Notes from Day One of the 2024 SATELLITE Conference and Exhibition
Projected to surge from $286 billion in 2022 to an estimated $615.7 billion by 2032, the global satellite industry is on the brink of monumental transformation. “The satellite industry is entering an exciting new era of growth and opportunity, ushered in by the launch of new global connectivity systems, the continuous demand for space-based data, and the convergence of satellite and cellular industries to enable new applications,” Jeffrey Hill, Executive Chairman of the SATELLITE Conference and Exhibition shared in a press release announcing this year’s conference. The 2024 SATELLITE conference, which kicked off on Monday, March 18, 2024, in Washington D.C., brought together industry and government leaders to explore the cutting-edge advancements reshaping operations during this exciting time in the industry. The inaugural luncheon featured a keynote from Mike Greenley, CEO of MDA Space, and a dynamic fireside chat with David Wajsgras, CEO of Intelsat. Moderated by Rachel Jewett, Managing Editor of Via Satellite, the discussions focused on the profound impact of multi-orbit solutions and managed services on shaping the future of satellite technology.
Watch the Day 1 Opening Keynote and Fireside Chat here
Multi-Orbit Solutions: Pioneering a New Frontier
Welcome to the dawn of the multi-orbit era, an idea reflected by both Greenley and Wajsgras. “…the notion of multi-orbit solutions and how we can bring the capacity in the different orbits to space-based network capability for people will be a theme that we will all participate in,” Greenley emphasized. There is growing excitement surrounding the development of these solutions, and those who are already developing them are at the forefront of innovation and success.
The adoption of multi-orbit solutions promises to bring unprecedented capacity to space-based network capabilities. This evolution opens new areas of opportunities, enabling satellite operators to leverage the unique advantages of different orbits. “In the fourth quarter of last year, we won more business through our multi-orbit offering than we did the prior three years combined with a single-orbit offering. And again, there are a few different reasons for that, but the primary one is having the multi-orbit capabilities,” Wajsgras said.
While their multi-orbit solution will officially roll out later in 2024, it has already had several successful tests. “We have a testbed that we take customers…they look at our multi-orbit offerings, which is GEO and LEO, and whether they’re technical people, purchasing people, or business people, I will say across the board, they’re very, very impressed with what they see and how the Wi-Fi can actually function in congested areas and non-congested areas,” Wajsgras added.
Managed Services: Streamlining Satellite Operations
Managed services represent yet another innovative facet reshaping the satellite industry, delivering comprehensive end-to-end solutions finely tuned to address the ever-changing requirements of both satellite operators and their customers. Offering a comprehensive approach to satellite management, managed services encompass various aspects from network monitoring to resource optimization and troubleshooting. Managed services help satellite operators streamline their operations, reduce downtime, and enhance service reliability, ultimately delivering superior value to their clients.
In November 2023, the United States Army established a contract for the first-ever Satellite Communication (SATCOM) as a Managed Service (SaaMS). It includes full end-to-end managed services, supporting connection with commercial teleports and internet services. “It’s a pilot program today, but we are proving our ability to utilize commercial satellites and commercial networks for real-time support to mission requirements anywhere in the world, anytime,” Wajsgras elaborated.
As the demand for satellite connectivity continues to grow across diverse sectors, the role of managed services in driving operational excellence and ensuring customer satisfaction becomes increasingly paramount. By embracing managed services, satellite operators can navigate the complexities of the industry with confidence, paving the way for sustained growth and success in the years to come.
Looking Ahead: Navigating Challenges and Embracing Opportunities in Satellite Innovation
The day one keynote and fireside chat at the SATELLITE conference provided insights into the evolving landscape of satellite technology, with a particular focus on the role multi-orbit solutions and managed services may play in the future. Amidst the promise of progress in the evolving and expanding space industry, the path forward is not without its hurdles. Regulatory complexities, technological barriers, and market dynamics present formidable challenges that require adept navigation. Yet, with strategic vision, collaborative partnerships, and a commitment to innovation, the satellite industry is primed to overcome these obstacles and unlock the full potential of multi-orbit solutions.
Learn more about happenings and trends in the industry in the 2024 SATELLITE conference keynote livestream here.
