Viasat与Space42向D2D合资公司Equatys投资至多10亿美元

Like the burgeoning space economy itself, the direct-to-device (D2D) sector is set to expand. In a binding agreement announced Monday, Viasat and Space42 said they will team to invest up to $1 billion in Equatys, the D2D joint venture that was introduced under that name in the fall of 2025. Billed as the "initial" co-founders of the JV, which still requires regulatory approval, Space42 and Viasat will each initially commit $400 million to Equatys. An additional $200 million coming from Space42, a UAE-based space tech company, is linked to a future equity funding round that is open to yet-to-be-named third-party investors. Rocket Lab viewed as a candidate to join the JV Some industry watchers believe Rocket Lab, which recently cut a deal to acquire Iridium's technology, services and spectrum, could be among them. "Rocket Lab had previously been linked with the project, and we continue to see them as the most credible candidate," New Street Research analysts James Ratzer, Pierre Ferragu and David Barden explained in a research note (registration required). "Rocket Lab is the only commercially proven, scalable and independent Western player able to supply both constellation-scale manufacturing and low-cost launch – the two capabilities Equatys still lacks." Related:Amazon Leo files plan to deploy 5,105 D2D satellites In an announcement timed with this week's World Space Business Week event in Paris, Space42 and Viasat said they represent agreements with more than 400 mobile operators worldwide and have access to operate more than 100MHz of globally coordinated MSS spectrum for "advanced" mobile satellite service (MSS) offerings and NTN (non-terrestrial network) D2D services. Viasat will serve as Equatys's "prime technology contractor." While Monday's announcement did not elaborate on Viasat's contractor role, New Street Research wonders if Viasat will design and manufacture the satellite payloads in-house, and leave the satellite buses to other parties, including possibly Rocket Lab. 'Open' tower company model The "initial constellation" for Equatys will encompass 2,800 satellites across 60 orbital planes and three altitude layers, "enabling densification without redesign as demand grows," the companies said. Equatys services are expected to be available starting in 2029, a spokesperson confirmed to Light Reading. The resulting D2D platform will use a neutral and independent terrestrial network-style "tower company" model that aims to help Viasat and Space42 …