Constellations - Explore Space Network Technologies with Industry Leaders

As space becomes increasingly dynamic, the industry is turning to software to move faster, become more automated, and agile. This is evident in how satellites and ground systems are becoming much more software defined, integrated, and orchestrated to enable new and more flexible business models. In this Constellations Podcast, we have with us an outstanding panel of experts that will discuss the “softwarization” of satellites and ground systems and the increasing integration between the two.

Listen to Colonel Michael Christensen, currently stationed at the Pentagon and serving as the director of test and evaluation for the US Space Force. Discover why it's imperative to transform our testing approach to meet the unique challenges of space. Learn about the significance of integrated testing and why involving real operators in test teams is crucial to ensure testing meets the demands of end operators. Colonel Christensen discusses the importance of modeling and simulation in stress-testing systems before construction begins. He underscores the necessity of collaboration with mission partners to fulfill the critical roles and functions of the Space Force. Additionally, he addresses the difficulty of shifting mindsets to effectively operate in contested environments.

Last year Space Foundation valued the space economy at $546 billion, a number they expect to reach $772 billion by 2027. Through technological advancements and decreased barriers to entry companies across the globe have entered the space ecosystem in hopes off growing their businesses portfolios and revenue streams. Hear Kelli Kedis Ogborn, Vice President of Space Commerce and Entrepreneurship, Space Foundation share key market drivers, growing international interest in space, and switching from the Apollo era to the era of Artemis.

On this Constellations Podcast hear about a communications network that does not have to touch the Internet. Declan Ganley, CEO of Rivada and Konrad Nieradka, Vice President of Product Management of Rivada discuss connected communications with a laser mesh network in space and how standards like Carrier Ethernet are shaping the future of enterprise communications.

In the history of space, satellite terminal designs have expanded and changed with the needs of end use cases and at the mercy of demanding applications…but not more so than the past 10 years. Hear John Finney, CEO of ALL.SPACE, explain the details and drivers advancing terminal technology for true high performance multi-orbit connectivity on the move.

In the past, “mission-adaptable” was not a phrase used to describe a satellite. Hear Sethu Saveda Suvanam, CEO and Found of ReOrbit, explain how on-board computing is fundamentally changing the way data moves in space – and how it can maximize data access security and speed.

Satellite has often been viewed as a transport of last resort, however that is rapidly changing as satellite networks digitally transform and adopt standards to become like today’s mainstream telecom networks. In this podcast episode, find out how standards such as Carrier Ethernet are playing a critical role in enabling satellite and telecommunications networks to converge to deliver services such as enterprise network extension, SD-WAN and IP services to hard-to-reach areas. Here to discuss the critical role of standards is Daniel Bar Lev, the VP of Strategic Programs at MEF. Daniel is responsible for the development and implementation of a range of strategic MEF programs that enable MEF’s 200+ members to accelerate the transformation of their networks and operations.

Take a deep dive with John Taylor, Chief Engineer for Swedish Space Corporation, into the technology behind advancing satellite ground systems in flexibility, scalability, and standardization. Many satellite industry players are embracing the “as-a-service” model for satellite service delivery especially in earth observation. Find out how today’s ground systems are supporting missions that are over a gigabit per second.

The space sector in the Middle East is highly dynamic, growing and being driven by evolving national ambitions and strategies. Leveraging their vast financial resources and strategic geographic location, the Middle East nations have increasingly gained prominence in the global space industry. Here to discuss the space sector development in the Middle East including the opportunities, challenges and the future is Steve Bochinger, the Affiliate Executive Advisor of Euroconsult. Steve has over 20 years of experience in the space sector and has vast knowledge across the space value chain from a commercial and government perspective.

2021 saw a record amount of private investment in space, followed by a significant downturn in 2022. Investments in the space sector once again fell in 2023, but many venture capitalists expect significant growth looking forward to the next few years. Space can be a tricky investment, requiring a long term view, but companies like Blue Origin and SpaceX show that massive innovation is still possible and likely. Our guest for today's episode is Justus Parmar, CEO of Fortuna Investments, here to discuss venture capital and finding profitability in the space sector, as well as highlights looking back on 2023 and the most exciting things to look forward to in 2024.

