ReOrbit CEO Expects All Satellites to be Software-Defined in 10-15 Years

Constellations spoke with Sethu Saveda Suvanam, Founder and CEO of ReOrbit, about the digital transformation of the satellite industry. With the increasing prevalence of software-defined satellites and increased capacity for onboard computing, the landscape of the entire sector is changing quickly.

March 6, 2024
By: Kate Eliason

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The Unconscionable ‘Day Without Space’

Insidiously and persistently, space is being militarized. Sabre-rattling is commonplace—provocative acts are increasing, skirmishing is happening and destructive anti-satellite tests are occurring. With this escalation, the notion of conflict in space is growing.

March 5, 2024
By: Andrew Turner, Space4Sight

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Falling Debris and Near-Miss Collisions: Mitigating Risk in LEO

The sky is not falling, it’s just space debris. An uncontrolled satellite reentry and near-miss collision between two spacecraft highlighted the risks of space debris and mitigation efforts in low Earth orbit.

March 5, 2024
By: Leandra Bernstein

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Why a New Satellite Industry Alliance Is Pushing D2D in L- and S-Band

A new satellite industry alliance aims to accelerate the rollout of direct satellite connectivity for smartphones and other devices using MSS frequencies, rather than sharing terrestrial spectrum with mobile network operators.

February 20, 2024
By: Warren Ferster

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Spectrum Battle Shifts from Terrestrial-Satellite to Inter-Orbit

WRC-23 was hardly “The Hunger Games,” but the ongoing conflicts over scarce spectrum resources have the potential to pit satellite operators against each other.

February 20, 2024
By: Leandra Bernstein

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MEF Exec: Integrating Satellite into the Telco Supply Chain

Constellations spoke with Daniel Bar-Lev, Vice President of Strategic Programs at MEF, about the importance of standards like Carrier Ethernet and the convergence of terrestrial and satellite communications.

February 20, 2024
By: Kate Eliason

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How SD-WAN Is Supporting Satellite’s Digital Transformation

In the space industry, the adoption of software-defined networking and software-defined wide area networks is one of the changes helping to drive the digital transformation of today’s satellite networks.

February 7, 2024
By: Leandra Bernstein

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Sat-to-Cell Progresses Through the Hype Cycle

In Gartner’s Hype Cycle, the “Peak of Inflated Expectations” is followed by the “Trough of Disillusionment.” For satellite-to-cellular realists, these peaks and troughs have not been terribly dramatic.

February 6, 2024
By: Leandra Bernstein

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SSC Discusses the Future of the Ground Segment, Digitization and GSaaS

Constellations spoke with John Taylor, Chief Engineer at Swedish Space Corporation, about the evolving role of the ground segment.

February 6, 2024
By: Kate Eliason

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So You Want to Be a Space Startup: Regional Initiatives for Entrepreneurs

Facing challenges with workforce development and entrepreneurship, organizations in the Middle East are funding tech accelerators to support local and regional space startups.

January 23, 2024
By: Leandra Bernstein

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What’s Up on the Ground in 2024

A set of predictions about the ground segment market shows massive changes in the sector, highlighting its criticality, as well as its strengths and weaknesses.

January 23, 2024
By: Robert Bell, World Teleport Association

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Euroconsult Tracks Biggest Growth Opportunities in Middle East Space Sector

Constellations spoke with Steve Bochinger, Affiliate Executive Advisor at Euroconsult, about growth in the space sector in the Middle East and Euroconsult’s recently released whitepaper, “Beyond the Stars: The Middle East’s Space Ecosystem on the Move.”

January 23, 2024
By: Kate Eliason

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Middle East Capitalizing on Competitive Space Tech Market

Why is the Middle East considered one of the most dynamic regions for space worldwide? Regional players are finding a diverse commercial ecosystem where they can leverage cutting-edge technologies into advanced capabilities.

January 22, 2024
By: Leandra Bernstein

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Musk vs. Bezos: Space VC Highlights Must-Watch Trends for 2024

Constellations spoke with Justus Parmar of Fortuna Investments about the landscape of space investment and what to expect in 2024.

January 19, 2024
By: Kate Eliason

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Flurry of Partnerships Signal Arrival of Middle East as a Major Space Player

As countries in the Middle East recognize the economic and strategic importance of space capabilities, many are leveraging partnership arrangements to expand their footprint in the sector.

January 7, 2024
By: Warren Ferster

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Using Space to Strengthen Non-Space Sectors

As Middle East space powers develop more upstream capabilities, downstream applications, like data, imagery and other satellite services will continue to have the greatest bearing on non-space industries and end-users.

January 7, 2024
By: Leandra Bernstein

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NGA Veteran Discusses the Future of Commercial Space in Military Operations

Constellations spoke with David Gauthier of GXO, Inc, about how the Department of Defense is procuring and using commercial data, technology and infrastructure.

January 5, 2024
By: Kate Eliason

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Best of Constellations: Readers’ Favorites of 2023

It was another banner year for space network! The development and deployment of new capabilities brought satellite technology closer to the mainstream.

December 26, 2023
By: Leandra Bernstein

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Most Popular Podcast Episodes of 2023

Constellations is waving goodbye to 2023 and saying hello to our 7th year as a leading source of insights for the satellite industry.

December 26, 2023
By: Leandra Bernstein

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How Digital Twins Are Modeling the Future of Space

Constellations spoke with Robbie Robertson, CEO of Sedaro, a startup dedicated to engineering simulations and virtualization with digital twins in the cloud.

December 26, 2023
By: Kate Eliason

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On-Orbit Sensors Are Extending the Vision of Commercial SSA

Commercial space situational awareness (SSA) capabilities, once rooted on terra firma, are expanding into space, a vantage point that proponents say will increase the currency and accuracy of information in an increasingly congested orbital environment.

December 13, 2023
By: Warren Ferster

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Market Conditions for Success in D2D and IoT Satellite Communication Segments

Analysts at Euroconsult share exclusive details from their report, “Prospects for Direct to Handheld and IoT Markets,” outlining the growth prospects for satellite direct-to-device connectivity.

December 13, 2023
By: Sumaiya Najarali

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Loft Orbital Brings Software Developers to Space with Virtual Satellite Missions

The satellite industry has been working to bring space down to Earth by making on-orbit insights, data and connectivity more accessible. Loft Orbital is advancing the software-as-a-service (SaaS) model for space with the first virtual mission satellite.

December 13, 2023
By: Leandra Bernstein

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MEF: Finding a Common Language for Satellite and Terrestrial Connectivity

Given the potential $35 billion in revenue opportunities for the convergence of satellite and global telecommunications, there is growing recognition that the space sector will need to learn to speak using terrestrial standards—not the other way around.

December 13, 2023
By: Leandra Bernstein

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White House Space Policy: LEO, ISAM and Working with the Private Sector

Dr. Ezinne Uzo-Okoro, Assistant Director for Space Policy at the White House OSTP, discusses the U.S. vision for future space exploration, focusing on microgravity research, novel space activities like ISAM, and the evolving role of public-private partnerships in the space sector.

December 12, 2023
By: Kate Eliason

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In New Moonshot, Commercial Space Is Focused on Infrastructure

32 nations are working together under the Artemis Accords to return humans to the Moon in 2025. But operating in cislunar space depends on a vast amount of infrastructure.

