# Viasat wins contract for Space Data Network’s mission operations hub

The award includes a $115 million initial task order to design, field and scale the center, under a contract with a $450 million ceiling.

Published 2026-11-06 by TGOs. Canonical: https://tgos.io/news/2026/11/06/viasat-wins-contract-for-space-data-network-s-mission/

Space Systems Command (SSC) awarded Viasat a competitive indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the Space Data Network Backbone’s Mission Operations Center, the command announced Nov. 5, 2026.[1] The contract carries a $450 million maximum ceiling and a $115 million initial task order to design, field and scale the center.[1]

Viasat will serve as the network and mission system integration partner as SSC expands its open-architecture ecosystem across multiple space-segment providers.[1] SSC plans to bring mission integration, network operations and data transport management together through the center.[1]

The effort builds on the multi-vendor acquisition strategy demonstrated in the Space-Based Sensing and Targeting portfolio’s earlier Delivery Order 2 and Delivery Order 3 work.[1] That work involved Amazon LEO for Government, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Rocket Lab and York Space Systems.[1]

Breaking Defense reported that the center will serve as the network orchestration hub for the backbone, a low Earth orbit constellation being built by SpaceX.[2] The network’s near-term focus will be supporting the Golden Dome missile defense initiative, the outlet reported.[2]

DefenseScoop reported that earlier this year the Department of War awarded SpaceX a $2.3 billion contract to deliver a fully operational backbone prototype by the end of 2027.[3]

## Why it matters

The center is intended to integrate mission systems across multiple constellations and providers.[1] Breaking Defense described network orchestration as autonomously shifting data among satellite constellations and ground stations when congestion or jamming slows transmission.[2]

## Sources

1. SSC release, Nov. 5, 2026 <https://www.ssc.spaceforce.mil/Newsroom/Article/4642795/ussf-in-partnership-with-golden-dome-for-america-expands-multi-vendor-space-dat>
2. Breaking Defense <https://breakingdefense.com/2026/11/dod-taps-viasat-to-field-operations-center-for-golden-dome-satellite-data-relay-network/>
3. DefenseScoop <https://defensescoop.com/2026/11/06/pentagon-mission-operations-center-space-data-network/>