From falling launch costs to the rise of multi-orbit architectures, the sector is reshaping how capital flows into space infrastructure. Explore the four biggest trends driving this transition and what they mean for operators and investors.

NASA’s new lunar base plans could generate billions in commercial opportunities, but Artemis delays, technical challenges and continued dependence on government funding are likely to push large-scale growth of the lunar economy deeper into the 2030s.

While Europe’s HALO and IRIS² initiatives both aim to strengthen sovereign satellite communications, their ultimate success will depend on building interoperable, sovereign-controlled ground infrastructure that enables secure command, connectivity and cross-border operations.

Satellogic’s Luciano Giesso explains why the future of Earth observation will be defined by faster revisit rates, trusted commercial data, sovereign control and AI-driven autonomous sensing.

ABI Research Principal Analyst Andrew Cavalier explains how Rocket Lab’s acquisition of Iridium signals a new era of vertically integrated space companies, reshaping competition, resilient PNT, spectrum strategy, and the future structure of the satellite services market.

Private equity is increasingly taking mature digital infrastructure assets private, while public markets continue to provide growth capital for an expanding commercial space sector led by a steady pipeline of IPOs.

A €35B, five‑year military space push starting this year is accelerating partnerships between primes and New Space firms. Priority programs like SatcomBw Stage 4—alongside Europe’s Iris2—are competing for talent and testing how fast Germany’s space ecosystem can scale.

Earth observation providers are increasingly moving toward software-as-a-service models that combine satellite data, cloud computing and AI-driven analytics to deliver actionable insights rather than raw imagery, expanding the market beyond traditional geospatial specialists to mainstream enterprise and government users.

By transitioning to software-defined systems, operators can slash costs by over 50% and accelerate deployment times from weeks to just a single day. This shift not only streamlines multi-orbit management but also provides a critical competitive edge in the emerging $30 billion 5G NTN market.

Melanie Stricklan of Space Foundation examines the growing complexity of modern space operations, showing how orchestrating space, ground, and cloud systems—and tackling issues like semantic misalignment and AI-driven autonomy—is redefining how missions succeed.

Smaller geostationary satellites are emerging as a flexible, lower-cost complement to both large GEO platforms and proliferated LEO constellations, enabling new commercial models and sovereign access while reshaping how operators deploy and manage capacity. At the same time, their adoption is driving more dynamic, disaggregated architectures and faster technology refresh cycles, reinforcing GEO’s continued strategic relevance in a multi-orbit future.

As threat actors shift from attacking perimeters to exploiting the implicit trust within CI/CD pipelines, the space sector faces an increasingly sophisticated software supply chain risk. This latest briefing analyzes how malicious libraries and compromised developer tools are bypassing traditional defenses to threaten mission-critical infrastructure and overall mission assurance.

Highlights from a webinar on the business case for virtual ground systems explain how software-defined architectures are helping satellite operators scale constellations more efficiently while reducing costs and speeding deployment. The discussion outlines how virtualization supports multi-orbit operations, cloud integration, and evolving 5G-NTN capabilities, strengthening flexibility and return on investment for modern satellite networks.

TransAstra’s innovative “Capture Bags” are designed to snag hazardous debris today, but the same inflatable technology is being built to harvest asteroids tomorrow. Discover how tackling the orbital debris crisis could ultimately unlock a massive new economy built on millions of tons of space-based materials.

The facility will begin limited deliveries for Telesat’s Lightspeed constellation later this year before reaching full production in 2027. Built around MDA’s adaptable Aurora platform, the factory aims to drive further orders by churning out both broadband and direct-to-device (D2D) satellites for major clients like Globalstar.

Bringing manufacturing in-house grants these companies the strategic advantage of controlling the entire stack, though it introduces substantial capital risk and threatens market fragmentation. To maintain optionality and outpace competition, vendors must pursue targeted M&A to navigate the rising geopolitical demand for sovereign data solutions.

Recent technical, infrastructure and commercial milestones and are transforming in-orbit semiconductor manufacturing from isolated demonstrations into an emerging industrial ecosystem.

This hybrid network utilizes Q- and V-band links to deliver speeds of 144 Gbps in LEO, while MEO optical links aim to provide throughput up to 6 Tbps. With a projected deployment start in late 2027, the system targets a capped capacity of roughly 100,000 customers, distinguishing itself from the broader consumer focus of Amazon Leo.

As global LEO constellations reshape satellite economics through scale and speed, Middle Eastern operators are charting a different path rooted in sovereignty, regulatory alignment and national strategy. How regional satellite companies are leveraging close ties with governments, multi-orbit collaboration and spectrum stewardship to remain relevant and grow.

Satellite broadband is emerging from the BEAD program not as a fiber replacement, but as a strategic solution for the hardest-to-serve communities where cost, terrain, and deployment speed outweigh long-term capacity ideals.

In a year defined by Golden Dome, Starlink’s unprecedented scale, direct-to-device disruption and rising demands for sovereignty, 2025 marked a strategic inflection point. Quilty Space take a look back at the year’s milestones.

Kongsberg, Helsing and Hensoldt plan to deploy SAR, high‑resolution optical and RF sensors on NanoAvionics platforms, with Isar Aerospace named the preferred launch provider. The partnership aims to build local production in Germany and deliver sovereign, all‑weather space‑based intelligence for European defense.

Peter Krauss of Terran Orbital talks about the importance of rapid iteration and accelerated development to build and deploy on-orbit assets more efficiently to support commercial innovation and national defense needs.

The campaign uses convincing recruiter profiles and malicious PDFs to deliver multi-stage malware that steals intellectual property and establishes long-term access. This blending of social engineering with developer-tool compromise raises direct risks for satellite communications firms, component manufacturers, and space-sector integrators.

In a discussion at World Space Business Week, leading Earth observation market executives discussed their exposure to, and reliance on defense markets. While some were more confident than others, do the deep pockets and enduring demands of governments and militaries wed Earth observation to defense, and what does that mean for the developmental future of the technology?

The combination of smallsat innovation, cost reduction and vertical integration is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaging. Read our top four takeaways from our conversation with Brandon (BT) Cesul of Umbra.

Space is more crowded than ever as new satellites and old debris complicate navigation and overwhelm satellite data systems. Quantum machine learning (QML) can speed hyperspectral image processing and optimize satellite scheduling and routing, and deserves urgent exploration.

Satellites are becoming more maneuverable and agile. As space becomes an increasingly contested landscape, resilience across orbital regimes will be paramount. Read our top four takeaways from our conversation with Tom Campbell, president of space missions at Redwire Space.

A graphing calculator has more processing power than most satellites. To pursue the next generation of space missions, operators will need better and faster compute capabilities in orbit. Read the top four takeaways from our conversation with Edward Ge, co-founder and CEO of Aethero.

Discover how the new Inbound Link Establishment protocol enables automatic link monitoring and rapid failover in seconds, minimizing mission disruption across satellites and ground segments. From NATO’s PlugFest evaluations to MILCOM 2025 workshop sessions, dive into the interoperability and scalability solutions shaping tomorrow’s resilient networks.

With orbital traffic surging and debris proliferating, integrating real-time satellite tracking, space weather monitoring and threat characterization has become essential for both civil safety and national security. Investing in dual-use sensor networks and advanced analytics will empower nations to detect adversary intent, maintain freedom of action and secure the next decade of space assets.

Ahead of World Space Business Week, Constellations and Novaspace released a limited podcast series, featuring five space leaders. Each executive answered a handful of questions about the state of the industry, what drives their companies, and the challenges that lie ahead. Read our favorite quotes and takeaways from each conversation.

