DIU Selects Viasat for Hybrid Space Architecture Program

Viasat has been chosen by the Pentagon’s Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) to support the next phase of the Hybrid Space Architecture (HSA) project in prototyping and demonstration of technologies. The aim of the HSA project is to create a unified network environment across civil, commercial and military space assets, which could mean more secure and responsive military communications as the project continues into 2026.

Under the Defense and Advanced Technologies segment, Viasat’s Resilient Space Missions team will be working toward demonstrating inter-Network Maneuvering, which is crucial to the initiative of creating a unified network by allowing for interoperability across government and commercial networks alike.  

One technology that Viasat will demonstrate is NetAgility, a software-defined networking platform designed to use multiple path routing to optimize data transmissions, allowing for a resilient yet dynamic network. NetAgility is dependent on real-time network and mission information to enable smart and data-informed orchestration and network selection. This enables NetAgility to offer continuous connectivity from multi-orbit and multi-vendor networks.  

The Hybrid Space Architecture project will see demonstrations in the U.S. Indo-Pacific, European, Central and South Command areas of responsibility throughout the next year, with the intent to pilot an operational hybrid commercial and government space architecture by 2026. The Hybrid Space Architecture project is developed jointly between the DIU and the U.S. Space Systems Command to encourage the commercial sector to develop hybrid network technologies and solutions and certainly seems to have encouraged Viasat.

Craig Miller, president of Viasat Government, believes in Viasat’s history in space-based communications to bring valuable contributions to the Hybrid Space Architecture project and that the work of the HSA will be necessary for the gains it will bring to the commercial sector as well. “We believe our expertise in satellite communications and network integration can be instrumental for the DoD’s [Department of Defense's] HSA capability aims, delivering the network optionality that provides a strategic advantage,” he stated in a report. “Viasat is committed to this effort because not only is a unified space network critical to the future operational needs of data-centric warfare, but it will also demonstrate effective resilience and help preserve the freedom to maneuver in space.”