21/10/2025
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Improved in-flight streaming and video-calling could become more accessible thanks to a project supported by the European Space Agency (ESA). Building on the success of piloting a new type of antenna terminal in collaboration with ESA, Viasat – a global leader in satellite communications – now plans to commercialize its new in-flight connectivity solution called Viasat Amara.
Viasat Amara has a dual-beam phased array antenna that provides better access to video calling (a latency-sensitive use) as well as video streaming such as watching football matches (a bandwidth-sensitive use). This is possible because the antenna can connect to satellites in both low Earth orbit and geostationary orbit, depending on the requirement. Links using satellites in low Earth orbit have low latency with minimal communication delay, while links with satellites in geostationary orbit have high bandwidth and can therefore transmit much more data.
antenna test
Antenna terminal used in a demonstration flight for Viasat, designed and tested under ESA partnership
The antenna terminal was developed, designed and tested within an ESA partnership, under ESA’s Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES) programme. The experiment, conducted in 2021, consisted of a demonstration flight from Rotterdam in the Netherlands to Payerne, Switzerland. The antenna provided a reliable satellite connection on the wayEnables passengers to stream content on YouTube and Netflix and make video calls with colleagues on the ground.
antenna design
Visualization of ViaSat’s in-flight connectivity antenna arrays
The antenna uses an innovative design known as an electronically driven phased array. Instead of relying on a large physically moving antenna to track satellites, it uses many smaller components. These different elements coordinate the timing of their signals to create a unified relationship, just as a stadium wave is formed when each person stands up. This reflects the speed and provides not only a faster way to connect, but also the possibility of connecting to two satellites simultaneously.
ViaSat’s in-flight solution is expected to begin commercial service in 2028. Thanks to its modular technology, the product can be easily incorporated into existing antennas, making it cheaper and easier to incorporate into passenger airlines.
“Phased Array antennas are an evolutionary and much-needed step towards more energy and space efficient in-flight connectivity solutions, and we are proud to contribute to Project EDAN – an important milestone that led Viasat to develop Amara. We look forward to the next opportunities for collaboration with Viasat and many other industry partners – for the benefit of all ESA Member States,” said Massimiliano Simoni, Project Implementation Manager for ADEN at ESA Connectivity. Secure communication.
“The Viasat Aera terminal is a key part of Viasat Amara, our next-generation in-flight connectivity solution that goes beyond fast and free high-speed Wi-Fi,” Viasat said in its Viasat Amara announcement. “Our leading mission is to help our airline customers maximize the enormous potential of connectivity for brand, loyalty and growth. It has been great to work with ESA as one of our key partners to help make this successful.”
This antenna development marks the beginning of exciting opportunities for the future of onboard connectivity.
