This article is based on an official press release from Viasat.

On May 5, 2026, global satellite communications leader Viasat Inc. announced a strategic expansion of its Velaris ecosystem. According to a company press release, L2 Aviation has officially joined the network through Galaxy 1 Communications. This tripartite Partnerships aims to accelerate the deployment of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) by integrating satellite connectivity into certified Avionics architectures.

For the AAM sector, the focus is rapidly shifting from proving that electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft can fly to ensuring they can operate safely and legally within regulated airspace. As noted in the official announcement, achieving this scale requires highly reliable, certified communication systems for command and control.

By bringing L2 Aviation into the fold, Viasat and Galaxy 1 are directly addressing the rigorous airworthiness standards demanded by aviation regulators such as the FAA and EASA. We see this collaboration as a critical step in moving the industry from technical feasibility demonstrations to routine, commercial flights.

Bridging the Certification Gap in Advanced Air Mobility

The AAM and UAS sectors have spent recent years successfully demonstrating the technical viability of next-generation aircraft. However, the next major hurdle is scaling these operations safely. According to the Viasat press release, this requires moving beyond basic connectivity to deliver systems that meet strict regulatory standards for airspace integration.

The Role of the Velaris Ecosystem

Velaris is Viasat’s dedicated global satellite connectivity network designed specifically for uncrewed and emerging aircraft. It provides the essential operational data links and command-and-control capabilities required for safe flight. The Velaris ecosystem connects service, integration, and connectivity partners to help operators transition from early deployments to fully compliant operations.

In March 2026, Galaxy 1 Communications partnered with Viasat to expand Velaris using a Distribution Partner-as-a-Service (DPaaS) model. Rather than acting as a traditional distributor, Galaxy 1 provides a managed operational layer that handles provisioning, billing, compliance oversight, and integration. Galaxy 1 brings over 20 years of expertise in managed satellite connectivity and secure IoT enablement to the table.

Integrating Decades of Avionics Expertise

L2 Aviation brings nearly 30 years of experience in avionics design, engineering, certification, manufacturing, and installation to the partnership. The company has a long history of delivering safety-critical aircraft modifications across commercial, business, cargo, and military fleets, specializing in Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) development.

In this new collaboration, L2 Aviation will apply its expertise to support the integration and certification of satellite communications for UAS and AAM platforms. This ensures that the connectivity hardware meets the strict airworthiness and certification standards required for routine flights.

Industry Perspectives

Executives from all three companies emphasized the importance of certification and scalability in the official release, noting that the industry must move beyond capability demonstrations.

“Right now the industry is focused on what it will take to enable routine, regulated AAM operations: so it is clear that certification ready connectivity and avionics integration must advance together. Bringing L2 Aviation into the Velaris ecosystem through G1 reflects that shift from proving concepts to building operational capability. Their experience strengthens how Velaris supports the next phase of AAM deployment, where safety, certification, and scalability are immediate priorities.”
, Joel Klooster, SVP Aircraft Operations and Safety at Viasat

“Advanced Air Mobility will not scale on capability alone. It will scale when that capability is engineered into certified, operational systems that regulators trust and operators can rely on every day. Our role within the Velaris ecosystem is to integrate satellite connectivity into avionics architectures that meet real-world certification standards. Working alongside Viasat Inc. and Galaxy 1 Communications, we are focused on delivering systems that are certifiable, scalable, and ready to support routine AAM and uncrewed operations.”
, Tony Bailey, President and Chief Operating Officer at L2 Aviation

“Advancing safe, scalable UAV and AAM operations requires more than just connectivity, it demands a fully integrated, certifiable ecosystem. Our programme is focused on delivering exactly that, combining resilient multi-network communications with the operational frameworks needed for regulated flight. Bringing on board L2 Aviation as a partner is a significant step forward. Their deep expertise in avionics integration and certification strengthens our ability to support airworthiness, compliance, and system interoperability, helping accelerate the path from innovation to real-world, commercially viable deployment.”
, Gino Jensen, Chief Technology Officer at Galaxy 1 Communications

Looking Ahead

AirPro News analysis

We observe that the central theme of this development is the transition from innovation to regulation. While engineering a flying taxi or an advanced drone is a monumental technical achievement, securing the legal certification to fly these vehicles over populated areas requires bulletproof, certified communication systems. This partnership directly addresses what we identify as the “certification bottleneck” in the AAM industry.