Small satellites are imaging and collecting observational data using dozens of different methods. At the annual SmallSat conference, all types of EO players, including start-ups, established players and university programs discussed their unique approaches to gathering information about the planet we live on—but translating that data into actionable insight remains a challenge.

While SpaceX continues to dominate the launch landscape, other companies are getting creative in the way they get to orbit, from small rocket launches to reusable satellite buses. As Europe claims greater sovereignty over its space activities and launch becomes a more sustainable process, how the industry thinks about space access is changing.

Multiple layers of resiliency are required to build a space environment that is tactically responsive. Jiral Shah, VP of Business Development at Gravitics, described the role of pre-positioned assets in orbit and the importance of mobility and power in space operations. Read our top four takeaways.

The company must launch over 1,500 satellites by July 2026 to meet its first regulatory milestone, a feat made difficult by launch vehicle availability. This uncertainty, and competition from players like Starlink, raises questions about Kuiper's ability to fulfill its global internet ambitions.

Frequent satellite launches, regular lunar missions and new capabilities like on-orbit repair and refueling all precipitate the next big step in space technology: building large-scale infrastructure in space. Welcome to the world of on-orbit construction.

The alliance’s new Commercial Space Strategy aims to integrate private sector space capabilities for collective security. This policy focuses on making commercial space assets interoperable among the 32 member nations and with their own government satellites. However, it leaves open questions about future budgets and how the alliance will secure priority access to these commercial services during a crisis.

GPS and PNT signals rely on a weak RF signal that is highly vulnerable to jamming and spoofing. One alternative is quantum communication technology, which uses entangled photons to deliver a highly accurate timing signal. Read our top four takeaways.

Industry officials believe Elon Musk’s recent controversial behavior presents a golden opportunity for Europe’s space sector to counter the threat from his companies, SpaceX and Starlink. As customers express concern about relying on a single American provider, European companies like Eutelsat and Arianespace are promoting their sovereign satellite and launch services as crucial, reliable alternatives.

While technically sound, sovereign constellations often face economic hurdles from underused global capacity versus focused national needs. International partnerships become vital for optimizing these LEO systems and ensuring their long-term financial viability.

Mars has fascinated Americans since before we set foot on the moon. But exploring Mars means overcoming significant communications challenges.

Space Solar Power (SSP), or power harvested from the sun via satellites and beamed to the Earth’s surface, could be a disruptive new source of energy. In January, China announced the launch of a kilometer-wide satellite solar array. In the U.S. and the UK, several start-ups also plan to put solar arrays into space in a bid to create the ultimate clean energy source.

The development of space as a sovereign domain is expanding. While space is inherently international, balancing the need for both security and collaboration can make it difficult for multi-national players to work together, and international regulation is one step on the path towards making space safe and sustainable for everyone.

We may have only scratched the surface of potential AI uses in satellite ground systems. As more teleport operators deploy AI, they are uncovering new possibilities, from hybrid network management to the development of proprietary AI models and APIs.

Software-defined satellite systems offer dynamic capacity and coverage that can be tailored to the end users’ specific needs. To learn more, Constellations spoke with a panel of experts: Park Boonyubol of Thaicom; Dallas Kasaboski of Analysys Mason; and John Chay of Kratos. Read our four takeaways from the discussion.

We all rely on GPS and GNSS capabilities in our day-to-day lives, but GPS systems are vulnerable to jamming and spoofing. Ian Canning, CEO of EACOWT, broke down how LEO constellations can add a layer of resiliency to GPS. Read our takeaways from the discussion.

Insurers argue that SES’s claim anticipates future losses rather than covering observed anomalies, challenging traditional boundaries of satellite insurance coverage. The outcome of this dispute could significantly reshape risk assessment and claims processing practices in the satellite insurance industry.

For small and emerging space companies and entrepreneurial startups, the cost to build a satellite and launch it into orbit may be too high to get off the ground. Thankfully, the CondoSat trend is making it easier and cheaper to get payloads into orbit. But what regulatory and liability challenges await companies entering this nascent marketplace?

Smallsat proliferation in LEO has significantly disrupted the satellite industry, and now they’re moving into the higher orbits. Read the top four takeaways from our discussion with Astranis CEO John Gedmark on their groundbreaking MicroGEO technology.

As Starlink and Kuiper leverage in-house satellite production and launches, GEO operators face challenges with outdated supply chains and innovation gaps. Industry leaders debate whether multi-orbit strategies or horizontal integration can close the competitive gap.

The exponential growth of sensor-generated data from satellites is currently surpassing the capacity of current transmission infrastructures for space-based data to be processed on the ground. The experts from Avalanche Technology and Kepler Communications explain why datacenters in space are the future of processing data collected from satellites.

While satellite providers continue to build large constellations in LEO, continuous connectivity to the ground remains difficult and expensive. High altitude platform stations, or HAPS, could be one alternative. Read the takeaways from our discussion with Russ Van Der Werff, Vice President of the HAPS Alliance and VP of Stratospheric Solutions at Aerostar.

The militaries of France, Germany, and New Zealand have joined the U.S. and other nations as part of Operation Olympic Defender. Much of the initial mission appears to focus on SSA and information sharing, raising an interesting question: what role, if any, will industry partners play in Olympic Defender?

Modular satellites could drastically reduce the time and cost of satellite assembly, fostering faster deployment in commercial and military applications. By embracing modularity, the space industry is opening doors to enhanced agility, interoperability, and global accessibility.

With satellite launches predicted to increase in the coming decade, as well as an expanding smallsat market, the demand for ground station as-a-service is also on the rise. Constellations recently spoke with Brad Bode, CTO of ATLAS Space Operations, about what satellite operators can expect from a GSaaS provider and how the market is shaping up for the coming years.

The proliferation of RPOD and On-Orbit Servicing missions is driving a need for sophisticated propulsion systems on satellites. SETS, IENA SPACE, Thales Alenia Space and Dawn Aerospace examine the current challenges of satellite propulsion systems and what the future of propulsion will look like for RPOD and OOS missions.

The advent of affordable commercial space launch opened the door to numerous exciting new satellite companies and constellations – including on orbit transport companies. Learn about the technologies enabling on orbit transport, why the service is needed, and how it could kick the door open for a new space economy further from Earth.

The GPS service is incredibly important but also highly vulnerable to attack. Here's how commercial PNT alternatives could help assure that PNT data is also available to those who need it.

Constellations spoke with Redwire’s Chief Technology Officer Al Tadros, about how artificial intelligence is enhancing Space Domain Awareness (SDA). The discussion covered a wide range of topics, from the ability to put machine vision in orbit to ensuring data fidelity in AI algorithms.

Satellite orbits are crowded and hard to navigate. Constellations spoke with Paul Graziani of COMSPOC about the role of multiple data sources and data fusion in helping satellite operators tackle space situational awareness.

Operators must carefully manage the climb through debris-heavy regions, processing thousands of conjunction alerts daily. As regulations tighten, the balance between innovation and safety is becoming a critical focus in the evolving satellite industry.

This year has seen a surge in cyber and non-cyber threats targeting global space systems as space-faring nations race to secure dominance. The report highlights critical challenges, including the exploitation of zero-day vulnerabilities, ransomware attacks, and potential risks to space infrastructure due to advanced malware.

As AI continues to optimize satellite operations and data processing, industry players must develop a clear strategy to maximize its benefits. The integration of AI with space technology promises improved efficiency and profitability, but a comprehensive approach is essential to fully realize its potential.

Explore five episodes packed with insights on AI, space tugs, direct-to-device connectivity, virtual ground systems, and the Internet of Things. This article distills key takeaways from industry leaders shaping the next frontier in space.

