UNITED ARAB EMIRATES; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA —Space42 and Viasat have executed a definitive agreement to formally establish Equatys, an independent joint venture designed to create the first shared space and ground infrastructure platform for global Direct-to-Device (D2D) and advanced Mobile Satellite Services (MSS). Announced in Paris, the partnership marks a significant consolidation of resources in the satellite connectivity sector, with both entities committing to an initial combined equity contribution of up to USD1 billion.
Under the financial structure of the deal, Space42 and Viasat will each provide an initial equity injection of USD400 million upon the formation of the entity. The agreement includes provisions for Space42 to contribute an additional USD200 million in a future funding round open to third-party investors, bringing the total committed capital from the two founding partners to the USD1 billion threshold. This substantial capitalization is intended to accelerate the development of the initial satellite constellation and secure the necessary technological foundations for large-scale deployment.
The strategic rationale behind Equatys centers on a Tower Company business model, a framework historically successful in terrestrial telecommunications for sharing standardized infrastructure among multiple operators. By providing a neutral, shared layer of satellites and ground systems, Equatys aims to eliminate the need for individual mobile network operators to duplicate expensive space assets. This approach allows participating licensees to maintain their commercial independence and customer relationships while benefiting from reduced capital expenditures, improved spectrum efficiency, and enhanced network availability. The platform is built on 3GPP Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) standards, ensuring compatibility with everyday smartphones and connected devices.
Viasat is expected to be appointed as the prime technology contractor for Equatys following its formal establishment. This role leverages Viasat’s extensive experience in satellite manufacturing and network operations to oversee the deployment of the initial constellation tranche. The architecture is designed for scalability, with plans to eventually expand to a system of 2,800 satellites distributed across 60 orbital planes and three altitude layers. This multi-layered approach enables densification of coverage without requiring fundamental redesigns as market demand increases.
The formation of Equatys addresses the growing global demand for seamless mobile connectivity in areas where terrestrial networks are unavailable or inefficient. By pooling access to over 100MHz of globally coordinated MSS spectrum, the joint venture provides a uniquely scalable foundation for D2D services. The model offers compelling economic benefits to global, regional, and national space operators by aggregating spectrum and coordinating operations, potentially rivaling the coverage capabilities of the largest individual constellations at a fraction of the cost. This development signals a shift toward collaborative infrastructure models in the NewSpace economy, reducing barriers to entry for operators seeking to offer satellite-enabled mobile services.
Space42 is a UAE-based AI-powered SpaceTech company listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, formed through the merger of Bayanat and Yahsat to integrate satellite communications with geospatial intelligence. Viasat is a US-headquartered global leader in satellite and secure communications, providing broadband and narrowband solutions to residential, commercial, and government customers worldwide. Both companies bring extensive commercial relationships with more than 400 mobile operators globally, positioning Equatys to rapidly onboard ecosystem participants as the direct-to-device market expands under new 3GPP standards.