Furthermore, this announcement highlights the power of ecosystems in emerging aviation sectors. No single company can launch the AAM industry alone. Viasat provides the satellite network infrastructure, Galaxy 1 delivers the operational and management framework, and L2 Aviation supplies the physical, certified integration into the aircraft. The rapid succession of the March 2026 Viasat-Galaxy 1 agreement and this May 2026 addition of L2 Aviation demonstrates significant momentum in building out the necessary infrastructure for the future of flight.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Viasat Velaris?

Velaris is a global satellite connectivity network developed by Viasat specifically for uncrewed and emerging aircraft. It provides essential command-and-control data links required for safe and regulated operations.

Why is L2 Aviation’s involvement significant?

L2 Aviation brings nearly 30 years of avionics certification expertise to the Velaris ecosystem. Their involvement is crucial for ensuring that AAM communication systems meet the strict safety and airworthiness standards required by aviation regulators like the FAA and EASA.

What role does Galaxy 1 Communications play?

Galaxy 1 acts as a managed operational layer through a Distribution Partner-as-a-Service (DPaaS) model. They handle the complexities of provisioning, billing, compliance oversight, and integration for the Velaris network.

Sources

• Viasat Official Press Release

This article is based on an official press release from Pierce Aerospace.

Pierce Aerospace has been selected by Metis Technology Solutions to deploy a network of Remote ID sensors across the San Francisco Bay Area and Silicon Valley. The multi-year initiative will support NASA’s Aerospace Research Technology and Simulation (ARTS) contract, providing critical airspace awareness data for the agency’s ongoing aviation research.

In a company press release, Pierce Aerospace announced that its YR1 and YR2S Remote ID sensors will be installed in a layered network to monitor uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS). The deployment directly supports the Air Traffic Management and Safety (ATMS) project and the Aeronautics Projects Office at NASA’s Ames Research Center.

Remote ID technology, mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), functions as a digital license plate for drones, broadcasting essential telemetry data. This capability is considered a foundational element for the safe integration of drones, air taxis, and other emerging aviation technologies into the National Airspace System.

Advancing Air Traffic Management and Safety

The newly announced sensor network will feed critical data into several key NASA initiatives aimed at modernizing airspace operations. According to the press release, the ATMS project serves as the digital backbone for future airspace, focusing on the safe, automated integration of diverse vehicles ranging from package delivery drones to commercial jets.

Key Projects Benefiting from Remote ID Data

The sensor deployment will also support the Advanced Air Mobility Pathfinder (AAMP) program. This initiative combines research on eVTOL air taxis, beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations, and emergency response capabilities. The goal is to establish operational guidelines for low-altitude drone deliveries and public safety missions. Additionally, the network will facilitate Smart Mobility efforts, including small UAS flight operations at Moffett Field.

“It is an honor to support NASA’s cutting-edge research that’s at the forefront of evolving Air Traffic Management and emerging aviation technologies and aircraft through the Metis ARTS contract,” said Aaron Pierce, CEO and co-founder of Pierce Aerospace, in the official statement. “In addition to supporting NASA, this network of sensors can be made available to support airspace awareness for commercial and public sector stakeholders.”

Accelerating Innovation with Phase III Subcontracts

The partnership between Pierce Aerospace and Metis Technology Solutions was facilitated through a Phase III subcontract under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. This contracting mechanism allows federal agencies and prime contractors to rapidly transition innovative technologies from research and development into operational use.

Building the Future of Uncrewed Aviation

Metis Technology Solutions, the prime contractor for the ARTS contract, emphasized the importance of the new infrastructure. The deployment is expected to enhance airspace awareness and data fidelity across the Silicon Valley and Hollister Airspace Ecosystem.

“Metis Technology Solutions is proud to issue a Phase III subcontract under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, establishing a partnership with Pierce Aerospace to deliver a Remote ID sensor network that will accelerate NASA’s airspace safety and research mission,” stated Sig Lokensgard, ARTS Program Manager at Metis Technology Solutions.