November 29, 2023
By: Kate Eliason

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Satellite Operators, Vendors Showcase Integrated Satcom Service Using Telco Standards

A group of seven companies, including satellite operators SES, OneWeb and Airbus, demonstrated multi-orbit interoperability, showing how telcos and customers could interact with satellite connectivity providers in a more seamless way for satcom services.

November 29, 2023
By: Joel Greenberg

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Tracking Interference: The Ukrainian Battlefield Reaches into Space

Satellite jamming is an acknowledged and expected wartime technique. Space Domain Awareness analysts have observed a long history of Russian uplink jamming on satellites supporting Western nations.

November 28, 2023
By: Michael Clonts

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Satellites, Cell Towers and HAPS?

Revolutionizing Global Connectivity: AALTO HAPS CEO Samer Halawi on Bridging the Digital Divide with Innovative High Altitude Platforms.

November 22, 2023
By: Russ Ryan

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What’s in Your Network? Multiple Threat Actors Found in Single Victim Environment

Anyone who has dealt with pests knows there’s no such thing as one mouse or one insect. The same might be said of the cybersecurity threat environment for space and aerospace.

November 14, 2023
By: Leandra Bernstein

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Advances in Automation Show Strong Potential to Improve Space Situational Awareness

While congestion in LEO is sparking serious conversations about space sustainability, 2023 marked huge strides with the investment in — and the enhancement of — automation technologies that could markedly improve space situational awareness and safety.

November 14, 2023
By: Marisa Torrieri

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‘More Is Better’: Aalyria’s Free Space Optics to Augment Space Networks

Constellations sat down with Chris Taylor, CEO of Aalyria Technologies, a global advanced networking and laser communications company.

November 8, 2023
By: Russ Ryan

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Countering Hypersonics from Space: Multi-Orbit Missile Warning/Missile Tracking

The era of hypersonic weapons has arrived, and with it has come an urgent push to upgrade space-based missile warning/missile tracking infrastructure to meet the new threat.

October 31, 2023
By: Leandra Bernstein

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Space ISAC Watch Center Prepares for Cyber Threats in Space

Constellations spoke with Joel Francis and Kevin Coggins at the Space ISAC about keeping pace with space threats.

October 27, 2023
By: Russ Ryan

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FCC and WRC: Regulatory Impacts on the Satellite Industry

A summary of upcoming developments at the U.S. FCC and World Radiocommunications Conference affecting the business of space.

October 23, 2023
By: Leandra Bernstein

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AWS: GenAI’s Impact on Economics, Space and Security Risks

Constellations spoke with Buffy Wajvoda, Global Leader for Aerospace and Satellite Solutions Architecture at Amazon Web Services.

October 23, 2023
By: Russ Ryan

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Ramon.Space Discusses 4 Keys to Earth-Like Computing in Space

Constellations spoke with Steve Good, Chief Commercial Officer at Ramon.Space, a company focused on advancing onboard processing in space.

October 17, 2023
By: Russ Ryan

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Why Is the FBI Going to the Moon?

As a growing number of actors and interests make plans for the moon, the FBI is taking note.

October 16, 2023
By: Leandra Bernstein

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Industry Split Over Designating Space Sector as Critical Infrastructure

Momentum is building for the space sector to receive a critical infrastructure designation from the U.S. government, but support is not unanimous.

October 16, 2023
By: Jason Bates

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Type One Ventures: A 100-Year Vision for Space Investment

Despite a challenging investment environment, venture capital funds like Type One are focused on early-stage space tech companies with a big vision.

October 4, 2023
By: Leandra Bernstein

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LASP: From University Project to International Satellite Program

Constellations spoke with Spencer Boyajian at the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics about international collaboration in space among university students.

October 3, 2023
By: Russ Ryan

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New Emissions Rules and Sensors Could Expand Role of Satellite Monitoring

New emissions reporting rules and advances in sensor technologies could usher in an expanded role for satellites in combating climate change.

October 2, 2023
By: Warren Ferster

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Satellite Operators Move to Multi-Orbit: What About the Ground?

Satellite operators are embracing multi-orbit strategies, with implications for antenna manufacturers, ground segment vendors and collaboration across the industry.

September 20, 2023
By: Leandra Bernstein

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Market Dynamics Driving Broadband Providers to Work Together

Broadband satellite operators will increasingly have to work together, in some cases across multiple orbits, to contend with declining bandwidth prices and an ongoing market shift from broadcast to broadband data services.

September 18, 2023
By: Warren Ferster

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LeoLabs: 4 Aspects of Space Situational Awareness in LEO

Constellations spoke with Dr. Rachit Bhatia, Space Safety Analytics and Research Lead at LeoLabs. about space situational awareness (SSA), a growing issue specifically in low Earth orbit and the role of radar technology in tracking objects in LEO.

September 18, 2023
By: Russell Ryan

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Euroconsult’s Top Trends and Drivers in Satellite Communications

Constellations spoke with Nathan de Ruiter, Managing Director of Euroconsult Canada, about the state of the satellite communication sector and its growth opportunities as it digitally transforms and pivots to exploit new markets. He shared key findings from Euroconsult’s Satellite Connectivity and Video Market Report.

September 18, 2023
By: Joel Greenberg

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Which Satellite Markets Need a Reality Check?

As the satellite industry becomes more integrated across verticals, investors and industry leaders are eager to understand what opportunities are real and what’s not yet ready for primetime.

September 11, 2023
By: Leandra Bernstein

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How Satellite Can Tap a $74B Opportunity to Connect the Unconnected

Euroconsult’s Dimitri Buchs addresses the untapped market for satellite service providers to connect the 2.6 billion unconnected people around the globe.

September 11, 2023
By: Dimitri Buchs, Euroconsult

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CEO Insights: Finance, Tech and Disruption

Ahead of World Satellite Business Week, satellite industry leaders from across the space value chain offer their thoughts on the issues and technologies impacting the sector.

September 11, 2023
By: Constellations

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Down to Earth: How Non-Space Businesses Are Using Space Tech

Constellations spoke with non-space industry leaders about their strategy for using satellite data, how it’s changing their business and where they hope to see improvements from space service providers.

September 11, 2023
By: Leandra Bernstein

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Network Operators Anchor on 5G

Facing fierce competition from SpaceX, traditional satellite network operators see the urgent call to secure their relevance in the 5G era.

September 5, 2023
By: Dr. Juan Deaton

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A Look Inside Tomorrow’s 6G Architecture

Give the challenges around the rollout of 5G, it’s understandable if 6G provokes a queasy feeling. But like seasickness, the best solution is to keep an eye on the horizon.

September 5, 2023
By: Leandra Bernstein

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Leaf Space Shares 3 Keys to GSaaS Success

Constellations spoke with Giovanni Pandolfi Bortoletto, the Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Leaf Space, headquartered in Milan, Italy, at the Small Sat conference in Logan, Utah. While as-a-Service offerings have been around for some time in the IT world, it is a concept relatively new to space and even newer to European space.

September 5, 2023
By: Russell Ryan

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An Insider’s Look at DEF CON’s First On-Orbit Hacking Competition

The fragile-looking device rested precariously inside its plexiglass case, overlooking the five teams competing in Hack-A-Sat 4, the first hacking competition involving a live satellite.

