Welcome to Biz Briefs! In this edition, Viasat’s newest satellite is in trouble, United Launch Alliance (ULA) delays Vulcan’s first launch, China’s Space Pioneer has raised money to fund its new rocket, Garrett Reisman will advise Vast on space stations, China and Saudi Arabia discuss space cooperation, and lots of satellite news.

Welcome to Biz Briefs! In today’s edition, Pixxel and Satellite Vu raise funds, the Pentagon will pay for SpaceX Starlink service in Ukraine, Viasat completes its acquisition of Inmarsat, Sierra Space powers up Dream Chaser, and much more.

Welcome to Biz Briefs. Inmarsat orders three small GEO satellites, the European Commission approves Inmarsat’s merger with Viasat, Maritime Launch Services signs a multi-mission agreement, Fleet Space and GITAI raise funds, China and Europe eye commercial cargo services, and other industry news.

Welcome to Biz Briefs. In this edition, a consortium of European companies wins a contract for a satellite servicing mission, Vast announces plans to launch a private space station, UK regulators approve the Viasat-Inmarsat merger, bankrupt Virgin Orbit pushes back its bid deadline, Intuitive Machines delays its lunar mission, Virgin Galactic says it is going to continue powered flight tests later this month, and Spaceport America commissions a study for a new master plan.

Airshare Will Equip New Bombardier Challenger 350 and Challenger 3500 Aircraft with Viasat’s Industry-Leading Ka-Band Connectivity System

CARLSBAD, Calif. (Viasat Inc. PR) — Viasat Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global communications company, today announced that it will install its high-performance, Ka-band in-flight connectivity (IFC) system on Airshare’s new Bombardier Challenger 350 deliveries and future Challenger 3500 deliveries that begin next year. The first installation on an Airshare Challenger 350 was completed in July 2022, with additional installations occurring over the second half of this year.

ARLINGTON, Va. (DARPA PR) — DARPA has selected 11 teams for Phase 1 of the Space-Based Adaptive Communications Node program, known as Space-BACN. Space-BACN aims to create a low-cost, reconfigurable optical communications terminal that adapts to most optical intersatellite link standards, translating between diverse satellite constellations. Space-BACN would create an “internet” of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, enabling seamless communication between military/government and commercial/civil satellite constellations that currently are unable to talk with each other.

The agency selected teams from academia and large and small commercial companies, including multiple performers awarded first-time contracts with the Department of Defense.

Study Aims to Answer Fundamental Questions for Future Networks

CARLSBAD, Calif. and FARNBOROUGH, United Kingdom (Viasat, Inc. PR) — Viasat UK Ltd., a subsidiary of global communications company Viasat Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), today announced it was selected by the European Space Agency (ESA) to conduct a multi-layered Satellite Communication (SATCOM) study focused on evaluating the use cases, market segments and technical aspects of these future systems, which will be comprised of networks that span multiple orbital types including Geostationary Equatorial Orbit (GEO), Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), Low Earth Orbit (LEO), High Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS) and others, as well as include various frequency bands, satellite operators and network designs.

CARLSBAD, Calif., June 21, 2022 (Viasat PR) — Viasat Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global communications company, announced today that, at its Special Meeting of Stockholders, it received the necessary stockholder approvals for the proposed acquisition of Inmarsat. Viasat continues to expect the transaction to close in the second half of calendar year 2022, subject to the receipt of certain regulatory approvals and clearances and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions.

The combined company will create a leading global communications innovator with enhanced scale and scope to affordably, securely, and reliably connect the world. Viasat believes the strategic combination will increase the pace of innovation to help drive new and better services for customers, broaden opportunities for employees, and provide a foundation for significant positive free cash flow.

CARLSBAD, Calif. (Viasat Inc. PR) — Viasat Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global communications company, announced today that it provides nationwide discounted high-speed satellite internet service through the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) to qualifying households nationwide, including residences outside the cable and fiber footprint. The ACP is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) benefit program that helps ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more. The benefit provides a discount of up to $30per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands.

ABERDEEN, Md. (Viasat Inc., PR) — Viasat Inc., (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global communications company, today announced the opening of a new office in Aberdeen, Maryland, located in Harford County, on the U.S. Army’s Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG) installation. This new office will be an important partnering location for Viasat Government Systems employees, enabling teams to deepen customer relationships and continue ongoing work to support the U.S. Army’s network transformation.