Pierce Aerospace has been developing Remote ID technology since 2017 and began fielding its systems through U.S. Air Force AFWERX SBIR awards in 2018. The company noted that this marks its third award utilizing SBIR Phase III authorities, which enable greater agility in delivering capabilities to end users.

AirPro News analysis

At AirPro News, we view this deployment as a significant step toward the practical realization of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). By establishing a persistent, layered Remote ID network in a high-traffic technology hub like the San Francisco Bay Area, NASA and its partners are moving beyond theoretical models into real-world airspace management. We anticipate that the data gathered from this multi-year initiative will be instrumental in shaping future FAA regulations regarding beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) flights and autonomous drone operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Remote ID?

Remote ID is a requirement established by the FAA that mandates drones to broadcast a “digital license plate.” This broadcast includes telemetry data, which is critical for the detection, tracking, and identification of uncrewed aircraft in the airspace.

Where will the new sensor network be deployed?

According to the press release, Pierce Aerospace will deploy its YR1 and YR2S Remote ID sensors throughout the Silicon Valley and the broader San Francisco Bay Area.

Who is managing the ARTS contract for NASA?

Metis Technology Solutions serves as the Prime Contractor for NASA’s Aerospace Research Technology and Simulation (ARTS) contract, overseeing the integration of the Remote ID sensor network.

Sources

• Pierce Aerospace

This article summarizes reporting by Aviation Safety Network and Aviation Safety Network Staff.

The historic Solar Impulse 2 aircraft, renowned for completing the first solar-powered circumnavigation of the globe, has been destroyed in a crash over the Gulf of Mexico. According to reporting by Aviation Safety Network, the experimental aircraft went down on May 4, 2026, following a mid-flight loss of power.

Operating under the registration N247PF, the aircraft was conducting an uncrewed test flight when the incident occurred. Because the plane had been heavily modified to operate autonomously, there were zero occupants on board, and no injuries were reported.

The loss marks a sudden end for an airframe that captured global attention a decade ago and was actively being utilized to pioneer perpetual autonomous flight technologies.

The Final Flight and Crash

Incident Details

The aircraft, operated by US-Spanish aerospace company Skydweller Aero, took off from Stennis International Airport in Mississippi. According to preliminary data from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and reporting by Aviation Safety Network, the uncrewed aerial system (UAS) experienced a sudden loss of power.

Unable to sustain altitude, the aircraft plunged into international waters near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. The NTSB has launched a Class 4 investigation into the crash under Incident number DCA26LA196, according to the agency’s preliminary report. The airframe was completely destroyed upon impact with the water.

Legacy of the Solar Impulse 2

From Global Circumnavigation to Drone

Originally registered as HB-SIB, the Solar Impulse 2 made aviation history between 2015 and 2016 by completing an approximately 26,000-mile journey around the world, according to historical data from SFGATE. Developed by Swiss pioneers Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg, the aircraft demonstrated the vast potential of Clean-Energy and solar technology.

In 2019, the aircraft was acquired by Skydweller Aero. The company heavily modified the solar plane, converting it into an autonomous drone designed for long-endurance, multiday flights. The ultimate goal was to develop a platform capable of perpetual flight for research and surveillance purposes.

Following the crash, the original creators expressed their dismay.

“The Solar Impulse team is saddened by the loss of an important technological flagship,”

Solar Impulse statement, as reported by SFGATE

AirPro News analysis

We note that the destruction of the Solar Impulse 2 represents a significant physical loss for aviation historians. Under the terms of its operational life, the aircraft was reportedly slated to return to Switzerland for permanent exhibition at the Swiss Museum of Transport. While the airframe is now lost to the Gulf of Mexico, the data gathered during its recent autonomous Test-Flights will likely continue to inform the development of heavy uncrewed aerial systems. The incident underscores the inherent risks of experimental flight testing, even when transitioning proven crewed platforms into autonomous drones.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did the Solar Impulse 2 crash?

According to Aviation Safety Network, the aircraft crashed on May 4, 2026, during a test flight.

Were there any casualties?

No. The aircraft had been converted into an autonomous drone, so there were zero fatalities or injuries.

Who owned the aircraft at the time of the crash?

The aircraft was owned and operated by Skydweller Aero, a company developing autonomous perpetual-flight technologies.

Sources

• Aviation Safety Network