What's Happening?
Viasat is developing a new electronically steered antenna for business jets as part of its strategy to provide inflight connectivity across multiple satellite constellations. The antenna system will access
the Telesat Lightspeed low-Earth-orbit (LEO) Ka-band constellation, integrating with Viasat's current and future Ka-band satellites. This development aims to enhance connectivity by combining the reliability of geostationary orbit (GEO) networks with the reduced latency of LEO systems.
Why It's Important?
The introduction of this new antenna technology represents a significant advancement in inflight connectivity for business aviation. By leveraging LEO satellite capacity, Viasat can offer improved service quality for latency-sensitive applications, potentially attracting more business jet operators seeking reliable and high-speed internet access. This innovation may also drive competition in the inflight connectivity market, challenging existing providers like SpaceX Starlink and Gogo.
What's Next?
Viasat plans to launch the LEO-only antenna by 2028, with ongoing development of a flat-panel ESA satellite communications terminal. The company is also expanding its relationship with Farcast to deliver enterprise-class antennas for Telesat LightSpeed service. As these technologies are integrated, Viasat will likely focus on marketing its enhanced connectivity solutions to business aviation clients.
Beyond the Headlines
The development of advanced satellite communication technologies raises questions about data security and privacy in inflight connectivity. As more aircraft become connected, ensuring robust cybersecurity measures will be crucial to protect sensitive information and maintain passenger trust.
