Today in Brussels, the European Space Agency (ESA) and Viasat signed an agreement to explore a partnership concerning a direct-to-device (D2D) satellite system, aiming to provide mobile broadband connectivity anytime, anywhere.

Viasat plans to develop a partner-funded satellite constellation specifically designed to connect directly with everyday smartphones and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, without requiring cell towers or ground infrastructure. With D2D, users will maintain uninterrupted coverage wherever they are.

The agreement between ESA and Viasat builds on their strong foundation of existing collaborations, delivering tangible benefits for citizens and industries through key initiatives: Iris transforming air traffic communication services to enhance safety, sustainability, and efficiency in air travel; and AIDAN Next, advancing optical communication solutions to enable faster and more secure data transmission between space and Earth.

The work will advance Viasat’s vision of an open, interoperable constellation system that enables multiple operators to work together seamlessly, aligning with ESA’s commitment to collaborative European and Canadian space operations.

ESA’s D2D initiative encompasses both industry-led projects like this Viasat activity, where ESA provides co-funding and expertise, as well as ESA-initiated projects focused on ambitious, long-term activities.

“By developing Direct-to-Device technologies, we are positioning Europe to capitalise and gain share in a highly competitive market. Through the preparation of a partnership with Viasat, ESA is paving the way for our Member States to have access to autonomous, seamless and resilient connectivity solutions that drive our technological competitiveness on the global stage,” said Josef Aschbacher, ESA’s Director General.

“Our aim is to foster an ecosystem where European and Canadian industries can play significant roles in developing next-generation space infrastructure,” said Laurent Jaffart, ESA’s Director of Connectivity and Secure Communications. “This partnership with Viasat opens new opportunities for industrial innovation aiming to greatly enhancing the digital experience of citizens, particularly for communities in hard-to-reach areas.”

“We are fully committed to the development of D2D space capabilities that are based on 3GPP and other relevant open standards, combining existing GEO assets with a new LEO satellite constellation that meets the needs of users in Europe and across the world,” said Mark Dankberg, Chairman and CEO of Viasat, Inc. “We will be deploying our expertise alongside a host of European partner companies in this important work.  We believe that this is a further step toward ensuring that space remains open and accessible to all.”

Source : ESA