Space42 and Viasat Agree to Build Satellite JV

Space42 and Viasat have finalized a binding agreement to establish a joint venture named Equatys, backed by a $1 billion investment in a shared satellite infrastructure platform. This strategic move represents the next phase in the partnership, following the initial details of the plan released by the duo in September 2025.

The signing of the formal agreement took place at the World Space Business Week event in Paris. The finalization of the venture, including constellation procurement and definitive contracts, remains subject to standard closing conditions, such as regulatory approvals and the official appointment of Viasat as the primary technology contractor for the project.

Equatys is positioned as a shared space and ground infrastructure platform designed to extend mobile coverage into regions that terrestrial networks currently cannot serve. Funding will be sourced from a mix of equity from the founders and third-party investors, alongside debt financing. The joint venture will adopt a "tower company" model, providing a neutral, shared layer of satellites and ground infrastructure to reduce capital requirements for clients while accelerating deployment.

Space42 MD Karim Michel Sabbagh said that the signing of the agreement signifies take-off for Equatys. “For the first time, the satellite industry is building infrastructure the way the mobile industry thinks: shared, interoperable, standards-based and designed for billions of devices rather than millions of subscribers.” Viasat chair and CEO Mark Dankberg added that it is creating a new infrastructure category for global direct-to-device and advanced mobile satellite service connectivity, backed by unique spectrum assets, significant committed capital, and a business model proven to scale in the mobile industry.