Viasat Leads UK Collaboration on ESA Moonlight Lunar Network

Viasat is collaborating with UK space organizations Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL) and MDA Space UK to develop designs for the European Space Agency's (ESA) Moonlight program, which aims to establish a lunar orbiting communications and navigation satellite system. The Moonlight system is planned to achieve initial capability by 2028 and full operations by 2030, creating a data highway between the Earth and the Moon to facilitate faster and simpler communications for lunar missions, vehicles, and personnel. This infrastructure is expected to support a future lunar economy by enabling more frequent scientific and human missions, space tourism, and manufacturing initiatives utilizing lunar resources. Viasat leads the communication network design and end-to-end service definition, working closely with the Moonlight program lead Telespazio and the UK Space Agency, with SSTL and MDA Space UK contributing their extensive expertise in satellite communications and space systems. ESA emphasizes that Moonlight will enhance mission capabilities, reduce complexity and costs, and foster interoperability standards for sustainable lunar exploration. The program reflects a broader European and international effort to ensure autonomous and collaborative lunar exploration and development.