# NASA awards three contracts to develop commercial satellite relay services

_Published Wednesday, November 4, 2026 at 1:44 PM EST · Infrastructure, Science · Latest · Tier 2 — Notable_

![NASA insignia. — Primary](https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/nasa_meatball_large.jpg)

NASA selected Astranis, Global Enterprise Solutions and Viasat to develop Ka-band satellite relay concepts compatible with existing spacecraft. The firm-fixed-price contracts have maximum potential values, including future options, of $264.3 million, $340.4 million and $460.9 million, respectively.

Initial work runs from November 4 through May 3, 2027. NASA can fund further development toward an in-orbit demonstration, with options extending through 2029. The procurement supports its transition from the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite fleet to commercial services while accommodating missions whose flight hardware cannot feasibly be modified.

## Sources

- [NASA](https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-announces-ka-band-satellite-relay-awards-for-space-communications/)

---
Canonical: https://techandbusiness.org/newswire/HAtv6o_gj9Bcy9Mnw1sFr6
Published: 2026-11-04T18:44:54.019Z
Story chronology: 2026-11-04T18:00:02.000Z
Retrieved: 2026-11-04T22:00:10.427Z
Publisher: Tech & Business (techandbusiness.org)