Viasat has been awarded a contract by the U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command (SSC) to deliver a next-generation space-grade cryptographic solution. The system is designed to support secure satellite communications across multiple orbital regimes and is compliant with stringent U.S. government encryption standards. This marks a pivotal step in modernizing space-based command and control (C2) infrastructure amid growing threats in the contested space domain.
Contract Scope and Strategic Relevance
Announced in September 2025, the contract tasks Viasat with developing and delivering a National Security Agency (NSA) Type 1 certified cryptographic module tailored for space applications. The solution will be integrated into future U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) satellite systems and ground infrastructure under the purview of SSC’s Cryptologic Systems Division.
While financial terms were not disclosed publicly, the effort aligns with broader U.S. initiatives to harden military satellite communications against peer adversaries such as China and Russia. The crypto system will support both legacy and emerging waveforms—most notably Link 16—and ensure compliance with Committee on National Security Systems Policy No. 12 (CNSSP-12), which mandates modernization of cryptographic algorithms across national security systems.
Technical Capabilities: NSA Type 1 & Link 16 Support
The Viasat-developed crypto unit is designed to meet NSA Type 1 certification requirements—meaning it can protect classified information up to Top Secret when properly keyed. It supports multiple data links including Link 16, which is crucial for tactical data exchange among air, land, sea, and now increasingly space-based platforms.
Link 16 has traditionally been used in terrestrial and airborne domains but is being extended into low Earth orbit (LEO) constellations as part of efforts like the Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) initiative. The ability to process Link 16 traffic securely from orbit enables real-time situational awareness across domains—a key enabler for multi-domain operations (MDO).
The new crypto solution is also expected to be modular and scalable across various bus sizes—from smallsats in LEO to larger geostationary satellites—supporting both software-defined radios (SDRs) and purpose-built transceivers.
Space-Hardened Design for Contested Environments
The cryptographic hardware will be engineered for high radiation tolerance, thermal extremes, and long-duration reliability—essential traits for operating in harsh orbital environments without maintenance access. According to Viasat officials, the design incorporates anti-tamper protections compliant with DoD Instruction 5200.39 guidelines on critical program information protection.
Moreover, the system will feature over-the-air rekeying (OTAR), zeroization capabilities in case of compromise or deorbiting scenarios, and secure boot mechanisms—all essential features for resilient COMSEC architectures in space.
Alignment with CNSSP-12 Compliance Deadlines
This effort supports compliance with CNSSP-12 mandates that require transitioning from legacy Suite B algorithms toward quantum-resistant cryptography under Commercial National Security Algorithm Suite (CNSA). While full CNSA adoption remains years away due to certification timelines and hardware refresh cycles in orbiting assets, programs like this lay critical groundwork by fielding modular crypto solutions that can evolve via firmware updates or hardware replacement during satellite servicing missions.
The U.S. government has set phased deadlines through the late 2020s requiring all national security systems—including those in space—to migrate away from deprecated algorithms such as AES-128 or RSA-2048 toward more robust standards like AES-256 or ECC-based schemes.
Industrial Base Implications & Competitive Landscape
Viasat’s award signals confidence from SSC in its ability to deliver high-assurance COMSEC solutions tailored for New Space architectures. Traditionally dominated by companies like L3Harris Technologies or General Dynamics Mission Systems, the military-grade crypto market is seeing increased competition as commercial firms adapt their offerings for defense use cases under programs like DoD’s Rapid Prototyping Fund or SBIR/STTR pathways.
- L3Harris: Longtime provider of NSA-certified encryptors including Talon family products used across airborne ISR platforms.
- General Dynamics: Developer of TACLANE encryptors widely used across DoD networks; also active in space COMSEC R&D via its Mission Systems unit.
- Boeing & Lockheed Martin: Integrate third-party crypto modules into their spacecraft buses but are increasingly investing internally post-CMMC mandates.
This contract may pave the way for Viasat’s deeper integration into classified payload development pipelines—not only within DoD but potentially allied programs under Five Eyes frameworks where interoperability requirements drive common cryptographic standards.
Tactical Implications Across Multi-Domain Operations
The deployment of secure Link 16-capable crypto modules aboard satellites opens new possibilities for resilient beyond-line-of-sight C4ISR connectivity between terrestrial forces and orbital assets. For example:
- Tactical aircraft: Could receive real-time ISR data directly from LEO satellites without relying on vulnerable relay nodes;
- Navy surface ships: Could maintain encrypted comms via direct overhead passes rather than geostationary-only links;
- SATCOM-denied environments: Could leverage alternate LPI/LPD waveforms secured via onboard encryption modules;
This capability becomes especially relevant amid rising concerns over GNSS jamming/spoofing and anti-satellite threats where assured comms are paramount even under degraded conditions.
A Step Toward Quantum-Resilient Architecture
The long-term vision includes integrating quantum-resistant algorithms once they are standardized by NIST post-PQC competition Phase III outcomes expected around 2026–2027. Viasat’s architecture reportedly includes provisions for future algorithm agility—either through FPGA reprogramming or modular plug-in cards depending on mission profile needs.
Conclusion
The Viasat-USSF SSC partnership represents a crucial milestone toward securing America’s expanding military presence in orbit. As satellites become increasingly networked nodes within JADC2 frameworks—not just passive sensors—the need for robust end-to-end encryption becomes non-negotiable. By delivering NSA-certified solutions capable of supporting tactical datalinks like Link 16 from space platforms operating across all orbital regimes, Viasat positions itself at the forefront of next-generation MILSATCOM security architecture evolution.
