Viasat’s satellite service will enable livestream video from NASA’s WB-57F high-altitude aircraft flying at 50,000 feet to collect dat

A rare scientific event will captivate millions of people across the United States and the world—the total solar eclipse. With a pathway projected from Texas up to Maine, this celestial phenomenon will be the first since August 2017, offering a unique opportunity for both the public and NASA researchers to witness and study the eclipse.

Viasat is very excited to share that we are supporting NASA with its scientific research and tracking of the solar eclipse by providing reliable satellite communications (SATCOM) services for their high-altitude research aircraft.

NASA’s WB-57F high-altitude aircraft are integrated with Viasat’s lightweight satellite terminals. These aircraft will follow the path of the solar eclipse, collecting valuable data. Viasat’s flexible broadband SATCOM terminals, designed for comms-on-the-move applications, will enable livestream video from the aircraft flying at an impressive altitude of 50,000 feet. This real-time full motion video will not only aid researchers in immediate analysis but also help identify additional points of focus for further study.

U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jose GuerreroDeleon. The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.

One of the primary objectives of the WB-57F aircraft is to study the Sun’s outer atmosphere, known as the corona. By capturing data during the solar eclipse, researchers hope to gain new insights into this mysterious region. Additionally, researchers will also be examining a dust ring around the sun and searching for asteroids that may be orbiting the sun. Viasat’s terminal and satellite service will be supporting these and other scientific endeavors.

Viasat’s work for NASA’s high-altitude research platform extends back over a decade. In 2010, the first WB-57F aircraft was outfitted with a Viasat terminal. Over the years, Viasat has provided video streaming support for various NASA events, including the Space-X Dragon Crew Capsule splashdown event in May 2021.

“We are excited to once again be working with NASA to provide connectivity for its research efforts through the WB-57F high-altitude aircraft,” said Joe Johnson, vice president of Government Broadband Services. “We are seeing a rapidly growing need for reliable SATCOM services—both for scientific and military applications—as the demand for real-time data and video capabilities is being driven by mobility mission requirements.”

Viasat is committed to continuous research and development, relentless innovation, and the advancement of scientific knowledge.

“As a company with research and innovation at its core, Viasat recognized the importance of supporting new space research and STEM activities,” said Guru Gowrappan, president of Viasat. “We are proud to be supporting NASA and the scientific community in their work to explore new frontiers and advance the understanding of our universe. Events like this can help foster a greater understanding and appreciation of space, and to inspire future generations of scientists, engineers and problem-solvers. Viasat is committed to supporting the next generation of innovators, and we believe that STEM education is essential to ensuring that our country remains competitive in the global economy.”

In line with this commitment, Viasat is providing its services to NASA for the solar eclipse research mission. As the eclipse unfolds on April 8th, we eagerly anticipate the valuable insights that will be gained from NASA and academic researchers.