August 22, 2023
By: Robert McClellan

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What Are the Highest-Demand Skills in the Space Industry?

The employment pages across commercial space companies show just how much demand and competition exist for skills in a growing industry.

August 22, 2023
By: Leandra Bernstein

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Edgybees Puts the Satellite Imagery Puzzle Together for Accuracy

Constellations spoke with Ken Campbell, President of Edgybees Inc., about geo-registration, which takes geospatial imagery to the next level of accuracy for applications that range from disaster response and precision agriculture to military and intelligence planning.

August 21, 2023
By: Joel Greenberg

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Space and Generative AI: Believe the Hype

An in-depth exploration of how GenAI will create value in space, its potential use cases and applications being developed today to harness GenAI technologies.

August 8, 2023
By: S. Sita Sonty

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Industry Offers Feedback on SSC’s Commercial Space Reserve Framework

Industry representatives asked questions and provided feedback to the Space Force acquisition arm about its plan to stand up a commercial space reserve for times of crisis or conflict.

August 8, 2023
By: Leandra Bernstein

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Simulating Space: How the Metaverse Can Improve Space Mission Readiness

The metaverse is not just about video games. In 2024, Space Force requested $17 million for an interoperable, digital SpaceVerse to train, design and execute missions.

August 8, 2023
By: Matt Alderton

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IEEE Futures Group: Satellite’s Biggest Challenge Is Keeping Pace with Communications Tech

Constellations spoke with David Witkowski, co-chair of the deployment working group at the IEEE Future Networks Technical Committee. David discussed how keeping up with the rapid advances in communications technology is the biggest challenge affecting satellite, terrestrial and Wi-Fi networks.

August 7, 2023
By: Russell Ryan

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Chipmakers Release NTN Products Putting Spotlight on Satellite 5G

The role of satellite in the 5G ecosystem has been elevated with some of the world’s largest chip manufacturers releasing 3GPP NTN-compatible chipsets.

July 26, 2023
By: Leandra Bernstein

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Investment Outlook from venture capitalist, DCVC: Buying on the Dip and Following the Software

Constellations spoke with Matt O’Connell, operating partner at DCVC, about the current investment landscape, the recovery ahead and some of the technology and market trends that seasoned investors like himself are excited about.

July 25, 2023
By: Joel Greenberg

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US to Spend $42B on Broadband Equity: Will Satellite Be Included?

U.S. states will get billions to connect the unconnected but there are questions about satellite’s role given concerns of fiber bias and backlash to satellite tech.

July 12, 2023
By: Leandra Bernstein

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APSCC President Surveys Satellite Trends in Asia Pacific

APSCC President Terry Bleakley discusses Asia Pacific market opportunities and how satellite can become more relevant to telcos.

July 10, 2023
By: Leandra Bernstein

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Smallsat 10-year Forecast with LeoStella: A Ton a Day Keeps the Markets in Play

Constellations spoke with Mike Kaplan, Vice President of Business Development at LeoStella, about the extraordinary growth driven by new smallsat capabilities, the innovation occurring between commercial and government markets, and manufacturing challenges of building to scale.

July 5, 2023
By: Joel Greenberg

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Industry Report Highlights: What Happens When You Triple On-Orbit Capacity?

On-orbit capacity is growing rapidly, according to the 2023 State of the Satellite Industry Report. Space is more affordable, but will demand keep up with supply?

June 28, 2023
By: Leandra Bernstein

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Kacific CEO: Closing the Digital Divide Across the ‘Ring of Fire’

Constellations spoke with Christian Patouraux, CEO and Founder, Kacific about delivering low-cost satellite broadband to connect and change the lives of the underserved and vulnerable in some of the most difficult to reach areas of the Asia Pacific.

June 27, 2023
By: Joel Greenberg

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A New Lease on Life: Implications of Commercial Mission Extension Services

GEO operators Intelsat and Optus bought out SpaceLogistics’ next-generation satellite life-extension devices amid an evolution in the market for in-space services.

June 26, 2023
By: Leandra Bernstein

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University Spotlight: A Test Environment for the Internet of Space Things

Virginia Tech researchers are developing an infrastructure for interconnectivity among constellations with implications for the future of space networking.

June 26, 2023
By: Leandra Bernstein

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Asia Pacific Satellite Operators Compare Multi-Orbit Strategies, Weigh in on Starlink Competition

Regional satellite operators at Asia Satellite Business Week addressed the tradeoffs between LEO and GEO and competition from Starlink.

June 13, 2023
By: Leandra Bernstein

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Virtual Ground Demo at SatelliteAsia Provisions Active Satcom Link Over Cloud

A demo on the sidelines of SatelliteAsia in Singapore used a virtual ground system to rapidly deploy a new satcom link over cloud.

June 13, 2023
By: Leandra Bernstein

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A Global Perspective – and Cooperation – for a Peaceful, Secure & Sustainable Space

Constellations spoke with Dr. Brian Weeden, Director of Program Planning for the Secure World Foundation about the dramatic changes in space with the growing number of satellites and commercial and government uses, and the challenges to monitor and protect the availability of space for all.

June 13, 2023
By: Joel Greenberg

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Will SSC’s New Commercial Space Office Help Innovators Bridge ‘Valleys of Death’?

Space tech companies hope for the best as the Commercial Space Office cut the ribbon on COSMIC, its new headquarters in Northern Virginia.

June 7, 2023
By: Leandra Bernstein

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Pioneering Resilience: PdM WESS and the Digital IF Revolution

Digital IF was once met with skepticism. Today, researchers and engineers are proving the technology in ways that will impact military and commercial satcom networks.

May 31, 2023
By: Dr. Juan Deaton

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Bringing ‘Earth-Like’ Computing Infrastructure to Space

Before the space world produces the “next killer app,” there’s the not-so-insignificant matter of deploying an underlying computing infrastructure in orbit.

May 30, 2023
By: Leandra Bernstein

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SpEC Tells Industry to ‘Be Ready’ to Respond to Space Tech Prototype Requests

The Space Enterprise Consortium anticipates several prototype opportunities in the coming months and is urging space tech vendors to prepare for quick responses.

May 30, 2023
By: Leandra Bernstein

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Billions Served: 5G Nanosatellites to Extend Global IoT Footprint

Constellations spoke with Jaume Sanpera of Sateliot about the use of 5G-enabled nanosatellites to extend IoT coverage around the planet.

May 30, 2023
By: Joel Greenberg

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New Forum Highlights Wireless-Satellite Opportunities and Obstacles

Wireless and satellite industry participants at the Connect (X) conference reflect on opportunities for closer collaboration and where barriers still exist.

May 17, 2023
By: Leandra Bernstein

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A Tale of Two Worlds: The Convergence of Satellite and Terrestrial Telecom

Constellations spoke with a panel of industry leaders from the World Teleport Association, AXESS Networks, and Kratos about the challenges and opportunities for growth as satellite and teleport operators deepen integration with terrestrial telecommunications providers.

May 16, 2023
By: Joel Greenberg

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Space Force Taps Universities for 5 Areas of Collaborative Research, Prototyping

Space Force will soon announce new research opportunities for universities to partner with government and industry through the University Consortium.

