PARIS, Dec. 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- 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.
Copyright © 2021 Viasat, Inc. All rights reserved. Viasat,
the Viasat logo and the Viasat signal are registered trademarks of
Viasat, Inc. All other product or company names mentioned are used
for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their
respective owners.
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SOURCE Viasat, Inc.