There were three SmallSat acquisitions in the first few weeks of August. Were these three acquisitions a sign of consolidation in the SmallSat industry, or a sign of multiple, smaller trends? Analysts from ABI Research, Analysys Mason, and Quilty Space look at the factors driving acquisition in the SmallSat industry.

As many as 40,000 small satellites are projected to enter LEO in the next decade. Constellations spoke with Kevin Lausten, President of Morpheus Space, about the mobility and propulsion tech behind the smallsat takeover.

As industries recognize the value of EO data for enhancing operational efficiency, the market for tailored solutions continues to grow. This shift is powered by advancements in satellite technology and the accessibility of big data analytics.

Non-Earth Imagery is not just a capability of government and military organizations anymore. Experts from HEO, Maxar, and Kratos explain the technology advancements and regulatory changes driving the emergence of commercial NEI, and the many use cases for government and commercial satellite operators.

In an exclusive interview, the makers of HBO’s newest documentary Wild Wild Space discuss the commercial space race to LEO—and what it was like watching rockets explode from mission control. Read the highlights of our discussion with producer Ashlee Vance and Oscar-winning director Ross Kaufmann.

Malicious cyber actors are persistently pursuing novel attack methods to disrupt commercial, military and government space assets. Industry is responding by exploring ZTA standardization to harden space systems’ cybersecurity postures, while simultaneously running tabletop wargaming exercises to prepare and ready attack mitigation responses.

Constellations spoke with Florian Thirion, Senior Product and Portfolio Marketing Manager at Airbus Defence and Space, about the transformative potential of software-defined satellites—including the ability to adapt resources every 15 minutes.

Ransomware attacks are no longer just financial extortion schemes; they now server as a cover for state-sponsored espionage. This evolving threat landscape highlights the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity measures in the space industry.

A recent accelerator challenged small businesses to tackle space domain awareness, including difficulties in complex data processing, lack of visual information in orbit, and dying satellites in GEO.

The $100-million initiative aims to enhance long-range space communications with advanced laser technology. Contracts were awarded to Blue Origin, CACI International, General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems, and Viasat to drive this groundbreaking effort.

Jamming attacks on space systems are escalating, posing significant risks to global security. From disrupted GPS services to interrupted military communications, these attacks highlight the vulnerability of critical infrastructure. As geopolitical tensions rise, the need for robust countermeasures and international cooperation becomes more urgent.

In a world where a handful of vertically integrated mega-constellations are concentrating and retaining in-house most of the demand, the manufacturing landscape is rapidly changing to secure its future. From software-defined payloads to cost-effective smaller GEO satellites and low-cost launch options, these new offerings are deemed to roll out tomorrow’s space segment.

Constellations spoke with Nathan de Ruiter of Novaspace, Amina Boubendir of Airbus Defence and Space and Stuart Daughtridge from Kratos about the capabilities of software-defined ground systems and the variety of applications within the satellite industry.

While the so-called “kill phase” of missile defense is critical, recent events demonstrate that defeating low-cost missiles with multimillion-dollar interceptors is not sustainable. There is growing recognition of the need for technology innovation, from directed energy to enhanced sensing and integration between the land, sea, air and space-based layers of the enterprise.

The U.S. Space Force took another step to improve industry collaboration with the release of its Commercial Space Strategy, highlighting criteria that will be used in evaluating industry proposals for technology solutions going forward.

Constellations spoke with Kelli Kedis Ogborn, Vice President of Space Commerce and Entrepreneurship at Space Foundation, about the drivers of growth in market verticals, redefining critical infrastructure and why entrepreneurs should take the leap into space.

The strategic move by SpaceX to commercialize its Starlink satellite laser communications technology has stirred the satellite communication industry, sparking debates on standards, interoperability, and the potential impact on competition and innovation.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

As investments surge and delays loom, the journey towards orbital tourism treads a fine line between innovation and the need for sustainable development.

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.

Two United Nations agencies appealed to international telecommunications regulators to block attempts by terrestrial mobile interests to get access to spectrum used by high-resolution radar satellites to assess climate change. It was eight years ago, that ITU delegations agreed to double the amount of spectrum allocated to radar Earth observation measurements, to 1,200 MHz. The new spectrum resulted in higher-resolution imagery.

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.

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

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.

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.

Any company designing a data-relay or broadband satellite constellation would prefer to hold off selecting its laser communications terminal (LCT) supplier until the U.S. Space Development Agency (SDA) has performed in-orbit validation of at least two, if not all four, of the LCT providers it’s working with. Telesat, Rivada Space Networks, Kepler Communications, the European Commission and others have set deadlines coming up before the SDA has done its testing.

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

The Viasat-3 Americas satellite has definitively lost more than 90% of its expected terabit-per-second of throughput but Viasat Inc. has concluded that capacity it has leased from third parties, plus fleet additions from its Inmarsat acquisition, will mean the satellite will not be replaced.

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

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

CISA warns of two critical software vulnerabilities actively exploited by nation-state actors to compromise the aerospace sector, highlighting the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures.

Challenges in the satellite launch industry affect even major players like Amazon. Operators with satellites in the 100-500kg mass range face the most severe bottlenecks due to limited options and licensing constraints.

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.

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.

Over the last 18 months, cyberattacks on space networks have become more common. Space operators and security professionals alike are aware of the vulnerabilities posed to ground-based architecture, including satellite terminals that can be exploited by a variety of cyberattacks.

As we journey into an era of rapidly advancing technology, the future of Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) lies in exploring novel approaches that can provide greater accuracy, extensive coverage, and real-time data. High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellites (HAPs) emerge as a compelling addition providing transformative solutions for ISR and remote sensing challenges.

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

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?

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.

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

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

A Thales Alenia Space-led consortium has won a $255 million contract with the Italian Space Agency (ASI) to design and build an in-orbit satellite-servicing mission to launch in 2026 with a demonstration mission to refuel an orbiting vehicle.

As space technology proliferates and the sophistication of cyber-attacks evolves, threat actors may be capable of exploiting vulnerabilities within the complex network of satellite systems to gain unauthorized access.

A consortium led by ArianeGroup with satellite fleet operator Eutelsat and image-processing expert Magellium will start work on space situational awareness camera placed on a Eutelsat satellite in geostationary orbit, likely as a hosted payload, or in geostationary transfer orbit as a dedicated small satellite.

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

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

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.

As virtualization technology becomes increasingly important in various sectors, including space systems, organizations must stay up to date with patches and updates to protect against threats like ESXiArgs and ensure the security of their systems.

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

It’s often said government cannot keep up with private-sector technology advances. But when it comes to restricting exports, it’s a different story. The outpouring of NewSpace companies in recent years has created these new markets, and most of them are internationally competitive.

In October 2022, a critical vulnerability was discovered in servers running Sophos Firewall solutions. Early into 2023, this vulnerability continues to be exploited and could pose a significant threat to aerospace manufacturers and suppliers.

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

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.

Throughout 2022, researchers and cyber threat analysts saw several instances of what is known as ‘Wiper Malware’, which is a certain type of malware intended to completely wipe hard disks and completely destroy data.

Satcom LEO constellations are often assessed through the lens of the last-mile, end-user perspective. This side of the business is where constellations’ missions are ultimately realized so focus is rightly put on deliverables such as user IP bandwidth, visible satellites and the cost of terminals. Nevertheless, having a good understanding of the end-to-end architecture can.

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.

The Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) in northern Chile reported a cyberattack on October 29th. No threat actor, group, or organization has claimed responsibility for the attack.

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

Constellations talked to the Space ISAC team about what to expect from the 2026 Value of Space Summit, what’s new about the event and what they most love about the location.