May 12, 2023
By: Leandra Bernstein

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Simulators Needed: Space Force Seeks Funding for Digital Training Ranges

Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman says today’s virtual training ranges are not sufficient to prepare Guardians to engage a thinking adversary.

May 3, 2023
By: Leandra Bernstein

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Beyond 5G: Space Force’s Wireless Tech Wishlist

Chief Scientist of the U.S. Space Force explains how DoD is leveraging wireless technologies beyond 5G to solve complex networking challenges.

May 2, 2023
By: Leandra Bernstein

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DoD’s Commercial Space Domain Awareness Dilemma

A new report and commercial vendors raise concerns that the Space Force is not leveraging available commercial space domain awareness solutions.

May 1, 2023
By: Leandra Bernstein

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Breaking the Barrier in Space with Optical Satellite Technology

Constellations spoke with Clemens Kaiser, CPO, and Ronald van der Breggen, CCO, at Rivada Space Networks about the growth of optical satellite technology, and how linking satellites with light can create a data network in space to grow the industry in new ways.

April 27, 2023
By: Joel Greenberg

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Will Software-Defined Networking Unlock the All-Domain Battlespace?

The lack of network control plane and vendor lock have made the military’s dream of a fully networked, all-domain battlespace.

April 18, 2023
By: Leandra Bernstein

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Space is Looking More Like IT – All the Way to the Edge

Constellations spoke with a panel at Satellite 2023 about transformation at the edge, in orbit and on the ground, and what that means for the industry.

April 18, 2023
By: Joel Greenberg

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Espionage in Orbit: Satellite or Spy?

A spy is among us. This is no ordinary satellite but one that exhibits unusual behavior and close approaches that betray its mission.

April 17, 2023
By: Michael Clonts

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New Tech, New Partnerships: Highlights from DoD Space Leaders

As the National Space Symposium gets underway, Constellations recaps its top podcast episodes, highlighting the collaboration between military and commercial space.

April 17, 2023
By: Leandra Bernstein

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3 Technology Approaches Shaping the Direct-to-Device Market

There’s no shortage of players throwing their hats into the ring for satellite direct-to-device services and three technology approaches to the market.

April 5, 2023
By: Elisabeth Tweedie

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‘We Love Humans, But…’: The Future of Robotic Commercial Space Stations

Arkisys is developing one of the first commercial robotic space stations inspired by the infrastructure model of seaports and hyperscalers.

April 4, 2023
By: Leandra Bernstein

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All the Eye Can’t See: Pixxel Advances Hyperspectral Satellite Imaging

Pixxel has been named a top company to watch as it deploys one of the world’s first commercial hyperspectral satellite imaging constellations.

April 4, 2023
By: Leandra Bernstein

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U.S. Space Systems Command Talks about Opening the “Front Door” to Industry Innovation

Constellations spoke to Colonel Michelle Idle, the Mobilization Assistant to the Commander, U.S. Space Systems Command, which oversees space acquisition and development, about the new approaches to working with commercial industry to adopt new capabilities, and how industry can better partner with government.

March 30, 2023
By: Joel Greenberg

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SVB Sends ‘Chill’ Through Space but VCs See Bright Spots for Startups

Leaders of space VCs weighed the impact of the Silicon Valley Bank collapse on space startups at Satellite 2023.

March 22, 2023
By: Leandra Bernstein

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Satellite Commercial Model Must ‘Change Drastically’: Telco

The commercial model satellite service providers offer to telcos must “change drastically,” according to a regional telco.

March 21, 2023
By: Leandra Bernstein

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Earth Observation Market Trends to More Growth and Value From Data

The EO industry has been projected to grow at a 7.2% clip through 2031 before reaching $11.3 billion. Constellations spoke with Aravind Ravichandran, founder of TerraWatch Space about the growing importance of earth observation data and its value to more and more markets in the future, along with some of the advances and challenges ahead.

March 20, 2023
By: Joel Greenberg

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Panel: Virtual Ground Systems for Satcom Are Here, Not ‘Years Away’

Panelists from ALL.SPACE, BlueHalo, Intelsat and Kratos spoke addressed the state of virtual ground systems for satellite communications.

March 17, 2023
By: Leandra Bernstein

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Satellite Connectivity Providing a ‘Bridge’ to Fully Autonomous Vehicles

NOVELSAT is joining Guident to provide an always-on, satellite connectivity solution for autonomous vehicle safety.

March 7, 2023
By: Leandra Bernstein

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Is Cloud Native Make or Break for Satellite 5G?

It has been said that “software is eating the world.” Today, that software is cloud native and it’s hungry for space.

March 7, 2023
By: Leandra Bernstein

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Aero Connectivity Looks to Leap Ahead

Constellations spoke with John Peterson, Executive Director of Aviation at Iridium about the technological and economic changes that are overcoming some of the unique challenges of in-air connectivity to help drive the sector’s anticipated growth.

March 7, 2023
By: Joel Greenberg

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The Complicated History of US Commercial SAR: Market Competition and National Security

Commercial SAR has existed for decades, but it wasn’t until 2018 that the U.S. joined this competitive market.

February 22, 2023
By: Leandra Bernstein

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Are Optical Satellite Crosslinks a Threat to Ground Station Operators?

The growth of optical inter-satellite links has caused mixed reactions among ground service providers.

February 21, 2023
By: Leandra Bernstein

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Commercialization of Space Requires Transformation on the Ground

Constellations spoke with Guillaume Tanier, Co-founder and CEO of Leanspace, about the evolution of satellite operations and space networks, and the transformation to more agile, lower cost digital ground systems to drive industry growth and innovation.

February 21, 2023
By: Joel Greenberg

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The SmallSat Market’s Goldilocks Moment: Too Hot or Too Cold?

The smallsat market is poised for growth but industry experts are clear-eyed about the challenges on the horizon.

February 9, 2023
By: Leandra Bernstein

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DoD’s Increasing Demand for Data Fusion in Space

Experts examine data fusion as a powerful predictive decision-making tool for mapping a crowded space environment, and the imperative of tying it to specific requirements versus viewing it as a be-all solution.

February 8, 2023
By: Anne Wainscott-Sargent

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A Diplomatic and More Economic Space: 2023 Outlook with Sita Sonty, Boston Consulting Group

Constellations spoke with Sita Sonty, partner and associate director for aerospace and defense at the Boston Consulting Group about the outsized role satellites are playing in the economy, with new and expanding applications, as well as the need to preserve and protect them.

February 7, 2023
By: Joel Greenberg

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University Spotlight: A Systems Engineering Approach for Emerging Space Actors

Inspired by his work on Hungary’s national space strategy, Daniel Erkel of MIT designed an architecture framework for emerging nations to succeed in space.

February 6, 2023
By: Leandra Bernstein

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How Edge Computing Is Changing Space from Terminal to Satellite

Edge computing is providing a solution to manage the massive volume of space data traffic and extend the reach of the cloud.

January 24, 2023
By: Leandra Bernstein

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In-Flight Connectivity Taking Off but Remains a Tricky Business Case

Commercial in-flight connectivity is creating big opportunities for the satellite industry, but there remain challenges in closing the business model.

