Space42, Viasat to launch global D2D venture: ADX-listed space tech firm Space42 and US satellite operator Viasat will launch a joint venture — Equatys — to roll out global direct-to-device (D2D) mobile services, the firms said in a joint statement (pdf). The project aims to link satellite and terrestrial networks for standard smartphones and IoT devices.

Background: The move builds on an MoU the two companies signed in March to explore 5G D2D satellite services — laying the technical and commercial groundwork for open, standards-based infrastructure.

The model: Equatys will operate as a neutral “space tower” company, running shared multi-orbit satellite and ground systems under a 3GPP non-terrestrial-network release-compliant platform. The design is expected to handle more than 100 MHz of harmonized spectrum — meaning their frequencies are able to roam across different countries and regions.

What’s the benefit? Operators will be able to share infrastructure instead of building competing systems or making sizable individual investments, while governments will retain sovereign deployment options. Windows to snap up equity offerings in the project are set to come once it begins scaling up.

Local angle: The venture also leaves scope for regional space industries to participate in hardware manufacturing and technology development. The model is pitched as a way to cut capital costs, reduce duplication, and improve spectrum use.

Timeline: Commercial rollout is targeted within three years, with spectrum already allocated in more than 160 markets.

REMEMBER- Space42 has been broadening its portfolio:

  • In July, it launched its Map Africa initiative with Microsoft and Esri to chart all 54 African countries, and is now in talks with the African Union Development Agency and financial firms to raise funding;
  • Closer to home, it partnered with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office to set up Space42 Space Systems, a facility to design and test SAR satellites;
  • In February, it signed an MoU with Edge’s Fada to build the UAE’s first sovereign EO ecosystem. Partial satellite manufacturing is slated to begin in the UAE this year.

Plus, more D2D connectivity: In May, Space42’s Thuraya unit and Denmark’s Gatehouse Satcom completed pilot tests for Thuraya Direct, a D2D messaging and IoT service using standard smartphones. A commercial rollout is slated for 4Q 2025, with operator talks underway.

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