As interest in nuclear power for space accelerates, experts examine how advanced reactors could enable sustained lunar operations while introducing new challenges around cybersecurity, autonomy, proliferation, and governance in the emerging cislunar economy.

As software-defined networking reshapes terrestrial communications, virtualization has become an essential and increasingly accepted foundation for the future of satellite ground infrastructure.

In an exclusive interview, Iridium CEO Matt Desch explains why the company was never formally put up for sale, how the acquisition process unfolded and why Rocket Lab emerged as the ideal strategic partner to accelerate Iridium’s next phase of growth.

DIFI PlugFest USA 2026 will test the latest version of the DIFI standard in more realistic, end-to-end network environments, helping advance interoperability, certification and digital transformation across next-generation multi-orbit satcom systems.

NASA is accelerating its return-to-the-Moon strategy by relying more heavily on commercial transportation and logistics as competition with China intensifies. Long-term success in cislunar space will depend less on any single technology and more on the ability to integrate transportation, communications, autonomy, power and surface infrastructure into a sustainable lunar ecosystem.

SES and Eutelsat confirmed that while the project has missed its initial April deadline, an agreement is expected within the coming weeks. Both companies emphasized that their participation remains contingent on the multi-orbit project meeting strict internal return requirements and technical benchmarks.

Novaspace’s Nathan de Ruiter shares why the industry is moving past speculation toward real-time execution in areas like sovereign connectivity and multi-orbit strategies. Read the full interview to understand how operators are navigating a fragmented landscape defined by local regulation and the convergence of satellite and terrestrial networks.

Decades of satellite missions have generated vast amounts of dark data that remain largely unprocessed due to technical complexity, limited funding and a growing gap between data collection and analysis capabilities. Unlocking this data will require AI, improved onboard processing, open-source collaboration and stronger investment in academia and national labs to turn archived information into scientific, commercial and strategic value.

Increasing solar-weather volatility is exposing weaknesses in LEO constellation models, accelerating orbital decay, disrupting traffic management and forcing operators to rethink propulsion, lifecycles and autonomy. In response, the industry is shifting toward more resilient architectures to maintain reliability and reduce systemic risk.

The satellite ground segment is evolving into a software-defined, cloud-native control layer that enables seamless integration with terrestrial 5G networks. Andrew Cavalier of ABI Research discusses the role of virtualization, AI-driven orchestration, and new consumption-based models in scaling NTN services and overcoming structural barriers to commercial deployment.

By moving AI processing directly onto satellites, the industry is shifting from slow, massive data dumps to real-time “event” detection at the edge. This evolution allows orbital sensors to filter through the noise and send instant, actionable insights—like a wildfire alert—instead of making analysts wait hours for a full downlink.

Satellite communications are projected to drive nearly half of the $1.8 trillion space economy by 2033. Capturing this growth requires operators to accelerate satellite launches, lower service pricing, and deepen partnerships with mobile network providers.

Routing this data directly into public clouds allows operators to clear the massive hurdle of machine learning ingestion while avoiding prohibitive egress fees. As NGSO constellations and vHTS architectures expand, applying these localized algorithms across deployed sensors will become mandatory for maintaining situational dominance and service quality.

CEO Adel Al-Saleh raises concerns about the Airbus-Thales-Leonardo merger’s impact on competition, speed, and innovation. SES is also launching a manufacturing campus in Kockelscheuer, Luxembourg to tighten control over its supply chain and IP.

GNSS resilience is shifting from reliance on GPS alone to a multi-constellation, multi-signal ecosystem that blends government and emerging commercial systems to improve availability and robustness across defense and commercial use cases.

The attribution of this failure to a micrometeorite strike bears a skeptical resemblance to the Inmarsat-6 F2 incident, where insurance underwriters questioned similar claims regarding an Airbus-built bus. Considering the tumbling and power loss issues previously suffered by its twin, SpainSat NG 1, it is worth scrutinizing whether this is truly bad luck with space debris or a recurring systemic fault in the satellite’s design.

By harvesting continuous solar power and utilizing the vacuum of space for passive cooling, these facilities offer a way to bypass the water and power limitations currently straining terrestrial grids. This shift not only supports heavy AI training loads but also enables “orbital data vaults” that process sensitive information outside the reach of regional regulations.

The next era of space operations must be built on shared maneuver data, high-fidelity ephemerides, smart data fusion and intelligent automation.

By detecting and discarding cloudy pixels before transmission, this technology saves crucial bandwidth and can slash downlink costs by up to $150,000 a year. This dynamic targeting allows even power-constrained CubeSats to operate more autonomously, ensuring they focus solely on delivering the highest-value data back to Earth.

U.S. military systems have been described as a “Tower of Babel.” A recent multi-site antenna failover demonstration promises to address the lack of interoperability.

Satellite direct-to-device (D2D) technology—originally designed for commercial connectivity—is emerging as a valuable complement to military communications, offering resilient, low-bandwidth links for logistics, IoT, and situational awareness in contested environments. How battle-tested commercial systems are evolving to meet defense needs, from PNT-enabled sensors to S-band architectures that can operate “hidden in plain sight.”

China’s delegates framed orbital crowding and collision avoidance as priorities for national regulation and international coordination, noting work on a national space traffic management and active debris-removal research. They emphasized using the UN framework and soft-law coordination rather than new treaties while acknowledging gaps in information-sharing and trust between major space powers.

In today’s space environment, cislunar space is the ultimate high ground. Elvis Silva of Blue Canyon Technologies, RTX’s smallsat manufacturer, explained why building infrastructure in cislunar space will soon be critical. Read our top four takeaways.

Space-as-a-service has a simple value proposition: Why build infrastructure that doesn’t differentiate your mission? While there is still a market for custom builds, the availability of on-demand infrastructure is expanding the size and reach of the global space economy.

New entrants in the space industry have sprung up across the globe on the strength of venture capital investment, hardware commoditization, reduced launch costs, electronic component miniaturization and software advances. Something else many of these newcomers share in common: a focus on government markets.

Geopolitical tensions, state-sponsored espionage, and hacktivist campaigns drove a 118 percent surge in space-related cyber incidents between January and August 2025. Simultaneously, GNSS jamming, signal hijacking, and dynamic on-orbit maneuvers reveal how electronic warfare and proximity operations compound vulnerabilities across critical space infrastructure.

After its August 12 launch aboard Ariane 6, the $6.1 billion Metop-SG program enters a year-long commissioning phase, gearing up for over 20 years of polar-orbit data collection. In partnership with NOAA’s Joint Polar Satellite System, Eumetsat will share sensors and ground stations, enhancing global storm forecasting and ensuring mutual backup across the Arctic and Antarctic.

Timely delivery, cost efficiency, and technical competitiveness will be key to securing contracts under this ambitious initiative. Christopher Baugh and Dallas Kasaboski unpack the strategic and operational hurdles satellite players must overcome.

The addition of satellite connectivity to private 5G environments is helping transform enterprise networking by making networks more adaptable and resilient. The convergence of private 5G with non-terrrestrial network infrastructure is driving enterprises and mobile network operators to rethink network resilience and how traffic can be prioritized.

In the next decade, robust growth in the space industry will depend on partnerships. We spoke with Matt Magaña, President of Defense and National Security at Voyager Technologies, to learn more. Read our top four takeaways.

Europe’s Iris2 satellite project is focused on achieving soverign communication capabilities rather than outperforming Starlink. The French military prefers its higher, more protected orbit, while Eutelsat maintains that its core performance metrics are already comparable.

These orbital facilities are designed to process immense datasets from satellite constellations, reducing latency for communications and enabling real-time, AI-driven analysis. Success hinges on solving unique engineering problems, such as dissipating heat in a vacuum and hardening electronics against cosmic radiation.