January 24, 2023
By: Leandra Bernstein

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Satellite & Telco Convergence: Is 5G the Be-All and End-All?

Constellations spoke with Yesmean Luk, senior consultant at STL Partners about the convergence between satellite and terrestrial telecom networks and key factors in collaboration leading to new opportunities, applications, and growth.

January 17, 2023
By: Joel Greenberg

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‘Technology Is Not Enough’: Gen. Saltzman Addresses Industry’s Role in Force Readiness

The head of U.S. Space Force outlined key priorities for the service to achieve resilient architectures, strong partnerships and force readiness.

January 13, 2023
By: Leandra Bernstein

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NSR Predicts a Big Year for MILSATCOM Terminal Upgrades

NSR predicted that MILSATCOM terminal upgrades will be an important area to watch in 2023 amid heavy defense spending worldwide.

January 10, 2023
By: Leandra Bernstein

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Ready for Mainstream? Challenges of Satellite 5G

5G represents a $162 billion opportunity for satcom, but there are significant challenges to overcome.

January 9, 2023
By: Leandra Bernstein

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Constellations’ Most Popular Podcast Episodes of 2022

Constellations listeners voted with their ears for the top podcast episodes of 2022.

December 27, 2022
By: Leandra Bernstein

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2022 in Review: Top 5 Developments in Space Governance

This year in review looks back at the ways norms of behavior in space were affirmed and challenged in 2022.

December 27, 2022
By: Leandra Bernstein

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The Role of LEO Constellations and the U.S. Government

Constellations spoke with Kevin Steen, CEO of OneWeb Technologies, a subsidiary of OneWeb, about the unabated demand for connectivity and the more prominent role that LEO constellations are playing particularly for the U.S. government.

December 27, 2022
By: Joel Greenberg

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University Spotlight: How an Experimental GPS Receiver is Changing Electronic Warfare

Todd Humphreys, a professor at the University of Texas at Austin, deployed an experimental GPS receiver on the International Space Station (ISS) in 2017 to study the Earth's atmosphere and ionosphere. Humphreys and his team discovered that they could use the receiver to geolocate and characterize illegal jamming and spoofing signals by recording raw signal data and using Doppler-based methods. The experiment attracted the attention of satellite operators for its potential military and commercial applications.

December 23, 2022
By: Leandra Bernstein

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Digital Ground Pioneers Advancing ‘Multi-Everything’ Satcom Terminal

The need to match the emerging capabilities of non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) constellations has been a driving force and source of inspiration for ground and user segment providers. This is particularly true for antenna and ground terminal manufacturers.

December 14, 2022
By: Leandra Bernstein

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Digitalization of Ground Service, Market Changes: What’s Next for GSaaS?

The need for ground coverage is only increasing with the growing number of satellite operators in LEO and MEO. Ground station-as-a-service (GSaaS) has helped meet this demand and shaken up the industry by enabling greater access to space data.

December 14, 2022
By: Leandra Bernstein

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The Next Evolution of Satellite Ground: Concepts from Telecom and IT Enable Hyperscalable, Boundaryless, End-to-end Service

Luc-Yves Pagal Vinette sheds light on a number of key concepts from IT and telecom, including cloud native, network automation, orchestration, carrier ethernet, and network slicing, and their application in the satellite industry.

December 14, 2022
By: Joel Greenberg

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Satellite IoT Opportunities: Drilling into Oil and Gas

Small data make a big difference. Industries, particularly oil and gas, are uniquely situated to benefit from sensor-to-satellite IoT.

November 30, 2022
By: Leandra Bernstein

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To Work with Telcos, Satellite Needs to Revamp Its Reputation: WTA Report

A new WTA report focuses on how satellite and teleport providers can deepen integration with telcos and MNOs.

November 29, 2022
By: Leandra Bernstein

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University Spotlight: Enabling SmallSat Autonomy Through Onboard Fault Detection

The AFRL is focused on the next generation of autonomous spacecraft. One of its research scholars from the University of Florida recently investigated methods to help predict satellite system failures. Constellations spoke to the student as part of a spotlight on university research.

November 29, 2022
By: Leandra Bernstein

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Bill Milroy of ThinKom on the Multi- Multi- World of Antennas

Constellations spoke with Bill Milroy, Chairman and CTO of ThinKom, a developer of antenna systems, on the rapid change in space and satellites, and the challenge for a new generation of antennas, such as phased arrays, to support the need for connectivity in an increasingly diverse spectrum environment.

November 29, 2022
By: Joel Greenberg

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Big Interest in Small GEO: Why Satellite Operators Are Intrigued

With more small geostationary satellites coming on the market, operators are intrigued with their potential to lower costs and change service from GEO.

November 16, 2022
By: Leandra Bernstein

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How Satellite Became a Part of 5G

Satellite has a long history in telecommunications. The latest 3GPP specifications position satellite as a critical component of the 5G ecosystem.

November 16, 2022
By: Leandra Bernstein

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Chris Quilty: Analyst Outlook on Satellite Direct-to-Cell Connectivity

Constellations spoke with Chris Quilty, partner in Quilty Analytics, about the growing list of companies that have announced plans, including SpaceX and T-Mobile, Globalstar and Apple, Iridium, along with startups AST SpaceMobile and Lynk Global.

November 16, 2022
By: Joel Greenberg

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Report: Commercial Partnerships, Lunar Initiatives Driving Space Exploration Budgets

Euroconsult forecasts governments will invest $31 billion in space exploration by 2031, fueling commercial partnerships and lunar missions.

November 14, 2022
By: Leandra Bernstein

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Steps Toward Securitizing Commercial Space Networks

As governments increasingly rely on commercial space capability, companies big and small are rethinking their cybersecurity posture to withstand nation-state attacks.

November 1, 2022
By: Megan Moloney and Patricia Lukanich
Guidehouse

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BCG Space Executive Explains Growth Trends for Value-Added Space Services

Boston Consulting Group’s Sreelakshmi Sonty discusses the accelerated growth of value-added space services for the terrestrial economy.

November 1, 2022
By: Leandra Bernstein

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Inflatable Satellite Antennas Enabling Satcom, ISR at the Tactical Edge

Cubic is addressing the problem of delivering high-bandwidth, low-SWaP satcom and commercial ISR to the tactical edge.

November 1, 2022
By: Leandra Bernstein

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5G Outlook and Update with Tom Stroup, President of the Satellite Industry Association

Constellations spoke with Tom Stroup, President of the Satellite Industry Association about the unique role satellite can play to fulfill the promise of 5G, its potentially transformative effect on the industry and the progress and challenges to bring it to fruition.

November 1, 2022
By: Joel Greenberg

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Orbital Service Providers Respond to Call for ‘Space Tugs’ for Deorbiting

In-space service providers responded to the Space Development Agency’s interest in “space tug” solutions to deorbit satellites.

October 21, 2022
By: Leandra Bernstein

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Hollywood Tech Is Helping Solve Big Data Problems in Space

Zoic Labs, a spin-off from a Hollywood visual effects studio, is helping transform how space operators and intelligence analysts view data.

October 18, 2022
By: Leandra Bernstein

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Satellite Moving Closer to Telcos with Ground Virtualization, 5G

At Satellite Innovation 2022, there was widespread recognition of the importance of interoperability among satcom and telecom service providers.

