitted from new technology, and employees will have the opportunity to be part of a larger company, well-positioned to win in a consolidating market. We are pleased to have nominated Rajeev to the Viasat Board of Directors. Both he and Andy will have our full support in those roles. We look forward to seeing the enlarged group build on the momentum from Inmarsat and accelerate it further.”

Andrew Sukawaty

The shareholder consortium also recognized the many contributions of Inmarsat Chairman Andrew Sukawaty, saying, “Andy has been associated with Inmarsat as Chairman for 20 years and has been key to the company’s success through many phases. He was instrumental in successfully evolving the business and driving enormous growth in a rapidly changing technology environment over the decades. From his previous time as CEO and Chairman, before we took the company private in 2019, to his role as Chairman since then, Andy has been a key figure in the satellite industry, with a clear-eyed focus on creating value. We thank him for his significant contributions.”

Mr. Sukawaty served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Inmarsat from 2003-2011 and Chairman from 2011-2019 when the shareholder consortium took the company private. He then continued as Chairman from 2019 to today.

The shareholder consortium was represented on the Board of Inmarsat by Salim Nathoo and Gonzague de Lhoneux on behalf of funds advised by Apax Partners LLP, Pascal Keutgens and Christoph Mueller from CPP Investments, Iñaki Echave and Eric Hargrave from Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board, and René Obermann and Max Fowinkel on behalf of funds advised by Warburg Pincus LLC.

Filed Under: Appointments, Board of Directors, Business Moves, Inmarsat, Viasat Tagged With: Featured

Viasat’s Official Statement regarding acquisition of Inmarsat

June 1, 2023

Viasat Inc., (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global communications company, announced the completion of its acquisition of Inmarsat. The following is their Official Announcement.

The combined company enhances our scale and scope to continue to drive growth in the increasingly dynamic and competitive satellite communications industry. The company’s assets, once fully integrated, are expected to increase the pace and scope of innovation in the global satellite connectivity sector, offering new and improved capabilities to customers that will address the ever-increasing speed, flexibility, reliability, coverage and security they demand.

“We are thrilled to welcome Inmarsat’s employees, customers, shareholders and partners into the Viasat ecosystem,” said Mark Dankberg, Chairman and CEO, Viasat. “The combination of our companies brings together the people, technology, innovation, network assets, spectrum resources and global partnerships needed to help connect the world more affordably, securely and reliably. Together, we believe we are positioned to offer customers a multi-layered network that gives them the right connectivity at the right time, place and price.

“Thanks to all those who worked so tirelessly and thoroughly to complete this transaction,” said Dankberg. “I’d also like to thank the Viasat team and the leadership team at Inmarsat, especially the contributions of Rajeev Suri, Inmarsat CEO, and Andy Sukawaty, Inmarsat Chairman. Rajeev and Andy will be joining the Viasat Board of Directors as representatives of the prior Inmarsat private equity ownership consortium. I look forward to their continued contributions to the company.”

In connection with the appointment of Rajeev and Andy, The Baupost Group will no longer serve in a non-voting observer capacity to the Viasat Board of Directors. “I would like to thank The Baupost Group, and in particular Seth Klarman and Greg Ciongoli, for their valuable contributions to boardroom discussions over the last five years, and for their strategic insights and support of the Inmarsat acquisition,” said Dankberg.

The combined company will continue to be led by Mark Dankberg as Chairman and CEO and Guru Gowrappan as President. Viasat also reconfirmed that its new global international business headquarters will be in London. Corporate headquarters will continue to be in Carlsbad, California. Further decisions regarding organizational structure and leadership will be determined as part of the ongoing integration process.

“Our goal is to be the undisputed leader in satellite communications with a sharp focus on providing the best products and services for our customers,” said Gowrappan. “We are more than the sum of our parts. This combination broadens the global fixed and mobile services available to customers in an industry-defining moment. We intend to move quickly to bring the best from each company together in a way that creates much deeper value for our stakeholders and ensures we deliver on our synergy commitments.”

Live, work, and go connected with ViaSat-3

“Satellite communications is a hugely significant and strategic global market for the U.K. space sector, now poised for an exciting next phase,” said George Freeman MP, the U.K.’s Minister of State at the Department of Science, Innovation & Technology. “The combination of Viasat and Inmarsat creates a global leader in satellite communications here in the U.K. It brings significant investment, hundreds of new highly skilled jobs and will serve as a catalyst for substantial economic growth. Having met both companies, I look forward to working with them as we use the U.K.’s regulatory freedom and leadership to support advanced technologies to boost the space economy’s productivity, profitability and sustainability.”

The closing of the Inmarsat acquisition enables the companies to bring together spectrum, satellite, and terrestrial assets, including 19 satellites in space spanning Ka-, L- and S- bands. These complementary assets are expected to deliver connectivity and key safety services across maritime, aviation, government and consumer markets with speed and reliability of connection front of mind.

Under the terms of the purchase agreement, at the closing of the transaction, Inmarsat’s shareholders received an aggregate of $551 million in cash, subject to adjustments, and approximately 46.36 million shares of common stock. The cash portion of the purchase price was reduced from $850 million to $551 million after Inmarsat paid a $299 million special dividend to its shareholders in April 2022. The shares issued to the Inmarsat shareholders at the closing represent an aggregate of approximately 37.6% of the total shares of Viasat common stock on a fully diluted basis, with no Inmarsat shareholder receiving shares representing 10% or more. In connection with closing of the acquisition on May 30, 2023, Viasat drew down on approximately $1.35 billion of its committed financing package, including a $617 million secured term loan facility and a $733 million unsecured bridge loan. The lower financed amount reflects in part the reduction in the cash component of the purchase price.

Advisors

PJT Partners served as financial advisor to Viasat. Latham & Watkins LLP and Linklaters served as legal advisors to Viasat. Barclays, J.P. Morgan Securities plc and Trinity Advisers acted as financial advisors to Inmarsat. Kirkland & Ellis, Clifford Chance and Steptoe & Johnson LLP served as legal advisors to Inmarsat and its majority shareholders.

Filed Under: Acquisitions, Aviation, Business Moves, Connectivity, Consumer, Government, Inmarsat, Ka-Band, L-Band, Maritime Connectivity, S-Band, Satellite Comms, Viasat, ViaSat-3 Tagged With: Featured

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