Satellite Programs & Technology   Commercial Space Industry (New Space)  

Viasat and Space42 to build 2,800‑sat Equatys constellation for global direct‑to‑device connectivity

Viasat and UAE‑based Space42 are forming Equatys, a joint venture to field a 2,800‑satellite constellation aimed at delivering direct‑to‑device connectivity to billions of users worldwide, positioning the partners to challenge incumbents in the emerging mass‑market satellite connectivity space.

Discovered 2026-03-05T21:12:45.224412-08:00 | 2026-03-05T21:12:45.224412-08:00

Briefing

What Hype is tracking

  • The proposed 2,800‑sat scale targets mass consumer D2D coverage and implies major capital, launch and spectrum coordination requirements; it builds on Space42's prior investment commitment to Equatys.
  • Equatys leverages Viasat's existing satellite network consolidation and capacity plays, which have direct implications for commercial and government contracts and pricing dynamics in Ka‑band services ([source:875f77da-44fb-4545-b3ab-1f8d7d8fd2e9]).
  • The JV accelerates the race for direct‑to‑device and satellite‑terrestrial convergence seen across the industry, alongside other D2D and national efforts in Europe and beyond ([source:44dce6ce-fc75-4174-b3e4-0a9da3b384aa], [source:f7377785-4474-460a-867e-7bcd86d2d757]).

Reported By

Via Satellite Payload
Sources Tracked
3
First Seen
2026-03-05T21:12:45.224412-08:00
Latest Update
2026-03-12T06:59:38.830493-07:00
Coverage
Space

Sources

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