Following the conclusion of this year’s SATELLITE show, we had the opportunity to talk with Andrew Cavalier, Senior Analyst at ABI Research, to get his expert insights on the trends and developments in the satellite and space industry. Cavalier, who has deep knowledge of the market, shared his thoughts on new technology like optical communications, the shift on sovereign space solutions, and how space companies are adapting to an increasingly interconnected tech landscape. From strategic partnerships and acquisitions to the future of satellite broadband, Cavalier’s perspectives offer a valuable look at the industry’s evolving dynamics.
Satellite World Briefing (SWB): How was your experience at SAT Show? Were there any aspects that stood out or were especially interesting to you?
Andrew Cavalier (AC): The event had a strong turnout, with a record number of companies showcasing their solutions. One noticeable trend was the increasing participation of satellite and space players in terrestrial events like Mobile World Congress (MWC). This creates a massive opportunity for space companies to explore NTN, direct-to-device markets, and other emerging sectors. Some even suggested that MWC could eventually rival the SAT show in importance, though I’m not fully convinced. Despite these shifts, satellite continues to be a key sector with easy access for business and networking, and significant policymaking occurs there. It’s still expected to remain a pivotal event for the industry. Another recurring theme was the influence of the current administration, which could present opportunities for European operators. Growing interest in sovereign space solutions—mirroring trends in data and cloud sovereignty—is gaining traction, particularly in the wake of geopolitical developments like the situation in Ukraine. Governments are becoming increasingly focused on securing their data, networks, and infrastructure, making this a key area of conversation in the industry.
SWB: In addition to the broader themes you’ve mentioned, such as military and defense, were there any other specific or niche topics that were emphasized this year? Were there any areas that you found particularly noteworthy or that differed from past conferences?
AC: One major focus for me, which is still somewhat niche but gaining traction, is optical communications, especially for Earth-to-space and space-to-Earth links. I see the future of space moving towards higher frequency ranges, particularly optical communications. However, the market is still fragmented, and there’s a lack of standardization, which makes it difficult to establish seamless connections between different orbits. That said, there’s growing momentum in this area. The key question now is whether there will be standardization and regulation, as this is largely unregulated territory. The security and performance benefits over traditional radio frequencies make it an attractive option. In terms of other topics, AI buzzwords are being widely adopted. In Earth observation, edge processing and cloud-based processing are being used to generate actionable insights, particularly in agriculture, disaster response, and military defense. Earth observation is also being affected by the new administration. Overall, optical communications and Earth observation use cases, particularly in agriculture, are areas I find particularly interesting right now.
SWB: Were there any noteworthy announcements, such as technological advancements, solution releases, or partnerships, which stood out to you?
AC: A few announcements stood out to me. Rocket Lab’s acquisition of Mynaric is significant. This move into optical communications aligns with Rocket Lab’s broader vision of vertical integration—something that could shape the future of the space industry.. There was also a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Space42 and Viasat, which, though still in the early stages, signals continued interest in direct-to-satellite and direct-to-device solutions—two major commercial use cases for space. Looking ahead, the anticipation around 6G technology and the potential involvement of major players like Amazon and Chinese companies could significantly disrupt the market.
SWB: Is there anything else from the show or emerging from it that stands out to you? Specifically, are there any developments or discussions that could have a significant impact on the industry landscape throughout the rest of 2025?
AC: It’s hard to pinpoint one thing from the show that will impact the industry for the rest of the year, as there’s a lot of momentum building in various areas. However, it’s clear that we’re entering a period of transformation in space, with increasing focus on integration and vertical solutions to meet growing demand. As the industry adapts to new challenges, such as the push for lower-cost broadband and innovations in satellite communication, we could see major shifts in the coming months.
One of the most notable observations is the significant disruption occurring in the space sector. While some companies, like Rocket Lab and Amazon, understand the need for integration to scale their operations, others are still grappling with this transition. The industry is beginning to realize that controlling the entire value chain—from rockets to terminals—will be crucial to driving down costs, improving efficiency, and increasing production capacity. This transformation is evident across the sector, especially with mergers and consolidation, such as the recent one between SES and Intelsat, which reflects the need for companies to adapt quickly to the rapidly changing landscape. This evolution is not unique to any single player but represents a broader trend across the industry, where cost-efficiency and scalability are paramount for future success.
SWB: Are you seeing anything particularly interesting in terms of the innovation happening at these smaller companies?
AC: Companies, like AccelerComm and Radisys, are integrating innovative technologies such as software-defined radios, NTN, and 5G regenerative payloads into their systems, placing them ahead of the curve in infrastructure development. Players like these are contributing significantly to shaping the future of space technology. However, the industry as a whole still faces challenges related to fragmentation, which can impede larger-scale progress. The shift toward 6G and the inclusion of satellite technology in that process is particularly noteworthy. If the industry doesn’t align with that standardization, it risks falling behind.
To learn more about 6G, NTN, and emerging technology, follow us on LinkedIn.
