Commercializing Space Communications - NASA

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NASA’s SCaN (Space Communications and Navigation) Program is committed to a seamless transition from government-owned communications assets to commercial alternatives. To accelerate this transition, the program is leveraging funded Space Act Agreements to support rapid design and demonstration efforts, while also giving industry the flexibility needed to lead this commercial transition. Through these partnerships, SCaN will ensure mission continuity, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with national priorities.

Near-Earth Access

Boosting Satellite Capabilities

Growing Ground Support

Fueling Next Gen Tech

Empowering Lunar Relay

Connecting NASA to Industry

Latest News

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Expanding Near-Earth Access

As the agency’s satellite constellation nears retirement, future missions will partner with commercial industry to send and receive data in near-Earth orbit.

The International Space Station orbits 267 miles above the Earth as the Sun's glint beams over the Philippine Sea highlighting the clouds and their shadows during an orbital sunrise.

Boosting Satellite Capabilities

NASA is investing in the development of a variety of private satellite relay capabilities to boost data delivery for future missions through partnerships with multiple commercial companies. Learn more about NASA’s Communications Services Project.

NASA’s Communications Services Project, known as CSP, is pioneering a new era of space communications by partnering with industry to provide commercial space relay communications services for NASA missions near Earth.

NASA/Chase Leidy

Growing Ground Support

The Near Space Network uses satellites in space and antennas on Earth to support missions within 1.25 million miles of Earth. NASA is continuously partnering with industry to grow and diversify ground antennas, making the network stronger and more resilient.

Near Space Network antennas at the White Sands Complex in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Near Space Network antennas at the White Sands Complex in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

NASA

Fueling Next Generation Technology

NASA is advancing the future of space exploration through strategic partnerships that drive innovation and bring new technologies to life.

Empowering Relay Around the Moon

To build a sustainable presence around the Moon, NASA is working closely with industry to create the communications and navigation services that will keep astronauts and robotics safe and connected.

Establishing a network of communication relay satellites in lunar orbit will enable continuous and reliable communication between Earth and lunar missions, even in locations where the Earth is not directly visible from the Moon.

NASA/Dave Ryan

Connecting NASA to Industry

NASA’s Commercialization, Innovations, and Synergies office is connecting NASA with industry to advance the future of space exploration through strategic partnerships that accelerate innovation.

Stylized rendering of the Near Space Network.

NASA/Dave Ryan

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Communications Services Project

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