NASA reports launch of two commercial satellite-relay demonstrations
NASA says two agency-funded communications demonstrations reached low Earth orbit on the October 20 Bandwagon-5 rideshare, with relay tests still planned.
What the record says
NASA says two communications demonstrations it funded launched into low Earth orbit aboard SpaceX’s Bandwagon-5 rideshare on October 20, 2026. The agency’s report describes upcoming tests by Viasat and SES Space and Defense of high- and low-rate relay services for spacecraft. Viasat plans to use the Rocket Lab-built Maxwell demonstration spacecraft with its geosynchronous satellites and ground network. SES plans to use its O3b mPOWER satellites for high-rate data and geosynchronous satellites for low-rate communications. NASA describes the work as part of evaluating commercial alternatives for future low-Earth-orbit missions as its Tracking and Data Relay Satellite fleet gradually retires.
Source details and supporting locations.
Practical next step
Follow NASA’s mission updates for subsequent test results.
Limits and what is not established
This account is attributed to NASA. Reaching orbit does not establish that the planned relay tests have succeeded or that continuous connectivity is operational.
Sources checked October 22, 2026. Later notices may change instructions or arrangements.