October 18, 2022
By: Leandra Bernstein

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Can You Hear Me Now? Charles Miller, CEO of Lynk on Connecting Mobile from Space

Constellations spoke to Charles Miller, CEO and Co-Founder of Lynk, a company developing a constellation that aims to turn satellites into cell towers that will extend ubiquitous mobile coverage to the world’s population. About five of the world’s eight billion people have mobile devices, yet just 10% of the planet is covered from a square mile perspective, offering a lot of room for growth.

October 18, 2022
By: Joel Greenberg

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‘Free the Data’: US Space Systems Command Calls for Greater Info-Sharing Among Allies

The head of U.S. Space Systems Command (SSC), Lt. Gen. Michael Guetlein called for improved information sharing with allies during a keynote speech at the Advanced Maui Optical and Space Surveillance Technologies (AMOS) conference. “We’ve got to free the data,” Guetlein said, referring to space domain awareness (SDA) information shared between commercial partners and allied nations.

October 4, 2022
By: Leandra Bernstein

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Satellite Manufacturers Adapt Supply Chains Amid Demand for Mass Production

The space industry remains on a growth path despite ongoing supply chain challenges caused by the pandemic and geopolitical tensions. While the difficulties are not isolated to one part of the industry, satellite manufacturers have been visibly adding floor space throughout recent economic disruptions.

October 4, 2022
By: Leandra Bernstein

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Satellite Industry Leaders Discuss Cloud Adoption, Evolution of Edge Computing

At an online event produced by GVF, executives from Intelsat, Kratos, SES and ST Engineering iDirect discussed the partnerships taking hold between cloud and satellite service providers and how moving to the cloud will impact service offerings in the future. Panelists agreed that cloud adoption was positively transforming the industry.

October 4, 2022
By: Leandra Bernstein

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Artemis 1: Bringing New Approaches to Navigation in Cislunar Space and Beyond

Constellations spoke with Thomas Gardner, Director of Engineering/Mission Systems at Advanced Space of Colorado, about some of the new navigation and cislunar technologies it will be demonstrating on the upcoming Artemis 1 mission. The launch of Artemis 1 is the first step in NASA’s program to put humans back on the surface of the Moon before moving onto Mars in the next decade.

October 4, 2022
By: Joel Greenberg

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Why DIA Wants More Commercial SDA Partners

DIA’s John Huth explains the need for commercial data to support the intelligence mission “across the electromagnetic spectrum.”

September 19, 2022
By: Leandra Bernstein

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At WSBW Ground Providers Agree: The Future Is Digital, Flexible, Interoperable

The evolution of on-orbit technologies and the integration of satcom with telecom services are beginning to change the perception of the satellite ground system.

September 19, 2022
By: Leandra Bernstein

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Dr. Adams of Auburn University on Quantum Encryption in Space

Secure communications in the future will require two things: space and quantum. Constellations spoke with Dr. Mark Adams of the STORM Lab at Auburn University, about the unique advantages of quantum key distribution over classical encryption, its progress, and the challenges for applying it in space.

September 19, 2022
By: Joel Greenberg

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Satellites Are ‘Key’ to Global Quantum-Safe Communication

The nightmare scenario of “Q-Day” is not the sci-fi fantasy it was in the early 1990s. The most cautious experts believe a quantum computer could be developed by 2025 that’s powerful enough to break a 2048-bit RSA key in a matter of hours—a feat that would take trillions of years for a conventional supercomputer. Most experts expect to reach a critical point in 15 years, according to the latest Quantum Threat Timeline Report.

September 6, 2022
By: Leandra Bernstein

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Aurora Insight: Mapping Spectrum Use from Space

Aurora Insight, based in Denver, Co., has documented the growth of wireless network activity, infrastructure deployment and spectrum use across frequencies. Since deploying its first satellite in 2018, Aurora Insight has documented a global map of spectrum use that is “agnostic” to specific signal frequencies.

September 6, 2022
By: Leandra Bernstein

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Redwire CTO Al Tadros on Building a Sustainable Lunar Presence: A space network from Earth to Moon

Al Tadros pointed out that NASA has led, “a lot of firsts in space: the first time we go somewhere, the first time we image or collect data.” This time, 50 years after its Apollo landing, NASA’s upcoming Artemis missions are all about collaboration with commercial and international partners, the ambitions to explore more of the lunar surface and establish the first long-term presence on the Moon.

September 6, 2022
By: Joel Greenberg

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How do you prepare Guardians for Space? STARCOM Commander Major General Bratton Explains

STARCOM recently marked its one-year anniversary on being stood up as the latest field command for the U.S. Space Force. While it is pioneering a new domain, Maj Gen. Bratton, a teacher by training, said STARCOM is learning and benefitting from what the Department of Defense, NASA and commercial companies are doing and bringing those best practices into the Space Force as it grows as part of the broader space industry.

September 6, 2022
By: Joel Greenberg

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A Look inside the Network: More on Overcoming the Challenges of Video Communications in Deep Space

Constellations spoke with Webex’s Jono Luk about deep space video collaboration and the upcoming Artemis I mission. In this article, Mr. Luk, takes a deeper look at how it works and shares the importance of communicating in real-time from 240,000 miles away.

September 6, 2022
By: Jono Luk
Webex by Cisco

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DIFI Advances Digital IF Standards for Ground Interoperability

The Digital Intermediate Frequency Interoperability (DIFI) Consortium recently published updated specifications for interoperable digital IF/RF marking a significant milestone in the digital transformation of the satellite and space industries. The new standard was peer reviewed by DIFI members and passed with unanimous approval from the board of directors and voting members.

August 23, 2022
By: Leandra Bernstein

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Disruptive Technology? Space Development Agency Drives Disruptive Acquisition

In an exclusive interview, Constellations spoke with Dr. Frank Turner, Technical Director of the Space Development Agency at the Smallsat Conference on how SDA is turning acquisition on its head to deliver new space-based capabilities to the joint warfighter on aggressive new cycles. Labeled by the Department of Defense as the ‘constructive disruptor in acquisition,’ Turner related how SDA has “a completely different model. We're doing things differently on different timelines, at different speeds.”

August 23, 2022
By: Joel Greenberg

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Crowded Spectrum Pushing Satcom Operators into Q/V Band

Demand for spectrum has continued to grow at a rapid pace with satellite and other allocated services vying for valuable bandwidth. Terrestrial service providers are scrambling to buy up lower bandwidths to feed an increasingly spectrum-hungry customer base. This has left Satcom providers seeking higher ground and moving to develop commercial operational capabilities in the Q band (33-50 GHz) and V band (40-75 GHz).

August 19, 2022
By: Leandra Bernstein

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IA-Pre Rollout Begins: Are Satcom Providers Ready?

After years in development, the U.S. Space Force has launched the Infrastructure Asset Pre-Approval Program (IA-Pre), establishing new cybersecurity requirements for commercial satellite communications providers working with the U.S. military. In the near term, only a few dozen commercial satcom providers will be affected by IA-Pre. Those with existing DoD contracts will have a little over three years to achieve full compliance.

