Viasat,  a global leader in satellite communications,  announced it was awarded a prime contract by the U.S. Space Force’s  Space Systems Command  to build, launch and deliver the first of a proliferated fleet of small, maneuverable geosynchronous Earth orbit  satellites under the Protected Tactical SATCOM-Global program. The new Swarm 1 Delivery Order contract builds on Viasat’s completion of the Delivery Order 1  phase awarded in 2025, where the company successfully matured a system design for a resilient, low size, weight and power  GEO satellite and associated ground architecture to dynamically support key hot spot service areas. The proposed satellite design and operational concept illustrates how Viasat is applying low cost, high performance dual-use technology to provide resilient connectivity for an increasingly contested tactical communications environment.

The PTS-G program, which has an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) ceiling value of $4B across program awardees, is a cornerstone of the USSF’s strategy to use commercial baseline designs to deploy a proliferated constellation of agile GEO satellites to deliver secure, resilient, anti-jam communications and improve operational flexibility for warfighters worldwide. This prime contract reinforces Viasat’s unique position as both an end-to-end satellite system manufacturer and operator for the USSF across a broad range of frequencies and expands its role as a partner for U.S. and global allies seeking advanced, dual-use space communication systems.

Under this multi-year development award, Viasat’s Space and Mission Systems (SMS) team will produce and deliver a dual-band X/Ka-band mini-GEO, maneuverable satellite, and provide ground stations and operations support. This Swarm 1 Delivery Order award also includes five years of operations and sustainment services for the satellite, inclusive of tracking, telemetry, and command (TT&C), satellite and network operations, and cybersecurity requirements.

Viasat’s PTS-G mini-GEO satellite architecture will leverage cutting-edge technology already developed for the ViaSat-3 fleet, allowing for rapid, cost-effective deployment of high-performance and resilient satellite systems that adapt to evolving USSF mission requirements.

“Viasat is pleased to continue our partnership with the U.S. Space Force as the PTS‑G program moves into the production phase,” said Craig Miller, President, Viasat Government. “This production award recognizes Viasat’s technical and operational expertise designing and rapidly delivering resilient, and high-performance dual-use satellite solutions in a multi-orbit environment, as well as our deep understanding of USSF mission needs and how to effectively deliver secure communications for DoW and partner missions. We are excited to partner with the USSF on this foundational work supporting next-generation government space operations, and we look forward to accelerating the Space Force’s vision for employing scalable, dual-use capabilities to create a more agile, cost-effective, and survivable SATCOM architecture.”

PTS‑G is part of a broader transformation in how the USSF acquires and deploys satellite communications capabilities—emphasizing speed, competition, and commercial technology integration to meet evolving threats. This transformation includes the USSF objective to deploy maneuverable GEO satellites, significantly improving the resilience and agility of military communications.

John Reeves, Vice President of Space and Mission Systems, Viasat Government, said: “Our team is motivated to continue this critical work supporting the USSF and DoW under the PTS-G program, and we are eager to transition our innovative design into production and delivery of a small, maneuverable GEO capability to support dynamic mission operations. Our flexible dual-band X/Ka-band satellite is designed to enable critical DoW operations and mission outcomes – supporting global connectivity, increasing resilience and improving warfighters’ ability to combat emerging threats.”

The Viasat SMS team is part of the company’s Defense and Advanced Technologies segment. Viasat’s production and delivery of the dual-band satellite system will support meeting initial operating capability no earlier than 2029.