As we approach the end of 2024, the SATCOM sector is continuing its journey of evolution, driven by New Space ambitions and the growing demand for connectivity, and this shift is creating many exciting opportunities.
 

Already, new industries, IoT, for example, are harnessing SATCOM’s potential, and new use cases such as 5G /NTN (non-terrestrial networks) are also coming to fruition, with further applications yet to be discovered as we gradually move toward the vision of a network of networks.

Increased demand for connectivity is driving the development of new technology and new ways of working in the ground and space segment. New antenna types are already widely in use and the industry is steadily implementing new methods of working, from virtualizing the ground segment to rolling out multi-orbit networks operating across LEO, MEO, GEO and HEO.

However, on the flip side, these changes are also creating technical hurdles for everyone involved in the satellite industry. From concerns around the increase in harmful interference because of the lack of standardization around new style antenna types, to challenges in implementing virtualization and cloud-based working, as well as a concerning skills gap, the industry has got much to discuss and resolve as we move into the new year.

Getting the
key players
around
the table

There’s a real concern that, as the ground segment becomes more technically complex to support NGSO satellites and multi-orbit/multi-band networks, this will not only increase the risk of interference, but it may also make the source of RFI harder to locate and resolve.
As such, the lack of standardization around new types of  antennas, and resulting performance and interference issues, have been expressly featured at SATCOMs Innovation Group technical workshops throughout the year. This technology is critical for the next iteration of SATCOM, so it’s critical that manufacturers are able to innovate.

However, Flat Panel Antenna (FPA) performance and quality is hugely varied, and antenna specifications do not always seem to be accurate in real-life environments. This is causing significant issues for the operators, impacting Quality of Service (QoS), and increasing the risk of interference.

The lack of minimum performance standards and reliable data around new antenna types is a complex issue and the interests of manufacturers and operators are not always aligned. This is creating problems for all.

We’ve been talking about this issue and the potential consequences of doing nothing for several years — unfortunately, due to the complexity involved in reaching a consensus over the best way forward, concrete progress has been slow to achieve. Yet, with more and more FPAs hitting the market, the need for action is only becoming more urgent.

SIG plays a vital role in bringing different parts of the SATCOM sector together to address and resolve issues such as this. Having succeeded in getting operators and equipment manufacturers around the table in the latter part of the year to form a working group on this issue, I’m hoping we can make real progress towards developing some kind of performance standards or standardised testing, in the coming year.

Preparing to
digitize the
ground sector

The shift toward virtualization in the ground segment is inevitable as the industry adapts to new customer demands and the rise of cloud-based solutions. A key priority in this transition is ensuring interoperability, which will help avoid vendor lock-in and enable seamless communication across entire networks. As digitization continues to roll out, many experts predict that, within the next five years, we’ll see fully digitized gateways supporting SATCOM applications such as 5G NTN for backhaul delivery.

The process of virtualizing the ground segment is complex, requiring industry-wide collaboration. Users don’t want to compromise on latency, so this remains a key consideration when virtualizing the ground segment.

Optimizing operations by minimizing data before it’s sent to, and processed in, the cloud will enhance cost efficiency and operational performance. Ultimately, virtualizing the ground segment is not just about technology upgrades but about building a foundation for scalability, flexibility, and resilience.

Collaborative efforts spearheaded by organizations like SIG and events such as the SIG technical workshops are critical in achieving this transformation. Groups such as DIFI that enable the digital transformation of space, satellite and related industries by providing a simple, open, interoperable Digital IF/RF standard that replaces the natural interoperability of analog IF signals, are also helping to facilitate the transformation of the satellite landscape.

Attracting new
talent and
encouraging
diversity

It’s widely recognized that the industry faces a skills gap, with not enough technical professionals to fill available roles. In the short term, there’s a need to attract professionals with transferable skills from other sectors, such as ex-military or the IT industry, and to do that we need to make it easier for them to transition to a career in SATCOM.

Technical courses, like those offered by GSOA, play a vital role in facilitating this move into SATCOM. The solution lies in collective responsibility: all businesses in SATCOM must actively engage with potential new entrants to help close this gap. This applies to professionals already in the workforce as well as to young people still in education.
Additionally, engaging schools and other education establishments is crucial for reshaping how the satellite industry presents itself to young talent.
 

Students today face a wide array of choices in engineering and the broader fields of science and technology, making it important to offer hands-on experiences to increase their chances of success.

As part of World Space Week in the autumn, I visited a local school to raise awareness of the satellite industry, and was encouraged by the enthusiasm towards the SATCOM and wider space industry. Engaging with young people in this way is vital as many students are unaware of the variety of roles available within the SATCOM sector.

Demonstrating these opportunities is key to attracting fresh talent. With the current excitement surrounding space, the industry should seize this moment to highlight the potential for young people to build careers in SATCOM.

The industry still struggles with a lack of diversity, resulting in many potential candidates being unintentionally overlooked, particularly in STEM fields. Addressing this issue is essential.

Initiatives like the joint SIG and SAE Media Group Women in MILSATCOM Innovation Awards which occured this year for the first time, play an important role in helping shine a light on the women who are leaders and innovators across the industry, as well as inspiring women from other industries to embark on a career in SATCOM.

Looking
forward

The future of SATCOM industry is incredibly bright; however, to take full advantage of the exciting opportunities that lie ahead, the industry must work collaboratively to drive innovation, and address the challenges mentioned here.

SIG plays a vital role in facilitating this by fostering relationships between operators, manufacturers and solution providers. By promoting open discussions and providing platforms for debate, such as at technical workshops, SIG helps the industry stay ahead of emerging issues while also exploring new innovative solutions to technical challenges.

 As we move into a new year, SIG remains committed to supporting the industry through collaboration and the promotion of innovative solutions. By working together, the industry will not only overcome current challenges but will also be able to thrive in an ever-evolving technological landscape.

We look forward to continuing to play a key role in shaping the future of satellite communications.
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