August 9, 2022
By: Leandra Bernstein

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Video Collaboration in Deep Space? Webex Narrows Gap with Callisto Project

Constellations spoke with Jono Luk, Vice President of Product Management at Webex at Cisco about the transformative role of video in space exploration and overcoming the challenges to make it happen. Luk and Webex are part of a three-company effort, the Callisto project, to see that video communication in deep space becomes a reality to support humans in space – no small feat when separated by a quarter million miles.

August 9, 2022
By: Joel Greenberg

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Funding Opportunities for Space Startups in a Tight Private Equity Market

Even in the best economy, entrepreneurship is a risky business, especially if you’re dealing with space. Over the past five years, the U.S. Department of Defense has started offering more opportunities for dual-use startups to develop and find a market for solutions with national security applications in space. The DoD spending is also expected to increase as much as 43% in FY 2023.

August 5, 2022
By: Leandra Bernstein

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Outsmarting Smartphones with Cell Towers in Space

The world is more connected than ever with 5.3 billion mobile users around the globe and some 14 billion IoT devices but there are still billions of people who lack the most basic coverage. Lynk Global, headquartered in Virginia, began exploring ways to close the connectivity gap several years ago, investigating the possibility of establishing a two-way connection between a satellite and an unmodified cell phone on the ground.

July 26, 2022
By: Leandra Bernstein

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Inter-Satellite Links Are Making Space Networks a Reality

Inter-satellite communication is advancing as the industry moves toward larger constellations and a space layer that is increasingly interconnected.

July 26, 2022
By: Leandra Bernstein

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Venture Capital Meets National Security

Constellations spoke with Jordan Noone, Co-Founder and General Partner of Embedded Ventures, a VC-firm that invests in space technology. His background includes co-founding Relativity Space, a unicorn of space start-ups, where he saw upfront and personal how venture funding works and doesn’t. His firm’s thesis is dual use space technology beyond launch; technology that has applications in both the commercial and the government sectors, because as he sees it, it’s almost impossible to not work with both given the government’s significant presence in space.

July 26, 2022
By: Joel Greenberg

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PDI Finds Business Model to Tackle ‘Underserved’ Markets with New MicroGEO

Constellations spoke with Shawn Williams, Vice President of Government Affairs and Strategy at Pacific Dataport (PDI) about its business model for delivering broadband to remote, underserved markets. Specifically, PDI is building its Aurora Network Project to serve rural Alaskans with affordable and reliable broadband.

July 12, 2022
By: Joel Greenberg

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Affordability Is Transforming the Satellite Industry: How Each Segment Is Keeping Up with the Pace of Change

Satellites have become more affordable than ever before, largely due to improvements in capacity, high data throughput and more launch options, according to the 2022 SIA State of the Satellite Industry report. This dynamic took hold in a year that saw the most satellites ever put into orbit along with a dramatic increase in available bandwidth and a continued shift to larger constellations of small satellites.

July 12, 2022
By: Leandra Bernstein

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SDA Is Opening Eyes with Advanced Tech and Investment Opportunities

Until recently, Space Domain Awareness (SDA) has not received as much attention or investment as other space activities. Now, with the number of satellites projected to exceed 100,000 by the next decade, companies, governments and investors are becoming more attuned to the need for real-time, operational SDA data and many are pushing the boundaries of traditional technology to acquire it.

July 12, 2022
By: Leandra Bernstein

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What Is a Digital Service? Just Ask the U.S. Space Force’s CTIO, Dr. Lisa Costa

Constellations recently spoke with Dr. Lisa Costa, the Chief Technology & Innovation Officer (CTIO) of the United States Space Force. In this role, she is charged with “unlocking and harnessing innovation to leverage increase speed and advantage.” Previously, Director of Communication Systems and the Chief Information Officer for the U.S. Special Operation Command she is now responsible for employing cutting edge technologies to digitally transform the United States Space Force (USSF).

June 30, 2022
By: Joel Greenberg

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Opportunities in Cislunar Communications? KSAT Says Yes

In the fifty+ years since the first human landing, the moon has remained as silent as it is distant. That may be about to change as more than 100 lunar missions are planned for this decade with the goal of establishing data storage facilities, exploration bases and even colonies. The area around the Earth extending out to just beyond the Moon's orbit is referred to as cislunar, and it will need communications infrastructure to support these and other missions.

June 29, 2022
By: Russell Ryan

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Technology Advances and Changing Investment Strategies Combine to Spur Space Industry Growth

Constellations recently sat down with Bill Ray, Vice President Analyst for Gartner Research and part of Gartner’s emerging technologies and trends office. The discussion covered a broad range of topics including LEO constellations, 5G technology, the emergence of global connectivity and investment strategy.

June 29, 2022
By: Joel Greenberg

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A Space Renaissance Born of a Thriving Ecosystem: Lacing Together Commercial and Defense

Today’s space ‘renaissance’ resembles little of the era that preceded it 50+ years ago. To understand the trends driving the proliferation in space, Constellations spoke with Josh Duncan, Principal Systems Engineer at Blue Canyon Technologies, a subsidiary of Raytheon Technologies that makes spacecraft and other products supporting many types of space missions, about recent notable developments.

June 20, 2022
By: Joel Greenberg

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The Changing Risk Landscape in LEO vs. GEO: Differences Impact Service, Response, Mitigation and Sustainability

Ask any space insider: the risk of satellite failure for the 5,000 operational satellites in orbit today differs dramatically in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) compared with Geosynchronous Orbit (GEO) for many reasons, from how spacecraft are built, to their velocity and orbital direction, to how much space junk they must navigate around.

June 19, 2022
By: Anne Wainscott-Sargent

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Laser Terminals Are Shaking Up Space Networks

Constellations recently spoke with Mynaric CEO Bulent Altan about how satellite communications are being impacted by the introduction of laser terminals space. Radio frequency (RF)-based communications have been the staple for transmitting data in space, but the movement from analog to digital signals has opened the door for new methods of data transmission.

June 13, 2022
By: Kassie Carley

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Constellations Podcast Explores the Opportunities of a Satellite-Telecom Integration

Constellations recently spoke with Northern Sky Research (NSR) Senior Analyst Lluc Palerm, and Kratos Vice President of Product Management Chris Boyd, about the satellite industry’s growth, and the huge market potential available if it can better integrate with the global telecommunications market.

May 9, 2022
By: Joel Greenberg

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5 Reasons Why the Ground Segment Needs Virtualisation

The communications industry is being overhauled. With the introduction of 5G and lower earth orbit, the way we deliver services is about to change. Adapting cleverly to these changes will help satellite businesses reap the benefits of new opportunities being made available to the satcom industry. The ground segment is no exception.

April 22, 2022
By: SIG

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AI in Space: From Protecting Satellites to Building New Business Models

Artificial Intelligence is doing many things on Earth and may soon drive your car. But there’s a world of new AI applications for space as well.

April 13, 2022
By: Joel Greenberg

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Supercomputers in Space: What Will the Future Bring?

Over the last few years cheaper launch technology and miniaturization of satellites have opened the path to space computing, the latest dimension of edge computing that brings computation and data storage closer to the sources of data. Looking to the future, what will supercomputers do for space?

March 6, 2022

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Is MEO Poised for New Growth As Satellite Market Shifts?