On the Constellations Podcast, we’ll discuss the DoD using commercial space capabilities, from launch to ISR data. During this episode, Dave Gauthier, Chief Strategy Officer, GXO, Inc., will discuss the challenges of DoD acquisition methods, the shift towards information services and leaning on the commercial industry for the critical advantage. The Space Force Commercial Services Office looking at bringing capabilities in as fast as their ready and incentivizing industry to work with the government to address the risks and options companies face. In this episode, David explains the power of electro-optical, including innovative solutions going beyond what the human eye can see, and provides example applications such as aggregating optical imagery with other forms of data such as remote sensing to gain better insight.

A digital transformation has begun in the modelling and simulation of spacecrafts. Today complete complex simulations can occur within minutes as opposed to days. Legacy desktop software solutions and costly in-house machines are being replaced by high-performance and scalable simulation in the cloud. Bridging the virtual and physical world has the potential to offer organizations substantial costs savings, cut-time-to-orbit and improve the entire process for developing spacecrafts. Here to discuss the massive potential of digital twins technology is Robbie Robertson, CEO and Co-founder of Sedaro, a start up that is revolutionizing engineering simulation and virtualization with digital twins in the cloud.

On the Constellations podcast, hear how the White House wants to impact the next generation of space exploration. During this episode, Dr. Ezinne Uzo-Okoro, Assistant Director for Space Policy at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) talks about space weather, Earth observation, and space data. There are several areas that require attention from the White House, either in providing a presidential vision or an executable strategy that the entire Federal Government can implement. Hear Dr. Uzo-Okoro discuss the White House’s mission to create and leverage innovation to advance America’s goals.

The idea of High Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS) is not new…it has been around since 1945, but over the years the technology has been evolving and maturing to be able to effectively support the needs of the market. This is in large part because of a growing number of new players and approaches in the HAPS market moving beyond technology demonstrations to viable commercial solutions. Here to discuss their breakthrough HAPS technology and the opportunities and challenges of bringing the innovative solution to market is Samer Halawi, the CEO of AALTO.

On this Constellations Podcast, we explore taking advantage of high-speed bandwidth that coherent light free space optics can provide and driving that capacity into space. During this episode, Chris Taylor, CEO of Aalyria talks about connecting everything we touch through sea, air and space. He discusses spectrum being finite and explains that by using light, free space optics, you are broadening choices and opening up capability where it did not exist. In addition, he addresses the demands of connectivity for humanity and that free space optics is a solution that may help get more people connected.

On the Constellations Podcast, we’ll discuss the Watch Center at the Space Information Sharing and Analysis Center or Space ISAC. During this episode, guests Joel Francis, Watch Center lead at Space ISAC, and Kevin Coggins, Senior Advisor to Space ISAC will discuss the purpose of the Watch Center and the types of data brought into the Watch Center for analysis. The Watch Center looks to monitor, analyze, and report information for its members, for example, the recent cyberattacks targeting ground segments and enterprise networks. Hear about the four primary data sources and the Space ISAC's role in facilitating the exchange of knowledge from all sources so that people can provide and benefit from the Watch Center.

According to a recent Bloomberg Intelligence report, “The world is poised to see an explosion of growth in the generative AI sector over the next ten years that promises to fundamentally change the way the technology sector operates.” To learn more about the potential of this transformational technology for the space industry, we have with us, Buffy Wajvoda, Head of Solutions Architects, AWS Space & Satellite. She will provide her perspective on the opportunities, risks and future of the technology for the space industry. Buffy is an experienced leader with a demonstrated history of working in public cloud and big data in a range of industries from aerospace and satellite to the U.S. government.

Join Steve Good, Chief Business Officer at Ramon.Space, to learn how space resilient computing infrastructure is transforming fixed satellites into flexible ones, the applications for “earth-like” computing on orbit, and how a smart satellite can leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning to contribute to humankind’s knowledge of space and space operations.

On the Constellations Podcast, we’ll discuss the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP), Colorado University's oldest research institute. LASP has a rich history, going back to World War II, launching science payloads on captured German B2s in the White Sand Missile Range. It is now an international organization, reaching universities across the world engaged in research leveraging Cubesats. During this episode, Spencer Boyajian, Professional Research Assistant, Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) talks about the work and INSPIRE, an international program to train students to participate in internationally collaborative missions, and elaborates on the INSPIRE spacecraft bus being built as an open domain hardware architecture developed jointly by partner universities. He talks about tracking several of the space missions LASP has been a part of as many are still being studied and tracked using university-owned ground station equipment and data from services such as AWS and KSAT.

In this episode, join Nathan de Ruiter, Managing Director of Euroconsult Canada, as he covers the state of play and prospects for the satellite communication sector, the shifting tides of revenue opportunities, and potential changes that will disrupt the SATCOM market.