The satellite communications industry is undergoing unprecedented change. The global demand for connectivity and rapid advancements in complementary technologies like wireless, cellular, computing, and networking are driving innovation at a relentless pace.
With the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), it’s clear that we are on the cusp of a world vastly different from what we know today. While some in the satellite communications industry prefer an insular approach, ST Engineering iDirect is embracing collaboration.
We firmly believe that partnerships are essential to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible to advance satellite connectivity applications. By working together with like-minded leaders, we can pool resources, foster innovation through combined expertise, and enhance our global market access, ultimately delivering greater value to customers. Collaboration with adjacent telecom and computer networking partners allows the satellite industry—and global communications as a whole—to shape a new trajectory where technological integration paves the way for a more connected and resilient future.
A Virtualized Future:
Redefining Operational
Agility with CSP
Partnerships
Together
The convergence of advanced satellite technologies with cloud computing and critical infrastructure solutions is another key to progress in the satellite communications industry. Virtualizing satellite network functions enables faster service deployment and more efficient resource utilization, minimizing the need for extensive on-ground infrastructure; all these leading to reduced time to market.
ST Engineering iDirect’s virtualization of its satellite modem within the cloud marks a significant step forward in operational flexibility and efficiency. We are pioneering a shift towards more agile, scalable, and cost-effective satellite communications solutions that can operate on any cloud service provider (CSP) infrastructure.
By proving the concept with Microsoft Azure and expanding partnerships to include other CSPs like AWS, this development sets new industry standards. It highlights the transformative potential of cloud-based satellite communications and underscores the industry’s commitment to embracing flexible, scalable technologies to meet growing service demands.
Innovation in
Space-to-Ground
Integration:
A Synergistic
Partnership
New relationships outside the satellite communications industry do not diminish the value of alliances within it. Our collaboration with Airbus Defence and Space represents not just a convergence of technologies, but a pivotal development in satellite communications. It signifies a strategic vision to enable satellite operators to bring new satellite payload technologies to market that are tightly integrated with their respective ground infrastructure.
This is key to the optimization of their software defined satellites and the enablement of future enhancements.
The partnership focuses on increasing space-to-ground integration and identifying synergies between ground infrastructure and satellite architectures.
This approach creates unique value for satellite operators, helping them stay ahead of vertically integrated mega constellation competitors. Such collaborations are essential to support a broader industry trend: the rise of software-defined satellites.
These advancements emphasize the need for ground systems to dynamically adjust, enabling quicker time to revenue, faster service changes, and an improved user experience. Our alignment with Airbus underscores the importance of strategic alliances in pushing the boundaries of what is possible in satellite communications, ultimately benefiting the entire industry.
Leading the Charge:
Setting New Standards
for Collaboration
Together
Standards enable more effective partnerships by ensuring smooth interoperability between different technologies and systems. With this in mind, ST Engineering iDirect is driving the adoption of standardized protocols.
Recently, we showcased the V1.2 DIFI (Digital Intermediate Frequency Interoperability) protocol at the first European PlugFest. The PlugFest demonstrated the capabilities of the DIFI protocol in validating the effectiveness of a technology standard by testing how well devices from different manufacturers interoperate.
In tandem with like-minded industry partners, iDirect highlighted the importance of standardized communication protocols in enhancing interoperability across digital IF solutions and ensuring compatibility across the broader industry.
To further lead the development of industry standards, iDirect has joined the WAVE (Waveform Architecture for Virtualized Ecosystems) Consortium as a board member.
This consortium aims to enhance satellite communication accessibility and interoperability by using intelligent, open, and virtualized networks and providing standardized architectures and specifications. By joining, iDirect is helping shape the future of satellite communications, aligning technologies and standards with the industry’s evolving needs.
Wireless standards — 5G and now 6G — open a broader ecosystem that will increase the adoption of satellite technology through the introduction of 5G Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN).
iDirect supports the standards body 3GPP and other satellite industry organizations, including the new European Space Agency’s (ESA) NTN forum which represents the broader interests of the satellite communications industry in 3GPP working groups.
Upcoming 3GPP releases 18 and 19 will include support for the higher frequency ranges of Ka- and Ku-band which are more relevant in traditional satellite communications and will be important to our customers as they expand their service offerings.
In addition to industry-wide efforts, iDirect also strives to support market- specific standards through relevant organizations, such as the Seamless Air Alliance (SAA). As an active SAA member, iDirect contributes to various interoperability initiatives that directly affect the commercial and business aviation industry in its goal to deliver seamless inflight connectivity.
iDirect joined SAA in the development of the “3GPP Non-Terrestrial Networks for Aviation Connectivity,” a white paper advocating for 5G use cases for cabin and cockpit communications. iDirect also provided technical support to SAA’s Hosted Platform Initiative, with the goal of software solutions developed for general-purpose, vendor-neutral, virtualized hardware platforms and open interfaces.
The Broader Implications
for the Future of Connectivity
In an era where connectivity is paramount, the satellite communications industry is being transformed by both internal and external influences. Strategic partnerships, whether in the form of collaborations or shared standards leveraging common implementations, can spur innovation, generating solutions for the delivery of high-quality, reliable communication services.
ST Engineering iDirect’s recent initiatives exemplify the power of collaboration, positioning the industry to meet today’s challenges and shape a future of seamless global communication.
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