Viasat Secures Contract to Build Mission Operations Center for SDN Backbone
The Department of Defense has awarded Viasat a contract worth up to $450 million to construct a Mission Operations Center for the Space Data Network Backbone.
In a significant move for space communications infrastructure, the Department of Defense (DoD) has tapped Viasat to build a Mission Operations Center (MOC) for the Space Data Network (SDN) Backbone. This center will play a crucial role in integrating multiple satellite constellations and managing the flow of data traffic, ensuring seamless connectivity and efficient operations for the SDN.
The contract awarded to Viasat carries a ceiling value of $450 million, reflecting the high stakes and complexity of the project. The initial task order for Viasat’s work is valued at $115 million, marking the start of what is expected to be a substantial and impactful endeavor for both Viasat and the DoD.
SpaceX is leading the construction of the backbone constellation of low Earth orbit satellites for the SDN, positioning itself as a key player in the broader ecosystem of satellite communication. Meanwhile, other companies such as Amazon LEO for Government, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Rocket Lab, and York Space Systems have been selected to demonstrate their capabilities in transporting data across their respective systems. These demonstrations are crucial for validating the interoperability and reliability of different satellite networks within the SDN framework.
This development underscores the DoD’s commitment to modernizing its space-based communication infrastructure and enhancing its ability to handle vast amounts of data from various satellite sources. It also highlights the growing importance of private sector partnerships in achieving these technological advancements.
What we know
- Viasat was chosen to construct a Missions Operations Center (MOC) for the Space Data Network (SDN) Backbone. 12
- The MOC will integrate multiple satellite constellations and manage data traffic. 12
- The contract awarded to Viasat has a ceiling value of $450 million. 12
- SpaceX is building the backbone constellation of low Earth orbit satellites for the SDN. 1
- The initial task order for Viasat's work is valued at $115 million. 2
- Amazon LEO for Government, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Rocket Lab, and York Space Systems were selected to demonstrate data transport across their systems. 2
Trust Score report
Likely accurate — probability of truth 78%, weighted across 6 claims from 2 independent outlets.
- likely Viasat was chosen to construct a Missions Operations Center (MOC) for the Space Data Network (SDN) Backbone. (85%)
- likely The MOC will integrate multiple satellite constellations and manage data traffic. (85%)
- likely The contract awarded to Viasat has a ceiling value of $450 million. (85%)
- likely SpaceX is building the backbone constellation of low Earth orbit satellites for the SDN. (71%)
- likely The initial task order for Viasat's work is valued at $115 million. (70%)
- likely Amazon LEO for Government, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Rocket Lab, and York Space Systems were selected to demonstrate data transport across their systems. (70%)
Sources
- Breaking Defense — DoD taps Viasat to field operations ‘center’ for Golden Dome satellite data relay network
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/11/dod-taps-viasat-to-field-operations-center-for-golden-dome-satellite-data-relay-network/ - DefenseScoop — Pentagon launching mission operations center for Space Data Network to support Golden Dome and other modernization efforts
https://defensescoop.com/2026/11/06/pentagon-mission-operations-center-space-data-network/