# NASA Awards Ka-Band Relay Contracts

On November 4, 2026, NASA selected Astranis Space Technologies, Global Enterprise Solutions, and Viasat for firm-fixed-price awards under the NextSTEP-3 Appendix E NEXUS initiative to develop commercial Ka-band relay capabilities compatible with NASA’s existing relay infrastructure. The three awards have combined maximum potential values of approximately $1.07 billion, with initial work running through May 3, 2027, and priced options extending through 2029; the ceilings are not guaranteed spending, as actual funding depends on options and additional funding decisions.

- Individual maximum potential values are **$264.3 million for Astranis, $340.4 million for Global Enterprise Solutions, and $460.9 million for Viasat**.
- The work may include in-orbit demonstrations and supports NASA’s planned transition from its TDRS relay network toward commercial services.
- Satellite, ground-system, integration, launch, operations, and service-management contractors can assess where their capabilities fit into the awardees’ development and demonstration work, and plan around the stated initial work and option periods.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Information Technology
**Topics:** Digital Infrastructure
**Published:** November 09, 2026

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

### Vendors
- Viasat Inc. (awardee)
- Global Enterprise Solutions Inc. (awardee)
- Astranis Space Technologies Corp. (awardee)

### Sources
- [$VSAT Viasat has been awarded a $460.9 million NASA contract to develop Ka-band space relay capability concepts. https://t.co/vuU213nxQ8](https://x.com/TradeHawk/status/2118044936784474480) - twitter-agency
- [$VSAT #Space #Contract — Viasat won a NASA contract worth up to $460.9M. The ceiling is not booked revenue; task orders set the actual amount.
https://t.co/NKxUWyuhvE](https://x.com/merlin_trader/status/2118818788942422190) - twitter-agency
- [News: $VSAT Awarded Phase 1 Contract Under NASA Network Extension for User Continuity and Sustainability (NEXUS) Initiative
https://t.co/c7tEl4Tn6m](https://x.com/SpaceInvestor_/status/2119799286531793060) - twitter-agency