Driven by shifting geopolitics and demand for sovereign solutions, the market is accelerating, with revenue projected to exceed USD137 billion by 2033. However, vendors and investors face significant hurdles, including difficulties in securing funding and slow project timelines that challenge global competitiveness.

Satellite-enabled IoT could transform farming operations in remote locations by automating manual functions like water and crop monitoring and equipment maintenance. Will the satellite industry settle on standardization and connect with agricultural opportunities?

With mega-constellations, the number of satellites in LEO is rapidly rising—as well as the number of threats in space. To address this, Audrey Schaffer, VP of Strategy and Policy at Slingshot Aerospace, described the role of AI for building better Space Domain Awareness. Read our top four takeaways.

5G is driving the integration of satellite and telecom networks. To learn more about the standards that are making it possible and the business cases that will make it viable, Constellations spoke with a panel of experts from VIAVI Solutions, ABI Research and Kratos. Read our top four takeaways.

Software-ground systems can help legacy players compete with mega-constellations. Lluc Palerm, Research Director at Analysys Mason, broke down a recent white paper on the strategies that can help operators thrive in a highly disrupted space industry. Read our top four takeaways.

Initiatives like China’s Spacesail and Europe’s IRIS2 are emerging as key players, aiming to build sovereign alternatives to existing dominant systems. These developments underscore the increasing importance of space capabilities for national defense and economic interests worldwide.

Airbus, Astroscale, and Intelsat say broader government buy-in is essential to validate technologies and unlock commercial demand. Without standard interfaces, sustained funding, and early-state support, the sector risks stalling before scale.

With SpaceX’s Starlink reshaping markets, legacy satellite companies are racing to adopt flexible, software-defined technologies. The industry’s future hinges on abandoning closed ecosystems and swiftly adopting open standards to integrate seamlessly with global telecom networks.

Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury is pushing for scale and speed as discussions begin to consolidate the satellite divisions of Airbus, Thales, and Leonardo. This move could reshape Europe’s space industry, positioning it to better compete with major U.S. players in low-orbit constellations. The consolidation aims to unlock faster innovation and more robust investments in satellite production and services.

Experts from Secure World Foundation and Lonestar Data Holdings explain what makes cislunar space so critical to the U.S. and China and what capabilities they are seeking to establish in the domain.

Infracos have been a pillar of the telecom industry for quite some time, but they are now beginning to be adopted in the space and satellite industries, as satcom providers are starting to consider expanding their business models to include Ground-as-a-Service (GaaS) offerings.

Open standards like 3GPP and DIFI could unlock innovation, collaboration, and flexible solutions at scale. By focusing on interoperability and ecosystem growth, traditional operators can reclaim their competitive edge.

Before the ISS can be retired, NASA and other partnering nations need an alternative for conducting microgravity scientific research and experiments. To meet this need, NASA is turning to its commercial partners, who are anxious to usher in a new era in space – the commercial space station era.

Building on the success of VICTUS NOX, the mission will focus on rendezvous and proximity operations using cutting-edge commercial technologies. With partners Rocket Lab and True Anomaly, the USSF continues to push the boundaries of speed and operational readiness in a contested space domain.

Iceye’s synthetic-aperture radar satellites have become a critical asset for military operations, including their use in Ukraine’s defense strategy. Meanwhile, Neuraspace’s AI-powered space situational analytics highlight the growing intersection of commercial innovation and defense applications in Europe.

With a rising demand for secure and resilient positioning services, companies have a $10.3 billion opportunity in defense alone. The evolving landscape calls for innovative solutions to ensure uninterrupted PNT support across critical sectors.

The growing amount of debris and meteorites in orbit put satellites at risk of collisions, therefore causing potential disruption to service providers. Subject matter experts define the challenges in anomaly detection and attribution when it comes to satellite failures.

Constellations spoke with Ron Faith, President and CEO of RBC Signals, about how smallsat operators can overcome common obstacles on the road to launch, and the changing role of GSaaS in defense infrastructure.

China and the USA are reigniting a new space race to the Moon, creating major opportunities for space infrastructure developers. As both nations pursue ambitious lunar programs, commercial players with strong government ties stand to benefit. The lunar market is forecast to generate nearly $70 billion in revenue by 2033, driving innovation in satellite manufacturing and launch services.

As LEO mega-constellations from SpaceX Starlink and Amazon Kuiper flood the market with capacity, the competition intensifies. Operators must now adapt quickly, exploring new markets and embracing multi-orbit strategies to stay ahead in this evolving landscape.

Access to earth observation data is spreading to sectors outside space and satellite. Constellations spoke with Igor Alonso Portillo and Eliot Nelson of KSAT about the changing landscape of SmallSat, including increased private sector involvement and growing global dependence on satellite data.

As GSaaS continues to evolve, cybersecurity remains a critical concern, with hacking, malware, and vulnerabilities posing significant risks. Providers must balance flexibility with the need for strong encryption and adherence to best practices to safeguard sensitive data.

The DoD is looking to improve space situational awareness by integrating data from various sources like optical sensors, radar, and RF signals. A new pilot program is set to harness AI and machine learning for better decision-making and threat detection in space. This initiative highlights the growing need for collaboration between defense and commercial sectors to fully unlock the power of data fusion.

As new competitors enter the scene, traditional players are rethinking strategies, embracing innovation, and forming strategic partnerships. The satellite sector is poised for a dynamic transformation.

Cyberattacks against satellite infrastructure has increased by 300 percent over the last five years. One attack method that is being employed by cyber-adversaries is the Distributed Denial of Service attack. Explore the threat DDoS attacks pose to satellite and ground segment operators, the mitigation techniques they can deploy to bolster their defense, as well as the challenges they must overcome to effectively secure their networks.

With critical satellite failures and unmet service levels, NorthStar is pushing for legal action to safeguard its operations. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for both companies and the future of their partnership.

The North Korean-linked hacking group Andariel has intensified its cyber espionage campaigns, targeting aerospace and defense organizations across several countries. Their sophisticated tactics and strategic objectives pose a significant threat to global security, especially in the commercial space industry.

As budgetary cuts impact the sector, civil space entities must explore multiple revenue streams to ensure sustainability. Diversifying beyond government contracts to international markets and commercial industries will be crucial for future success.

Recent layoffs in the EO industry have many concerned about its long-term health and stability. But demand from new industries and revolutionary technologies have EO poised for rapid growth.

As satellite constellations grow, the demand for immediate data transmission intensifies. Space data relay technology ensures real-time data transfer, enhancing both government and commercial satellite operations.

Constellations spoke with Colonel Kalliroi Landry of the Space Development Agency (SDA) about Space Force commercial acquisition, exciting new antenna and satellite technology, and working with industry.

From RF to RF-over-IP to cloud and lasers, functions that once only used to happen in “ground” systems are coming to be spread out across space and cyberspace as well.

Democratizing access to Earth observation data is critical to a growing number of governments and industries that rely on actionable insights on climate change, global conflict and other events.

European companies’ advancements are not only meeting but exceeding the needs of current global standards, paving the way for the future of space communications.

Campaigns targeting job applicants in aerospace and defense demonstrate the increased scope of state-backed threat groups that engage in intelligence collection, information stealing and commercial espionage.

These efforts aim to fortify the current systems against vulnerabilities like jamming and spoofing, ensuring more reliable global positioning services.

Is Elon Musk living rent-free in your head? For many people in the satellite industry, the answer is yes. At least, that was the impression given by research presented at a recent event.

One reason is that they’re not parabolic antennas. Most industry standards for satellite terminals that cover antenna functions are based upon the legacy scenario in which a single-purpose parabolic antenna is controlled by a single modem.