The Earth currently has more than 4,500 active satellites circulating the planet, but only 159 of those operate in MEO. This orbit finds itself in an exciting location, offering better latency than GEO satellites and greater ground coverage than LEO and could see increased use in the future as satellite companies look to diversify uses for MEO satellites in innovative ways.

February 16, 2022

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Software-Defined Satellites – Market Overview & Trends

Flexibility is the greatest driver in the satellite industry. As technology across the value chain has improved, barriers to entry have come down in both manufacturing and launch. In turn, a growing diversity of solutions has, and continues to, come to market, finding new ground by providing customers with more options, through flexibility.

January 31, 2022
By: Dallas Kasaboski

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Every Year That Passes, Space Vacations Become More Accessible for All

Do you ever think of visiting space for fun? Space tourism is one place where dreams are beginning to come true. The growth of accessibility and the reduction of launch costs have more and more companies and investors looking to the sky for innovations that were just a dream a decade ago. Read our follow-up interview on space investment with recent podcast guest Raphael Roettgen, founder of space venture capital firm E2MC Ventures.

January 24, 2022
By: Kassie Carley

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The Satellite Market 2021 and Beyond: Key Shifts & Inflection Points to Keep Our Eyes On

Constellations recently attended the Satellite Innovation Show, where satellite industry leaders across the spectrum had an opportunity to speak about everything related to the satellite business. The opening panel discussion “The Satellite Market 2021 and Beyond” started with an important industry question, “As you look forward over the next five years, what are the inflection points in the satellite market?”. Here is what we learned.

November 5, 2021
By: Joel Greenberg

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Service Automation and Orchestration for Teleport Operators: Benefits, Challenges and Opportunities

For decades the telecom industry has been successfully deploying automation and orchestration techniques to optimize Quality of Service (QoS), reduce manual operations, lower costs and optimize resources. Today, the satellite services business is racing to catch-up.

Shedding light on this issue, the World Teleport Association (WTA) hosted a webinar entitled, “Service automation and orchestration for teleport operators.”. Here are the key takeaways.

October 18, 2021

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A New and Emerging Software-Defined Satellite Industry

A panel of technology executives discussed mobility, 5G and integration with the terrestrial world during a lively online discussion hosted by Constellations focused on the topic of “Software-Defined Satellites Meet Software-Defined Ground.”

September 29, 2021
By: Joel Greenberg

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Interoperability, Standards and the Future of Digital Transformation in the Space Industry

On September 1, space companies and organizations came together to launch the Digital IF Interoperability Consortium (DIFI), an independent non-profit group with the mission to develop interoperability standards for the space industry. Constellations spoke with Stuart Daughtridge, first Chairman of the Consortium, to learn more about the group’s work and objectives.

September 20, 2021
By: Joel Greenberg

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Two Takes On LEO Sustainability

Expansive projected growth in LEO constellations was a common theme among key military and commercial satcom players during sessions at the 36th Space Symposium. In this article, Constellations focuses on LEOs and the benefits and challenges that come with this low latency, high-power signal, super secure booming force in satcom market growth.

September 16, 2021
By: Kassie Carley

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Software-Defined Satellites Meet Software-Defined Ground

The introduction of software-defined technologies is considered a major technological trend to reduce costs and improve the efficiency of operations. How will software-defined technologies leverage new opportunities for Telecom, Earth Observation, and Defense applications but also challenge the current value chain.

September 13, 2021
By: Euroconsult

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How the Unified Data Library (UDL) Will Help the U.S. Air Force

Read our conversation with Geoffrey Carrigan, Program Manager at Bluestaq, on the Unified Data Library (UDL) that will be used by the U.S. Air Force and Space Force. The library has been built to handle multiple types of data and data sources with the end goal to have data available to all applicable users across domains.

August 13, 2021
By: Joel Greenberg

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Software-Defined Satellites: How Do They Affect Management?

In this follow-on interview, Constellations spoke to Jeff Freedman, CEO of Kythera Space Solutions to dive into the complex topic of software-defined satellites, and how these will interact with ground systems.

July 27, 2021
By: Joel Greenberg

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Getting Ready for CMMC: Steps One Should Take Prior to a CMMC Assessment

Constellations sat down with Kratos CMMC Practice Lead, Cole French to discuss how satellite and space companies seeking to do business with the DoD will need to be CMMC accredited.

July 13, 2021
By: Joel Greenberg

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MilSat Symposium Discusses 3 Ingredients for Network Architecture Innovation

As more satellites are launched, space and ground architecture are adapting to the growing need for data processing and transport. How will industry work together to innovate and provide these network architecture capabilities?

June 21, 2021

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Our Satellites Are like Smartphones: Loft Orbital’s Alex Greenberg Explains

Constellations sat down with Loft Orbital COO and Co-Founder Alex Greenberg to discuss the benefits of an end-to-end technology model, edge computing on satellites, as well as the rise of the networking model being used in space.

June 2, 2021
By: Joel Greenberg

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5 Key Lessons from Space Investors

As Constellations Podcast celebrates the release of its 100th episode, here are 5 lessons for space entrepreneurs from both venture capitalists and angel investors.

May 27, 2021
By: Joel Greenberg

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“Cloud Is Eating across the Entire Satellite Value Chain:” AWS and NSR Weigh In

Maj Gen Crosier spoke about the space industry’s relationship with the cloud on a joint AWS and NSR webinar titled “Space and the Cloud,” which is part of a larger webinar series on cloud connectivity.

May 27, 2021

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BlackSky CEO Goes Further into the Cloud with Constellations

Constellations sits down with BlackSky CEO Brian O’Toole to dive deeper into the concepts of cloud computing, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), as well as the company’s launch plans.

May 5, 2021
By: Joel Greenberg

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Adapting to the Cloud: Opportunities for Satcom

How can the satellite communication and larger space industry improve operation efficiency, while remaining competitive? The Satcoms Innovation Group (SIG) hosted a webinar explaining how adapting to the cloud may be the answer.

April 2, 2021

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Quantum Communications in Space: A Deeper Dive

In this exclusive interview, Constellations sits down with previous podcast guest SQT CEO Mitlyng to discuss quantum communications, how this technology can strengthen network security, and its international defense implications.

March 30, 2021
By: Joel Greenberg

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“We’re in a Space Renaissance:” Advantages of the Virtual Teleport

Although virtualization is already an established concept in other industries, the space industry is now starting to catch up. WTA’s The Virtual Teleport webinar is a follow-on to its report, explaining the benefits of virtualizing the ground segment.

March 25, 2021

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When Will We Unlock the Power of ESA Antennas?

Developing Electronically Steered Array (ESA) antennas is an expensive and complicated process. These antennas, also referred to as flat panel antennas or phased array antennas, still have not reached the sweet spot where price per bit allows for widespread adoption, especially when compared to more traditional, parabolic antennas.

March 12, 2021

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3 Things to Consider for Better Interoperability

Although interoperability is heavily discussed in the defense community, it’s an issue that affects everyone, including commercial players. According to the experts, here are three tenets to consider for better system interoperability.

March 5, 2021

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What Can the Space Industry Learn from Telecom about 5G?

The space industry can take some cues from telecommunications. Considering 5G networks send and receive data using a virtualized network, why shouldn’t space networks – a network with a satellite in it – take note? Industry experts weigh in.

February 23, 2021

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