The Roadmap to the Satellite-Connected Car with BMW Group and 5GAA
Release Date: 07/01/2025
Quantum is Coming: How Does it Change the Game for Space Systems and Networks?
On Orbit
Forecasts on the arrival time for quantum computing vary greatly – from “it will be here in a decade” to “it’s already here.” There is consensus on the fact that it’s coming, and when it does, it will change the way we build and protect networks in space. In this episode of our , we’re joined by experts in the field to help understand how quantum computing and quantum encryption will most likely work according to the research that is being conducted today. This episode covers the concept and definition of quantum resiliency and how that will be determined in an unknown future....
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Space Traffic Management for Security With Neuraspace CEO Chiara Manfletti
On Orbit
Is space crowded? Although there’s been such a large increase in satellites in orbit, it’s not a simple question. On Orbit with Chiara Manfletti, CEO of Portugal-based space traffic management company Neuraspace. Chiara emphasizes the need for better coordination on space situational awareness (SSA) and space traffic management (STM) and the evolving landscape of standards and regulations. This episode also covers how nations have taken a greater interest in working with commercial operators for SSA capabilities, and why strong SSA is critical for ensuring peace as space...
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Space-Grade Innovation: The Evolution of Onboard Computing With Aethero CEO Edward Ge
On Orbit
Computing capability has advanced rapidly on Earth, but on-board computing in space is more challenging — as chips have to be hardened to function amid the radiation environment in space. Edward Ge, co-founder and CEO of three-year old startup Aethero, is working to tackle this challenge and enable higher computing power onboard satellites. In this On Orbit episode, Ed explains some of the challenges with space-based computing, and why there’s the push to improve on-board processing to support missions like space missile defense, space domain awareness, rendezvous and proximity...
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How Sovereign Networks Fit Into National Strategies With ST Engineering iDirect
On Orbit
While sovereign satcom systems are not a new idea, sovereignty has become a critical issue in the satellite industry over the last year as geopolitical trends push nations to want more control over their communications and space data. This episode of On Orbit features Keith Blanchet, vice president of Global Government for ST Engineering iDirect, to dig into this global trend. Sovereignty can involve control over space and ground assets, spectrum, cryptography, and supply chains. Blanchet gives insight into the challenges that nations work through as they make decisions about...
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Building the Future of Infrastructure in Space With Dr. Ariel Ekblaw of Rendezvous Robotics
On Orbit
In-space manufacturing on a large scale is a capability that has seemed like science fiction but is now moving closer to reality. Rendezvous Robotics, which came out of stealth mode last month, is one startup working on the challenge of how we will build a future in space. This episode of On Orbit features co-founder Dr. Ariel Ekblaw to hear more about the autonomous, modular tiles that Rendezvous Robotics is developing to dock and build structures in space, and what this could mean for structures like large phased array antennas, solar panels, or in-space manufacturing sites. ...
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Digitization at the Edge With ETL Systems
On Orbit
The satellite industry is going through a digital transformation. In this episode of On Orbit, we’re joined by a group of experts representing RF manufacturing, and both parabolic and electronically scanned antennas for a look at digitization at the edge. Guests include Simon Swift, engineering director of ETL Systems; Dave Nicoll, strategic business director of Holkirk Communications; and John-Paul Szczepanik, CTO of All.Space. The discussion covers what digitization at the edge looks like for both conventional antennas and ESA terminals, and how it allows users at the edge with...
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D2D and Defense Momentum: Takeaways from World Space Business Week
On Orbit
Back from Paris, Via Satellite Editor Mark Holmes joins On Orbit host Rachel Jewett to unpack some of the top takeaways from World Space Business Week. Two themes drove much of the conversation during the week — direct-to-device (D2D) and defense. Spectrum was a big topic of conversation with SpaceX’s big spectrum buy and Viasat and Space42 unveiling a new shared spectrum approach to D2D. And while defense demand is not new, it’s driving conversations from satellite connectivity, imagery, and manufacturing, as Europe in particular is working...
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SAR for Sovereignty and Security: Inside Umbra’s Mission Solutions Business With Jason Mallare
On Orbit
Over the past year, Umbra has expanded its business from operating a commercial SAR constellation to also offering Mission Solutions — where it develops bespoke and custom space systems for the U.S., and its partners and allies. This episode of On Orbit features Jason Mallare, vice president and general manager of Umbra’s Mission Solutions business. Jason describes Umbra’s culture as “customer-obsessed,” and talks about how his team takes the learnings from operating its own constellation and uses that experience to help customers fulfill their own unique missions. Jason...
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Driving Commercial Integration in Space: Interview With COMSO Director Lt. Col. Tim Trimailo
On Orbit
The relationship between the commercial space industry and the Space Force has evolved in recent years. While the Space Force using commercial capabilities is not new, the “buy before build” philosophy has marked a change in acquisition strategy. Space Systems Command’s Commercial Space Office (COMSO) was set up two years ago to better integrate commercial capabilities. This week’s On Orbit podcast episode features Lt. Col. Tim Trimailo, director of the Commercial Space Office. Trimailo took the helm of COMSO in April. Trimailo says that while COMSO has spent time seeding...
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AI and a New Era of Geospatial Intelligence with Esri’s Beau Legeer
On Orbit
In this week’s episode, On Orbit interviews Beau Legeer, director of Imagery and Remote Sensing at Esri. While Esri doesn’t operate its own satellites, the company integrates commercial satellite data into its ArcGIS software offering, working to make satellite imagery accessible and user friendly for its customers. Beau talks about how the barrier to entry to exploiting satellite imagery has dramatically decreased from his start in the industry, when images were still processed on tape. And now, advances in AI models and even business models and subscriptions are lowering...
info_outlineWhile the satellite connected car has long been seen as a future market for the satellite industry, it hasn’t broken through into the mainstream yet. But recent developments in standards and technology are bringing this closer to reality. This week’s episode features two experts in vehicle connectivity from BMW Group, Olaf Eckart and Georg Schmitt, for a discussion on the path to integrating satellite connectivity into vehicles.
Eckart and Schmitt explain the use cases where satellite makes sense for vehicles, some of the challenges specific to the automotive industry, and the roadmap for integrating satellite into vehicles from narrowband, wideband, to broadband. The first mass market applications with non-terrestrial network (NTN), narrowband IoT applications are expected to be deployed from 2027 on.
They are part of the 5G Automotive Association (5GAA), and the discussion covers vehicle demonstrations that 5GAA recently hosted with satellite companies in Paris. The automotive industry is looking to benefit from the work that has been done to integrate satellite into mobile networks, and Eckhart and Schmitt talk about how standards have driven new momentum in the work between automakers, MNOs, and satellite players.