# NASA Tests Commercial Space Relay

Viasat and Rocket Lab have begun an on-orbit demonstration for NASA’s Communications Services Project (CSP), using the Maxwell spacecraft to test commercial L- and Ka-band relay and direct-to-ground communications for low Earth orbit missions. Testing is expected to continue through March 2027 and supports NASA’s planned transition from its TDRS relay system to commercial networks. No contract value, solicitation number, or new procurement notice was reported.

- The demonstration provides a real-world test of commercial relay and direct-to-ground capabilities that could inform NASA’s future communications services needs.
- Satellite communications, spacecraft integration, and ground-network providers can assess how their capabilities align with CSP’s commercial-network transition and use demonstration results to inform pursuit of future opportunities.
- The activity is a technology demonstration, not a new award or open solicitation; the source reports no current bid deadline or contract value.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Information Technology
**Topics:** Digital Infrastructure
**Published:** November 04, 2026

### Government Entities
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

### Vendors
- Viasat (Maxwell spacecraft developer and communications payload provider)
- Rocket Lab (Maxwell spacecraft builder)
- SpaceX (Bandwagon-5 rideshare launch provider)

### Sources
- [Rocket Lab-Built Maxwell Spacecraft Sends First Image From Orbit as Viasat Tests NASA Relay Technology · Business Upturn](https://www.businessupturn.com/world/rocket-labs-maxwell-spacecraft-shares-first-orbit-image-watch-here) - Business Upturn