Viasat has completed the installation of two redundant ultra-high frequency network control stations for the Spanish Ministry of Defence to support SpainSat NG I and II satellites.
The company said Friday the NCS installations, delivered ahead of NG I’s commercial launch, are intended to provide Spain’s armed forces with sovereign UHF satellite communications, ensuring national control over voice and data. One station manages the UHF Time Domain Multiple Access network while the other serves as a backup.
How Does UHF Technology Meet Modern Demands?
UHF remains vital for military communications due to its reliability, widespread use and technical evolution. Viasat’s Integrated Waveform Channel Controller expands capacity to 10–14 users per UHF channel, enhancing efficiency over legacy Single Channel Per Carrier and Demand-Assigned Multiple-Access systems. With over 500,000 UHF satellite communications radios in service, demand for this technology is expected to grow.
Who Did Viasat Partner With to Build the Network Control Stations?
Viasat built the stations using Blacktree Technology antennas and conducted factory acceptance tests before shipment to Spain. Telefónica S.A. acted as the overall Program Prime for the Spanish MoD, while AICOX SOLUCIONES, S.A.U. served as Viasat’s in-country representative, providing civil works and antennas.
How Do Viasat Platforms Enhance Network Management?
Viasat’s Visual Integrated SATCOM Information, Operation and Networking, or VISION, network management software provides a single interface for legacy DAMA and IW networks, cutting connectivity time from 90 seconds to four and enabling real-time reconfiguration. The IWCC expands multi-user voice and data access, optimizing satellite use.