Viasat of California, which already circles the globe with its fleet of Viasat and Inmarsat geostationary satellites, is to build a low Earth orbiting (LEO) fleet. Viasat will partner with Abu Dhabi-based Space42 which operates the profitable Thuraya fleet of speciality satellites. The agreement was announced at the Washington Satellite 2025 show.

Space42 has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore ecosystem partnership options for developing a 5G Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) initiative. This collaboration between Space42 and Viasat is a major step towards expanding global satellite connectivity, enabling both companies to address the growing opportunities in direct-to-device (D2D) satellite communications to smartphones, narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), as well as existing and next-generation MSS services. Independent research studies project the size of the satellite segment of the D2D market to reach $50 billion (€45.9bn) in 2032, in addition to more traditional enterprise and government MSS market segments that also hold substantial growth potential.

During the first phase of this partnership, Space42 and Viasat will conduct a series of partner-funded technical and commercial studies to develop a shared, or multi-tenant, multi-orbit 5G NTN infrastructure employing a standards-based open architecture. The infrastructure is intended to support use of a broad range of L-band, S-band and terrestrial spectrum to enable global roaming among regional network operators. The companies are exploring new technologies and sustainable system designs to make satellite networks more efficient and ready for 5G models and ensure compliance with the varying telecommunications regulatory frameworks of nations around the world. The collaboration follows the industry’s best practices and guidelines developed by the Mobile Satellite Services Association (MSSA), leveraging licensed MSS satellite spectrum and open interoperable architectures based on 3GPP standards to ensure seamless integration with global telecommunications networks.

Space42 is a relative newcomer to the MENA broadcasting scene. Space 42 is the newly-established combination of Abu Dhabi’s Al Yah (YahSat) and Bayanat AI, and which operates the Thuraya fleet of satellites. Its latest, Thuraya 4, was launched on January 3rd into its transfer orbit and on its way to a location at 44 degrees East. The company says that Thuraya 4 has a firm backlog of $799 million, and has already said it is looking to launch Direct-to-Device services with a new low Earth orbiting constellation.

Ali Al Hashemi, CEO, Yahsat Space Services, Space42, commented: “Our collaboration with Viasat marks a transformative step in advancing global satellite connectivity through an open and scalable architecture. By fostering an ecosystem built on shared innovation, interoperability, and open standards, we are unlocking new possibilities in direct-to-device (D2D), IoT, and Mobile Satellite Services (MSS). This partnership accelerates time to market, drives cost efficiency, and ensures seamless integration with existing and future networks. Together, we are building an inclusive, future-ready infrastructure that empowers industries, governments, and communities worldwide.”

Mark Dankberg, CEO and Chairman of Viasat, added: “We firmly believe that the benefits of space are for the many, and not just the few.  Our announcement today with Space42 is an important further step in our capital efficient growth strategy to build a powerful ecosystem of partners dedicated to future innovation in space based on open 5G standards and scalable architecture.  In parallel with our recent agreement with ESA, our partnership with Space42 will further enable work on a next-generation infrastructure leveraging innovative designs based on 5G NTN standards, all while building on a growing coalition of public and private sector partners dedicated to keeping space secure, open and accessible for all.”

The Space42/Viacom scheme is expected to build its own low Earth orbiting (LEO) mega-constellation to rival Elon Musk’s Starlink or Eutelsat/OneWeb or the upcoming Jeff Bezos-backed Project Kuiper.

Space42 already enjoys an overall commitment from the UAE government worth almost $800 million and spread over a 15-year period. The new Thuraya craft will replace Thuraya 2 which was launched in 2003, and which remains in service. However, Thuraya 3, launched in 2008, suffered a power anomaly which has meant lower revenues from the craft.

Managing Director of Space42 is Karim Michel Sabbagh, who held a similar position at SES.

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Categories: Articles, Broadband, IoT, Satellite

Tags: LEO, satellite, space42, Viasat