VIAVI supports NASA’s SPHEREx mission with optics

CHANDLER, Ariz. - VIAVI Solutions Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAV), a technology company with a market capitalization of $2.4 billion and strong liquidity position, has played a crucial role in the recent launch of NASA’s Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization, and Ices Explorer (SPHEREx) mission on March 11, 2025. According to InvestingPro data, the company maintains a healthy current ratio of 3.55, with liquid assets well exceeding short-term obligations. The mission, a collaboration between NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), aims to conduct an extensive all-sky spectral survey in near-infrared.

SPHEREx will capture images in 102 infrared color bands, mapping an unprecedented number of galaxies and stars. This data is expected to significantly advance our understanding of cosmic phenomena, including cosmic inflation, galaxy formation, and the origins of water and organic molecules in planetary systems.

VIAVI has supplied advanced optical components for SPHEREx’s spectrometer, enabling it to detect and analyze faint infrared signals essential for creating a detailed spectral map. The company’s Linear Variable Filters and dichroic beamsplitter are integral to the mission, facilitating the division of incoming light across six precision detectors for optimal wavelength analysis.

Luke Scrivanich, Senior Vice President and General Manager at VIAVI, expressed pride in the company’s achievements and congratulated the teams at NASA, JPL, and Caltech on reaching this significant milestone. VIAVI’s expertise in optical filters has been demonstrated in prior space missions, including contributions to the New Horizons, OSIRIS-REx, and the upcoming Europa Clipper mission.

VIAVI, known for its network test and monitoring solutions, also specializes in light management technologies used across various industries, including telecommunications, consumer electronics, and aerospace. This involvement in the SPHEREx mission underscores the company’s position in the field of precision optics for space exploration. The company’s stock has shown strong momentum, gaining over 28% in the past six months, though current market prices suggest the stock may be overvalued. For deeper insights into VIAVI’s financial health and growth prospects, investors can access comprehensive analysis through the Pro Research Report available on InvestingPro, which covers over 1,400 US equities with detailed metrics and expert analysis.

The information in this article is based on a press release statement.

In other recent news, Viavi Solutions Inc. has announced plans to acquire the high-speed ethernet and network security business lines from Spirent Communications for $425 million. This acquisition, expected to conclude in the second quarter of 2025, is projected to add approximately $180 million to Viavi’s Network and Service Enablement revenue in the first year post-closing. Moody’s Ratings has placed Viavi’s ratings under review for a potential downgrade due to the increased leverage from the acquisition, which will be financed through committed bank debt. Similarly, S&P Global Ratings has placed Viavi on CreditWatch with negative implications, citing the anticipated rise in the company’s debt-to-EBITDA ratio to around 6.4x.

Rosenblatt Securities has upgraded Viavi Solutions’ stock rating to Buy, with a price target of $14.00, following strong performance in Viavi’s Network Enablement instruments business. Sales in this segment rose 15% year-over-year during the December quarter, supported by increased spending from telecommunications and cable companies. Meanwhile, Viavi has launched the CX200 infrastructure field tester, designed to assist in testing mission-critical radio networks, further strengthening its market position. Despite these developments, the potential increase in Viavi’s leverage and the impact on its credit ratings remain areas of concern for investors.

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