NASA awards three contracts for Ka-band space relay capability concepts

NASA on Wednesday selected three companies to develop Ka-band space relay capability concepts compatible with current space missions.

The work ensures service continuity for existing spacecraft without requiring modifications to their onboard systems, according to the agency. The awards support NASA’s decision to gradually retire the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite fleet and adopt commercial services for future missions.

The agency awarded firm-fixed-price contracts to Astranis Space Technologies Corp., Global Enterprise Solutions Inc. and Viasat Inc. The contracts give NASA the option to provide additional funding up to the award limit to advance from initial concept development and risk reduction to an in-orbit flight demonstration.

Through this work, NASA aims to acquire end-to-end solutions that include space, ground, launch, operations and integration elements, acting as one of many customers in the commercial marketplace. Ka-band services are needed to support select in-orbit missions that cannot feasibly modify flight hardware or transition to non-compatible commercial services, the agency said. The awards are facilitated through the Space Communications and Navigation program’s Communications Services Project.

The initial period of performance runs from Wednesday through May 3, 2027. The contracts include additional priced options to continue work through 2029.