Viasat Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global communications company, today announced it is joining the Paris Peace Forum’s ‘Net Zero Space’ Initiative in tackling the growing space debris crisis in the shared orbits closest to Earth.
Viasat is the first U.S.-headquartered communications satellite operator to join the initiative, which recommends urgent action to contain and reduce the dangerous and increasing amount of debris in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) that increases the chance of collisions, threatens the safety of space operations, increases the cost of access to space by everyone and also threatens humanity’s ability to benefit from outer space.
Signatories are asked to contribute tangible actions to contribute to the ‘net zero’ goal. As part of its contribution, Viasat published a White Paper titled, “Managing Mega-Constellation Risks in LEO,” setting out the main considerations for calculating the aggregate risks associated with large LEO constellations, and developing methods to mitigate them. In the paper, Viasat is committed to developing comprehensive models that:
Employ quantitative metrics and measurement tools that enable a full evaluation of the current environment in LEO, the expected evolution of that environment, and the expected consequences of more intensive uses planned for those orbits, and Assist in the design and operation of sustainable spacecraft and constellations. “The Earth’s shared orbital resources are finite, fragile and at risk of over-exploitation. Viasat has long advocated for safe use of these resources, and we are pleased to join the ‘Net Zero Space’ initiative,” said Mark Dankberg, co-founder and executive chairman, Viasat. “Our modelling aims to forecast the evolution of debris in LEO so that regulators can set prudent limits on collision risk, and require responsible spacecraft and constellation design and operations. Comprehensive models are the only way to understand and forecast the impact on the orbital environment of the growing use of LEO, and ensure equitable and safe access to those shared orbital resources. We urge satellite operators and national space agencies to join the initiative and work together to protect the use of space by all nations.”
In October 2021, Viasat launched its inaugural Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) report, where the Company committed to being a leader in bringing the benefits of space technology to the world in a sustainable, responsible and inclusive way. Viasat is focused on cooperating with a broad range of responsible nations and global partners; joining the Paris Peace Forum’s ‘Net Zero Space’ Initiative is a testament to Viasat’s commitment.
The Paris Peace Forum is a platform open to all seeking to develop coordination, rules, and capacities that answer global problems.
About Viasat
Viasat is a global communications company that believes everyone and everything in the world can be connected. For more than 35 years, Viasat has helped shape how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the world communicate. Today, the Company is developing the ultimate global communications network to power high-quality, secure, affordable, fast connections to impact people’s lives anywhere they are—on the ground, in the air or at sea. To learn more about Viasat, visit: www.viasat.com, go to Viasat’s Corporate Blog, or follow the Company on social media at: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter or YouTube.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to the safe harbors created under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements include statements that refer to the opportunities around Viasat’s commitment to the ‘Net Zero Space’ initiative; results from its contributions to the overall ‘net zero’ goal; outcomes that result from its White Paper(s) on calculating the aggregate risks associated with large LEO constellations, and the developing methods to mitigate them; and statements that relate to the Company’s ESG plans and initiatives and the expected impact thereof. Readers are cautioned that actual results could differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ include: risks associated with the construction, launch and operation of satellites, including the effect of any anomaly, operational failure or degradation in satellite performance; and regulatory issues. In addition, please refer to the risk factors contained in Viasat’s SEC filings available at www.sec.gov, including Viasat’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. Viasat undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements for any reason.
