Space42 and Viasat launch Equatys satellite platform

Space42 and Viasat have signed a binding agreement to establish Equatys, a joint venture designed to create a shared satellite and ground infrastructure platform. The companies have committed up to $1 billion in initial equity funding to accelerate the development of an initial satellite constellation.

Equatys aims to provide mobile connectivity in areas lacking terrestrial network coverage, including urban gaps, through Direct-to-Device (D2D) and advanced Mobile Satellite Services (MSS). The platform will utilize a ‘telecom tower model,’ allowing multiple operators to share infrastructure to reduce capital requirements and improve spectral efficiency while maintaining their own commercial relationships and spectrum rights.

The scalable architecture is designed to support up to 2,800 satellites across 60 orbital planes. Viasat is expected to serve as the primary technical contractor for the venture.