Rivada signs $2.4 billion manufacturing contract for new LEO satellite network

Rivada Space Networks (RSN), a wholly-owned subsidiary of US-based Rivada Networks, has reached a $2.4 billion agreement with Tyvak Nano-Satellite Systems for the production of 300 low-earth-orbit (LEO) satellites for the company’s new connection network.

The space-based data network of RSN intends to deliver gigabits of data per second with low latency and pole-to-pole coverage.

Using inter-satellite links and onboard data routers, the about 500kg satellites will be able to relay signals across the network, creating what RSN calls a “optical backbone in space.”

Since acquiring leadership of the project at the beginning of 2022, RSN has been working to finalise the system architecture and satellite deployment framework. Now that technical analyses have been completed, the company believes that its procurement plan will effectively meet the ITU Ka-band filing requirements.

With the manufacturing contract currently in place, it is anticipated that deployment will begin in 2025, with 300 satellites (288 + 12 spares) in orbit by mid-2026.