While the half-a-trillion-dollar space economy is eye-catching for its value, it’s perhaps less obvious just what constitutes that economy and where new businesses and customers can be found.

My recent post about satellite D2D service triggered a flashback for Reino Tantilla, who replied remembering the days when flip phones, digital assistants and cameras were three separate devices. “What’s the next step in convergence?” he wondered.

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.

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

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

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

BlackBerry’s report uncovers the AeroBlade cyber campaign targeting U.S. aerospace from September 2022 to July 2023, using sophisticated tactics for commercial espionage, reflecting growing concerns about the vulnerability of the space sector.

New Earth Observation sensors have the potential to either expand the satellite imagery market or eat into the profits of existing providers, depending on their ability to complement or compete with traditional imaging.

Telecom Industry Embraces Disaggregation: Telefónica and MTN Group Lead Shift Towards Separating Hardware and Software, Promoting Innovation and Cost Efficiency in Global Networks

Qatar Airways partners with SpaceX’s Starlink for groundbreaking high-speed, low-latency in-flight Wi-Fi, marking a significant step in non-geo, low-latency in-flight entertainment and connectivity. This pivotal agreement, leveraging Starlink’s extensive satellite network, aims to enhance passenger experience across Qatar Airways’ vast global network of over 160 destinations.

Earth observation (EO) is unequivocally a critical asset in understanding and safeguarding our planet. The ever-increasing capacity to collect, transmit, and analyze data from space offers unparalleled insights but also presents profound challenges.

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

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

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

Euroconsult CEO Pacôme Révillon outlines the most significant areas of discussion among satellite industry leaders at WSBW 2023.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Over the last 18 months, cyberattacks on space networks have become more common. Space operators and security professionals alike are aware of the vulnerabilities posed to ground-based architecture, including satellite terminals that can be exploited by a variety of cyberattacks.

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.

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

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

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

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

Satellite communication, traditionally focused on bandwidth optimization, is shifting towards interoperability and standardized operation to support dynamic IP networks, driven by emerging technologies and new services like in-flight connectivity and IoT.

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

Satellite networks have revolutionized connectivity on a global scale, but the demand for faster, more secure, and reliable communication has led to growing interest in adoption of optical satellite communications. However, space-to-ground links pose a series of challenges that have stymied progress.

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.

LockBit 3.0 is the most widely used malware in the world and has recently targeted aerospace companies. LockBit’s success as a ransomware organization is attributed to its business model of implementing Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) offerings as collaborative opportunities for other adversaries looking to gain access to specific industries.

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

Russia’s largest satellite fleet operator said the company’s plans to use bandwidth from non-Russian satellite constellations will need to be scrapped as western sanctions force Russia “to rely on domestic satellites only,” and that Russian satellite builders similarly lose access to non-Russian satellite payloads.

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

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

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.

Startup satellite-to-smartphone service provider Lynk Global acknowledged legitimate regulatory concerns about frequency interference with terrestrial mobile services in regions with many nations closely packed, and that Lynk’s initial operations will start this year in much easier geographies.

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.

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.

Satellite service providers and hardware builders are weighing strategies before SpaceX’s Starlink and Amazon’s Kuiper constellations become fully operational. Industry players believe the answers are in standards, delivery of service, and partnerships.

DIFI working group is defining certification process for satellite ground equipment. Satellite networks must interoperate with other networks and other standards, including 5G. There are good arguments on both sides of the debate in the DIFI Certification Working Group. The discussion is more than simply “sausage-making”.

The Maxar-EchoStar settlement announced Nov. 22 will reduce Maxar’s projected 2022 adjusted EBITDA by $65 million and cut 2023 free cash flow by $50 million to $60 million. In a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Maxar said Jupiter 3, already two years late, is 96% complete, has completed thermal-vacuum testing and is now undergoing final performance tests.

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

AI is emerging as a critical tool for more resilient space operations, helping operators manage growing constellations, detect cyber threats, avoid collisions, predict failures and enable greater spacecraft autonomy.

As sovereign demand, scarce spectrum and vertical integration reshape the space economy, scalable, service-driven business models are becoming the new competitive advantage.

Jesús Bernal Allende of IURUS discusses why the future of AI governance in space depends not only on preventing harm, but on creating legal frameworks for an increasingly autonomous orbital environment.

As orbital activity accelerates, the challenge for space situational awareness is shifting from collecting more data to ensuring its accuracy, interoperability and trustworthiness through advanced data fusion and greater collaboration among operators, governments and commercial providers.

Heather Pringle of Space Foundation explores how emerging technologies, cross sector collaboration and evolving mission design are shaping strategic advantage as activity expands into cislunar and deep space environments.

As space becomes more crowded and contested, robotic inspection and servicing spacecraft are emerging as critical tools for protecting, repairing and managing high-value orbital assets.

The growing shift toward virtualized, software-defined ground systems is accelerating adoption of interoperability standards like DIFI, enabling satellite operators to reduce dependence on proprietary hardware while supporting scalable multi-orbit networks, 5G NTN integration and future AI-native architectures.

As global LEO constellations reshape satellite economics through scale and speed, Middle Eastern operators are charting a different path rooted in sovereignty, regulatory alignment and national strategy. How regional satellite companies are leveraging close ties with governments, multi-orbit collaboration and spectrum stewardship to remain relevant and grow.

To keep pace with rapidly evolving threats, Colonel Tim Trimailo emphasizes the need to leverage commercial innovation for faster, more agile capability delivery. By breaking down classification barriers and integrating AI-driven autonomy, the service aims to secure a decisive edge in an increasingly contested space domain.

By securing Apple as a cornerstone partner, Amazon is officially launching a high-stakes challenge to Starlink’s orbital supremacy. The merger integrates Globalstar’s established spectrum with the “Amazon Leo” infrastructure to bring seamless, high-speed direct-to-device connectivity to the global market by 2028.

Advances in AI and onboard computing are gradually enabling satellites to take on more autonomous functions, particularly in processing data and managing operations in orbit. While autonomy can improve efficiency, technical constraints, connectivity limits and policy concerns mean this shift will be incremental rather than immediate.

The SpaceRise consortium—led by industry heavyweights SES, Eutelsat, and Hispasat—has finally hammered out the compromises needed to secure a multi-billion euro green light for the secure multi-orbit network. While the roadmap includes some technical concessions to hit aggressive 2030 deadlines, the deal marks a massive leap forward for Europe’s strategic autonomy in space-based communications.

The physical attack on an SES gateway in Israel marks a turning point in how we view satellite infrastructure, shifting the focus from cyber threats to the urgent need for kinetic resilience. By adopting standards like DIFI to virtualize and distribute ground segment operations, organizations can ensure connectivity remains seamless even if a specific physical site is compromised.

Repeated GEO close approaches—led by Russia’s Luch satellites—are now seen as deliberate, not anomalous. They’re driving persistent SSA/SDA and a shift to more resilient, software-defined ground and space systems.

Operators transitioning to these software-based architectures can achieve nearly 40% in overall cost savings while significantly accelerating deployment cycles for new services. This technological shift is essential for capturing the $30 billion 5G NTN opportunity and ensuring long-term mission adaptability in a rapidly evolving orbital economy.

As low Earth orbit becomes increasingly crowded with mega-constellations, escalating collision and debris risks are pushing satellite operators to replace traditional, human-driven models with autonomous, AI-enabled space situational awareness and collision-avoidance systems embedded into mission design from the outset.

AI is accelerating malware development, vulnerability discovery, and deepfake-driven social engineering—without needing fully autonomous attacks. For commercial space, this means faster, tailored intrusions that can pivot from cloud-based enterprise networks into mission-critical ground and operations systems.

