KSAT Advances Global Lunar Communications Network

Construction is progressing near Yuma, Arizona, on KSAT's third lunar communications ground station

DENVER, Oct. 1, 2026 /CNW/ -- Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT), a leading provider of ground station networks and satellite operations, today announced continued progress on KSAT Lunar, the world's first commercial lunar communications network.

Construction is progressing at KSAT's site near Yuma, Arizona, marking the first 20-meter antenna in the United States to serve the KSAT Lunar network, designed to provide continuous lunar communications coverage. The new site complements systems nearing completion in Western Australia and rapidly progressing in Spain, demonstrating KSAT's steady progress.

The Arizona site was selected following a rigorous evaluation of environmental, technical, and economic factors to identify the optimal location capable of providing reliable and resilient communications services for robotic and human spaceflight missions.  This location can accommodate additional antennas to satisfy future demand as the lunar economy grows.

KSAT announced its investment in a dedicated lunar communications network in March 2022 and subsequently procured three 20-meter-diameter antennas designed to meet NASA's Lunar Exploration Ground Sites (LEGS) specifications. "KSAT is demonstrating that we can turn our vision of the lunar economy into operational reality," said Dan Adams, General Manager of KSAT, Inc. "With all three sites advancing steadily, KSAT is on track to deliver a global lunar communications network in time to support NASA, international partners, and commercial customers as lunar activity accelerates."

Testing will soon begin at KSAT's site in Western Australia, while assembly of the 20-meter antenna is underway in Spain. In Arizona, site preparation and foundation developments are in-work, keeping progress on track.

Together, the three strategically positioned sites will form a global network designed to provide reliable, resilient, and continuous communications connectivity between the Moon and Earth.

About KSAT Lunar: 
KSAT Lunar is the world's first commercial end-to-end solution for every stage of lunar mission operations. Supported by KSAT's lunar ground network, with 20-meter-class dedicated antennas, KSAT will meet the increasing demand for reliable, high-bandwidth communications for lunar and cis-lunar missions. The technical capabilities of our services encompass a comprehensive range of state-of-the-art equipment and advanced functionalities designed to ensure seamless communication, robust data transmission, and efficient control of spacecraft operations. KSAT's Lunar capability is compliant with NASA's Lunar Exploration Ground Segment (LEGS) specification for full transmit and receive in X- and Ka-band.

About KSAT: 
Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT) is the leading provider of Ground Station Services, Earth Observation Services, and Satellite Operations Services. KSAT operates the largest commercial satellite ground station network worldwide, including facilities in Svalbard and Antarctica. KSAT delivers mission-critical infrastructure for customers in government, civil, and commercial space in the United States, as well as the global space industry.   

Media Contact:
Miri Casey, Marketing & PR Lead of KSAT Inc.
Miri.Casey@ksat,no 

SOURCE Kongsberg Satellite Services