The satellites will combine inter-satellite links with advanced onboard data routers to create an optical backbone in space.
Rivada Space Networks (RSN), a wholly owned subsidiary of US-based Rivada Networks, has selected Terran Orbital’s wholly owned subsidiary Tyvak Nano-Satellite Systems, to manufacture 300 low-earth-orbit (LEO) satellites for Rivada’s innovative “network in the sky.”
RSN’s space-based data network is transformativeit will provide fiber-like low latency and gigabit-per-second data delivery which is ultra-secure and extremely resilient.
RSN will offer access to a secure satellite network with pole-to-pole reach, offering end-to-end latencies similar to or better than terrestrial fiber. The RSN network combines inter-satellite links with advanced onboard data routers creating an optical backbone in space to deliver an ultra-secure and highly reliable global data network for business operations in the telecom, enterprise, maritime, energy and government services markets.
Since assuming control of the project in early 2022, RSN has been on a fast-track mission to complete the overall design of the system architecture and associated satellite deployment framework. With extensive technical studies now completed, RSN has determined that its procurement plan will successfully fulfil the requirements associated with the company’s high-priority ITU Ka-band filings. With a contract for manufacturing now in place, deployment will start in 2025, with 300 satellites (288 plus 12 spares) by mid-2026.
Commenting on the agreement, Clemens Kaiser, Rivada Space Networks Chief Program Officer, said: “We are delighted that today we have completed another major milestone in the development of our unique constellations to enable secure, global connectivity for governments and enterprises. The timeline was extremely tight, and I wholeheartedly congratulate our team and our industry partners. This demonstrates that we have the right technology in place to sustainably move RSN from concept to reality and that our chosen satellite manufacturer has the required combination of experience, agility and innovation to deliver these cutting-edge global satellite constellations. We are really looking forward to moving to this next phase of our program to manufacture and deploy our LEO constellations.”
Terran Orbital Co-Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer Marc Bell, added: “We are thrilled to start this new chapter with Rivada Space Networks. Both Terran Orbital and Rivada are committed to propelling and shaping humanity’s future in space. The fruits of this partnership will be truly out of this world. We are humbled by Rivada’s trust and look forward to building out their game-changing LEO constellation.”
Rivada Space Networks Executive Chairman Declan Ganley stated: “With this contract, Rivada is one step closer to launching a global network dedicated to the wholesale sale of connectivity and capacity at market rates, making truly global connectivity-as-a-service a reality. The constellation we are building with Terran Orbital in combination with our patented Open Access Wireless Market Platform allow us to offer a network with unprecedented flexibility to users around the world. It will be instrumental in driving the next leg of the ongoing communications revolution.”