Examining the current state of application and development for AI-enabled autonomous satellite mission operations, including onboard tasking, automated planning and real-time management.

Backed by significant financing from Apple, the upcoming “C-3” network will utilize dynamic beam-forming technology to enhance mobile satellite services and expand coverage. While the company navigates manufacturing delays and regulatory hurdles in the US and France, it is proactively upgrading its ground infrastructure with 90 new antennas across 25 nations.

Water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink. That’s been the paradox for military integration of commercial SDA solutions. But the tide is turning.

Germany has pledged €35 billion for military space programs through 2030, putting a national broadband constellation on the table even as Berlin remains a major Iris2 contributor. The move raises questions about duplication versus interoperability between national and EU systems and underscores the push to balance sovereignty with European cooperation.

Space mobility and logistics have traditionally been driven by government investment, but commercial demand and private investment are growing.

The ability to refuel satellites in orbit is reshaping how the space industry thinks about longevity, maneuverability and sustainability.

The operators describe orbit selection, deorbiting plans, propulsion and coordination with agencies to reduce collision and interference risk. One noncompliant actor could undermine industry progress, so harmonized standards and data sharing are essential.

In 2024, a geomagnetic storm resulted in the largest satellite migration in history. While the effects of space weather are increasingly well-understood, the systems in place to protect satellites are still disjointed. Commercial companies, government organization, and JHPL’s recent Space Weather Tabletop Exercise are working to change that.

Virtualized, cloud-native ground systems let AI adapt quickly and secure operations through live telemetry. Standards and interoperability make training data consistent and scalable across diverse satellite and terrestrial elements.

From rising government defense budgets to a surge in constellations and direct-to-device momentum, strategy and scale will decide who thrives. Expect rapid consolidation, AI-enabled services, and a race to deliver sovereign capabilities at speed.

Eleven satellite imaging firms have formed the Remote Sensing Collective to urge ITU members to preserve the 8.025–8.4 GHz band exclusively for Earth-observation satellites. With global regulators set to decide at Shanghai’s WRC-27, opening X-Band to terrestrial 5G could undermine future military surveillance and disaster-response imaging.

Companies must submit proposals by Sept. 30 outlining private-sector technologies for the three-year European Resilience from Space precursor constellation. The fast-track, €1 billion ERS plan will lay the groundwork for the EU’s broader Earth Observation Governmental Service in the 2028–34 budget.

As satellite operators increasingly rely on Ground Station-as-a-Service (GSaaS) models, new vulnerabilities are emerging at the intersection of cloud and space infrastructure. Strengthening GSaaS security is becoming essential to protect data integrity, prevent signal hijacking and ensure mission resilience.

Despite the ambitious capacity, initial output for Telesat and Globalstar will ramp up slowly to ensure quality and reliability. With four LEO constellations under contract and Aurora tech validated, MDA is positioning itself as a dominant force in next-gen satellite manufacturing.

In this podcast, Analysys Mason experts Luke Wyles and Christopher Baugh discuss the trade-offs between analogue, digital, and hybrid beamforming for FPAs. They examine the technical requirements for current and future satcom networks, plus the cost perspectives and barriers for fully digital solutions.

Expanding beyond traditional battlefields, the Israel-Iran conflict now includes a dramatic surge in cyberattacks and widespread GNSS interference that directly impacts commercial and government space assets. These events show that as geopolitical tensions rise, the space sector is increasingly viewed as a legitimate and strategic target.

China and Russia have been developing and practicing techniques, tactics and procedures that are reshaping the operating environment in space and rapidly closing the capability gap in on-orbit maneuver warfare.

Hyperspectral imagery can give us a wealth of information about the world around us. To take advantage of this, Earth observation company Pixxel gathers a vast amount of data on environmental issues like deforestation, pollution, and oil and gas leaks. Read our top four takeaways.

The technology is proven and demand is strong, yet system compatibility and scaled production are now vital. These hurdles directly affect multi-vendor initiatives, like the Space Development Agency's network goals.

Programs to integrate commercial space domain awareness data and distribute it across classification levels are gaining speed. Though much work remains, initiatives like the JCO, CIC and SDA Tap Lab are beginning to find an operational rhythm.

The attack, leveraging a stealthy Golang backdoor dubbed Sosano, exemplifies the evolving tactics of cyber espionage targeting high-value infrastructures. These tailored, low-volume lures highlight the increasing risks that trusted supply chains and partner networks pose to operational security.

Initial rollout in Brazil saw over 500 JDLink Boost units sold on day one, highlighting massive market demand. Deere aims to expand this connectivity solution to global agriculture and potentially construction sectors, reinforcing its commitment to innovation with Starlink.

While GEO is seemingly falling out of favor among commercial satellite operators, almost 600 essential and costly satellites currently reside in that orbit. Unfortunately, GEO is increasingly congested – filled with spacecraft and space debris – and has inherent challenges regarding space domain and situational awareness. Analyze the importance of SSA and SDA in GEO and explore how advanced AI and ML technologies could open the door to better awareness in that critically important orbit.

A considerable amount of SATCOM market share and revenues are being increasingly captured by the cheaper pricing and scalability advantages offered by NGSO operators. A new white paper published by Analysys Mason, courtesy of Kratos, explores four ways a software-defined ground architecture can provide a marketplace advantage to traditional satellite operators and service providers that would allow them to compete with the explosion of NGSO service offerings.

Software-defined satellites are changing the way we think about satellite capability, with their ability to shift capacity on-demand, support more flexible business models and improve overall network efficiency. Read four takeaways from our conversation with Intelsat SVP Carmel Ortiz.

At the SmallSat Symposium, Sir Peter Beck weighed the challenges of vertical integration and mass satellite deployment against the untapped promise of Mars exploration. His remarks signal a strategic pivot toward high-impact ventures over saturated broadband markets.

From orbital refueling to the rise of multi-orbit systems, innovations are set to redefine the satellite landscape. Discover Analysys Mason's top 10 predictions for the future of space technology and infrastructure.

With over 50,000 collision-avoidance maneuvers in six months, SpaceX highlights its rigorous risk management. The company calls for mandatory status reporting to ensure safer, more cooperative operations in orbit.

The recent rise of small satellites that can be produced and launched quickly, in direct contrast to a space economy that has privileged unique, complex and expensive satellites for decades. Constellations spoke to space industry veteran Dr. David Hardy from TC Space Consulting about the industry-wide shift towards small, modular satellites.

Constellations spoke with Dr. Kelly Hammett about the crucial role of the Space Rapid Capabilities Office (Space RCO), the challenge of delivering new capabilities quickly, and what the USSF is doing about the rise of adversarial threats in space. Read the major takeaways from the conversation now.

Recent cyberattacks highlight how targeted phishing campaigns are compromising critical aerospace technologies. It’s a wake-up call for space agencies to bolster their cybersecurity defenses against sophisticated threats.

Could smarter satellites be on the horizon? How edge computing in space could generate more rapid, actionable insights from EO satellites, and deliver the autonomy needed to enable next generation space capabilities – from on-orbit transport to in-space assembly.

Constellations spoke with two experts from the International Telecommunications Union about the rapidly changing world of smallsat, including regulatory management of large constellations and the sustainable use of in-orbit resources.

OSINT, built from publicly available data, empowers timely, actionable intelligence essential in the dynamic landscape of space. With escalating satellite activity and a more contested space environment, OSINT provides crucial insights to navigate emerging challenges in space safety and security.

As customers seek more flexible options, these operators are exploring hybrid solutions combining GEO and NGSO technologies. While LEO offers low-latency advantages, GEO will continue to dominate for high-priority, secure communications.

