Astralintu to Advance Delivery of Global Equatorial Ground Services
Selects Viasat S/X/Ka-Band Ground Antennas to Address Coverage Gap
Two advanced S/X/Ka-band antennas have been purchased by Astralintu from Viasat as part of the company’s vision to build an Equatorial Ground Station Network. Viasat’s Antenna Systems team under its Defense and Advanced Technologies (DAT) segment will deliver the advanced full-motion ground systems to support Astralintu in providing the first global equatorial ground service. The two antennas will support Viasat Real-Time Earth (RTE) services, expanding coverage provided through its global Ground Segment-as-a-Service (GSaaS) network.
“Viasat’s antenna technology and global ground services accelerate our ability to deliver equatorial GSaaS coverage.”
Matías F. Campos Abad, Astralintu
Leveraging Viasat’s capabilities as the only antenna manufacturer with a global GSaaS service, Astralintu will advance its equatorial ground network and accelerate generating revenue through the established RTE GSaaS customer base. Additionally, Astralintu’s customers will benefit by gaining access to the global RTE network, including the current equatorial site in Accra, Ghana. The new antennas will help address a gap in ground segment coverage, specifically across the Southern Caribbean, South America, and the Eastern Pacific, delivering high-speed, multi-gigabit downlink capability for earth observation and scientific data.
Adding these antennas to the global RTE network will enhance Viasat’s ground segment coverage by providing timely access to satellite imagery for commercial and government users. The strategic location at 0° latitude in Ecuador will provide expanded coverage for government customers, including real-time support for regional security and environmental protection missions. The two antennas are expected to be operational before the end of 2026, with plans to expand to more locations for coverage across the equatorial belt.
“We’re excited to partner with Viasat to leverage their proven ground antenna systems expertise and join the Real Time Earth network as we continue to deploy Astralintu’s Equatorial Ground Station Network,” said Matías F. Campos Abad, CEO and Founder of Astralintu. “Viasat’s antenna technology and global ground services accelerate our ability to deliver equatorial GSaaS coverage, unlocking the full performance benefits of equatorial access for both existing and new customers.”
The rapid growth of LEO satellite constellations and multi-orbit satellite networks is increasing demand for global ground station services, with the market for these services projected to reach $500M in the next five years. Viasat’s ground antenna manufacturing and RTE network services position the company for continued ground segment growth through new antenna sales and long-term partnerships with recurring service revenue.
“This collaboration reinforces Viasat’s position as a partner in providing end-to-end ground segment capabilities, creating long-term value for customers through advanced antenna technologies and global ground network services,” said Kent Leka, VP and GM of Antenna Systems at Viasat. “Viasat is responding to ground segment market needs and delivering greater coverage and connectivity for satellite operators worldwide.”