Galaxy 1 Communications has announced a partnership with Viasat to expand delivery of Velaris, Viasat’s dedicated satellite communications service for UAVs and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) aircraft. The collaboration centers on Galaxy 1’s Distribution Partner-as-a-Service (DPaaS) model, which adds a managed operational layer to Viasat’s existing UAV satellite connectivity platform.
DPaaS: More Than Distribution
Rather than functioning as a traditional reseller, Galaxy 1 abstracts provisioning, billing, compliance oversight, and integration into a unified framework. The model targets UAV and AAM operators seeking to move efficiently from proof-of-concept to commercially scaled, regulated deployment. Galaxy 1’s multi-API integration layer ties together flight planning, tracking, and safety tools to support System of Systems (SoS) interoperability.
The DPaaS offering for Viasat Velaris delivers four core capabilities:
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Partner onboarding and ecosystem growth – Structured pathways for new partners, extending the reach of Viasat’s network
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Infrastructure, provisioning, and commercial enablement – Multi-layered billing and provisioning support for operators, service providers, and developers
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Application and service integration – API-based orchestration between flight operations systems, IoT platforms, and Velaris services
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End-to-end service delivery and management – Cybersecurity, monitoring, and compliance-ready reporting through Galaxy 1’s IBIS and Remote Terminal Manager (RTM) platforms
UAV Satellite Connectivity for Controlled Airspace
The RTM and IBIS platforms provide real-time terminal visibility, secure lifecycle management, and performance monitoring. These tools address compliance requirements that regulators increasingly associate with BVLOS operations in controlled airspace.
“Advanced Air Mobility represents one of the most transformative shifts in aviation, and connectivity is at the heart of making it safe, efficient, and scalable,” said Martyn Durrant, Chief Commercial Officer of Galaxy 1 Communications. “By partnering with Viasat, we are not only enabling operators to onboard quickly, integrate seamlessly, and deliver resilient services, but also helping Viasat expand and strengthen its global ecosystem of partners.”
Joel Klooster, SVP for Aircraft Operations and Safety at Viasat, pointed to the role of managed services in accelerating deployment. “Velaris is already driving the future of AAM,” said Klooster. “With Galaxy 1’s DPaaS, we’re accelerating that future by pairing reliable satellite connectivity with a strong partner ecosystem and seamless API integration.”
Galaxy 1 Communications holds over 20 years of experience in managed satellite connectivity and IoT enablement. Viasat, which completed its acquisition of Inmarsat in May 2023, operates in 24 countries worldwide.
More information on Galaxy 1 Communications is available from their website. More information on Viasat is available from their website.
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Ian McNabb is a journalist focusing on drone technology and lifestyle content at Dronelife. He is based between Boston and NH and, when not writing, enjoys hiking and Boston area sports.