TIDRONE campaign targets Taiwan’s satellite and drone industries, exposing critical vulnerabilities in the space supply chain. Trend Micro and Acronis report coordinated cyber espionage aimed at high-value military and aerospace technology. The campaign reveals an alarming overlap between drone production and space operations, underscoring the escalating cyber threat to global defense sectors.

With state-sponsored intrusions and open-source vulnerabilities threatening the space supply chain, cybersecurity standards must be strengthened. Collaboration among partners will be essential in mitigating risks and ensuring long-term resilience.

As mobile network operators increasingly invest in satellite ventures, this shift signals a new era of collaboration. However, significant technical challenges remain to fully harmonize these once-separate infrastructures.

With 568 satellites in low Earth orbit equipped with Astroscale’s docking plates, the company is poised to become a key player in space sustainability. As the demand for debris removal and satellite life extension grows, Astroscale’s business model is gaining traction in both government and commercial sectors.

A new report details the latest cyber espionage campaign by the Iranian threat group Peach Sandstorm, focusing on the space and communications sectors. Their sophisticated tactics include deploying custom malware and leveraging professional networking platforms for intelligence gathering.

As commercial activity in low-Earth orbit (LEO) and lunar markets intensifies, the demand for in-space data centers is set to soar. These advancements will not only drive innovation in space technology but also revolutionize how data is processed and stored beyond Earth.

As the in-space economy continues to expand, the demand for the mission extension of space vehicles and on-orbit repair technologies are beginning to grow. The successful execution of Rendezvous, Proximity Operations, and Docking (RPOD) missions is essential to meet these on-orbit demands. Explore the satellite network and TT&C requirements that will enable the successful execution of RPOD missions.

With the shift towards smaller, more efficient satellite designs, the industry is poised for a transformative period. Emerging players and established giants alike are investing heavily in these nimble solutions, signaling a competitive and innovative future.

From real-time data collection to advanced analytics, this technology offers unparalleled efficiencies and improvements. Learn about the latest innovations driving these industries forward.

Terminal certification and bandwidth costs remain significant hurdles. Despite promising trials in Britain and Lithuania, the high costs and certification delays are slowing widespread adoption.

According to a new market report from Juniper Research, Very Low Earth Orbit is poised to become a $220B industry by 2030. Juniper Research, Blue Canyon Technologies and LeoLabs examine the tech advancements that are enabling the orbit.

Participants tested a variety of devices to ensure compatibility with DIFI 1.2 standards. The event highlighted the importance of collaboration in advancing digital ground systems.

Commercially monitoring satellite signals provides valuable information about military activities, as seen in the Ukraine conflict. Changes in satellite communication patterns can predict on-the-ground movements and reveal hidden transmitter locations, enhancing our understanding of modern warfare.

Ahead of Asia Satellite Business Week 2024 in Singapore, Constellations solicited input from senior executives across various sectors of the satellite market.

While it’s easier to participate in local or regional events, the Durham University Spaceflight Society has been focused for years on one particular challenge: taking part in the world’s biggest intercollegiate rocket engineering competition, the Spaceport America Cup.

Solar weather often feels like a ghost threat—an unseen, unexpected occurrence that can result in destruction across ground infrastructure and satellite constellations. The upcoming launch of GOES-U is part of an effort by NOAA to more accurately observe and forecast solar weather.

As the United States looks for support from allies and industry to address the growing number of threats in space, Pentagon officials say there is finally progress being made to roll back decades of overclassification.

The U.S. Department of Defense has big ambitions for space, and making those plans a reality will depend on its ability to harness emerging data management and analysis technologies, including artificial intelligence.

Multi-orbit antennas were in the spotlight at the recent SATELLITE 2024 show. I heard much talk about them in meetings, on the floor and in panels.

As organizations continue to migrate services to cloud-based solutions, trend analysis shows that cyber threat actors are adjusting their tactics, posing risks to commercial space and ground architectures.

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.

Following weeks of anticipation, the Space Development Agency (SDA) is poised to share initial results from its groundbreaking laser-optical satellite communications experiments, marking a significant step in advancing satellite connectivity technologies.

European Commission embarks on pioneering mission to unify civil and military Earth observation across the EU. By signing study contracts with leading space companies, this initiative aims to bridge the gap between member states, fostering a new era of shared intelligence and surveillance capabilities.

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.”

Deere & Co. shakes up the satellite connectivity market by choosing SpaceX Starlink to equip over a million farm vehicles, challenging the norms of agricultural technology.

The swift economic growth within the space sector is drawing attention from public and private entities eager to capitalize on its strategic and commercial prospects. The region of the Middle East and North African is no exception to this trend.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Space ISAC presents key takeaways from the 4th Annual Value of Space Summit, focused on cybersecurity trends impacting the space industry.

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

Software supply chain vulnerabilities are one tactic used by threat actors to target aerospace companies.

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

Satellite fleet operator Intelsat recently announced testing space-to-ground. Civil government and military markets are an area of high growth as governments outsource services they used to develop on their own. It is this growth that led to an Intelsat agreement with Starlink.

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.

NSR’s Government Spending on Space (GSoS) report sees Earth Observation as one of the highest priority interest items for new space players. Governments are interested in exploration across all regions however exploration tends to be a focus for more established space nations.

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.

MDA Ltd. said its contract to build 198 Telesat Lightspeed broadband satellites gives its new digital beam-forming antenna and on-board processor product line immediate credibility in a broadband-LEO market the company said includes a handful of credible prospective customers.

The year 2022 was the first time in history that the private sector launched more tonnage into space than the world’s governments, and the single most important cause is SpaceX’s Starlink broadband constellation. “The growth in the [private sector] is 100% linked to the activity of Starlink, deploying an incredible amount of mass in recent years.”

The 2023 edition of the “Space Environment Report” published by the European Space Agency (ESA) shows a gradual adoption of practices including end-of-life disposal of satellites. But it also shows that far too many operators in low Earth orbit — below 2,000 kilometers — are doing either nothing or too little to remove their spacecraft from these increasingly crowded orbital highways.

In a June 20 presentation here to the Seradata Space Conference, a conference in which insurance underwriters and brokers are heavily represented, Benhamou described a situation that has been true for several years. And when he referred to “dependency,” he meant not just satellite owners, but insurers as well.

It might be vacation time for some but there will be a tremendous amount of activity going on this summer at DIFI.

Thales researchers demonstrated a successful hack of the European Space Agency’s nanosatellite, OPS-SAT, providing insight into potential vulnerabilities, attack patterns, and necessary countermeasures for improving satellite systems’ cybersecurity resilience.

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.

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

Countries are investing in their MILSAT resources, aiming to advance their military and space industry capabilities, cooperate with global allies, and spur domestic space-based economies.

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

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

It has been six months since Deere & Co. issued its RFP to industry to equip a portion of Deere’s 1.5 million vehicles with satcom connectivity for its farm, forestry and construction customers in the United States and Brazil. Of this number, 500,000 Deere customers already are connected, almost all of them with cellular.

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.

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.

Since the onset of the Russia and Ukraine War in March 2022, there has been a sharp increase in retaliatory cyberattacks conducted by numerous pro-Russian and Ukrainian cyber groups.

Startup optical beam-shaping technology provider Cailabs’ recent Series C financing raised 26 million euros ($27.6 million) in equity and will provide the company with at least 2-3 years of runway as it proves out its technology to compensate for atmospheric turbulence.

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.

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

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

Globalstar has made the first of two $7-million cash payments to contractor MDA Ltd. The first payment, which MDA confirmed during an investor call, was made Oct. 31.

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