Constellations
Constellations is your connection to the innovators, business leaders, entrepreneurs and policy makers who are making—and remaking—today’s satellite and space networks. Whether you’re in the industry or just have a desire to learn, this podcast is for you. For more information and to subscribe to the biweekly newsletter go to ConstellationsMag.com
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162 - Space Research Pre-NASA, the Next Generation of Scientists and Collaborating on an International Scale
09/13/2023
162 - Space Research Pre-NASA, the Next Generation of Scientists and Collaborating on an International Scale
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.
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Special Release - Satellite Industry Shift, Demand Drivers and the $60 Billion Dollar Market Opportunity
09/11/2023
Special Release - Satellite Industry Shift, Demand Drivers and the $60 Billion Dollar Market Opportunity
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.
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161 - Tracking LEOs, Growth in Resident Space Objects and the Problem with Uncertainty
08/30/2023
161 - Tracking LEOs, Growth in Resident Space Objects and the Problem with Uncertainty
On the Constellations Podcast, we’ll discuss the changing face of space sustainability, autonomously tracking objects with radar and leveraging artificial intelligence to manage large quantities of dynamic data. During this episode, Dr. Rachit Bhatia, Space Safety Analytics and Research Lead, LeoLabs, talks about surveillance of low Earth orbit (LEO) with ground-based radar and why radar is best suited for LEO monitoring and tracking. Hear Dr. Bhatia elaborate on the difference between conjunction and collision, address the significant amount of objects in space just from the Cold War era, and posit that global cooperation and continuous communication will be required for complete space domain awareness.
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160 - Tsunami of SmallSats, Growth of GSaaS Providers and the Future of Space
08/16/2023
160 - Tsunami of SmallSats, Growth of GSaaS Providers and the Future of Space
Over 20,000 smallsats are being launched over the next decade driven by the growing demand for data and services across the globe. All these new constellations need scalable, flexible, and on-demand ground services. This is driving the growth of the Ground Station as a Service (GSaaS) market. The market grew at 8.5% CAGR over the last five years and will continue to grow at a slightly slower pace over the next five years according to Euroconsult. To delve deeper into the GSaaS market and its future, we have with us today, Giovanni Pandolfi Bortoletto, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Office of Leaf Space – a GSaaS provider that operates a fully owned, globally distributed network of ground stations.
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159 - Challenges with Geo-Registration, Advanced Remote Sensing and Utilizing AI
08/02/2023
159 - Challenges with Geo-Registration, Advanced Remote Sensing and Utilizing AI
On the Constellations Podcast, we’ll discuss geo-registration incorporating artificial intelligence and machine learning to improve accuracy greatly. During this episode, Ken Campbell, President of Edgybees Incorporated, will talk about how geo-registration is aligning or matching digital maps and images to real-world locations on the Earth's surface. Ken talks about how crucial it is for navigation, remote sensing, and many other fields where precise location is essential. He describes ground control points and spatially referencing an image with the assistance of artificial intelligence. In addition, Ken addresses the ability to geo-registrate data into digitized maps or images for an accurate picture and location of where things are.
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158 - Space-Based Networking Infrastructure, Broadband Communication Ecosystem and the Speed of Light Is Too Slow
07/19/2023
158 - Space-Based Networking Infrastructure, Broadband Communication Ecosystem and the Speed of Light Is Too Slow
On the Constellations Podcast, we’ll discuss how future satellite, cellular, and Wi-Fi communication technology might evolve. During this episode, David Witkowski will talk about the evolving communication ecosystem. Hear David describe how the IEEE is considering satellite in the development of future releases of the 3GPP standard and how satellite broadband is already helping to close the digital divide. LEO broadband has already begun serving ground networks and David raises concerns about the network's capacity, and whether or not the LEO network can handle that amount of traffic.
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157 - Space investors, the Emergence of ChatGPT and the First Open-Source War
07/05/2023
157 - Space investors, the Emergence of ChatGPT and the First Open-Source War
The past two years have been rocky for space investors. Matt O’Connell, operating partner at Data Collective Venture Capital, explains what caused this pause in space investment, and more importantly, what we should expect going forward. Matt will also discuss what space investors are looking for, and how those seeking investment can improve their investment pitches. He’ll also discuss the applications that will drive the market in 2023 and beyond, ChatGPT, AI, and the impact of government spending on the health of the space industry.
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156 - Big Demand, Smallsat Manufacturing and New Satellite Services
06/21/2023
156 - Big Demand, Smallsat Manufacturing and New Satellite Services
The smallsat industry is growing by leaps and bounds. Euroconsult estimates that one ton per day of smallsats will be launched on average over the next ten years. With this insatiable demand in the market, how is the manufacturing of smallsats keeping pace? To shed some light on this question, we have with us today, Mike Kaplan, the Vice President of Business Development for LeoStella, a specialized satellite constellation design and manufacturing company. Mike is an expert across multiple space domains with extensive experience in both government and commercial industries, previously holding senior leadership positions at NASA, Boeing, Raytheon Technologies, Ball Aerospace, and Space Systems Loral.
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155 – Facing Natural Disasters, Endless Grit and Closing the Digital Divide in APAC
06/06/2023
155 – Facing Natural Disasters, Endless Grit and Closing the Digital Divide in APAC
Fifty-six spot beams, 25 countries, and 600 million people – with even more performance and capacity on the horizon. These are the numbers supported by next-gen satellite operator, Kacific, in their mission to close the digital divide by providing universal, fast, high-quality low-cost broadband access across the Asia Pacific (or APAC) region. Until 2020, there were millions of people in the region with little or no access to the Internet. Hear Christian Patouraux as he discusses the technology it takes to connect the unconnected within APAC.
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154 – Space Sustainability, International Collaboration and Commercial Partnerships
05/24/2023
154 – Space Sustainability, International Collaboration and Commercial Partnerships
On this Constellations Podcast we’ll discuss space sustainability, what it means and how it is changing. During this episode, Dr. Brian Weeden, Director of Program Planning, Secure World Foundation will discuss working with governments, industry, international organization and others to hopefully avoid conflicts in space, supporting a safer, more sustainable space environment. Hear Dr. Weeden talk about the number of constellations currently in space and the role commercial industry has played in managing over 7,000 payloads. He raises concerns regarding how different constellations will operate close to each other and how they will interface - especially if they each have their own autonomous maneuvering systems. Dr. Weeden discusses the commercial industry offering more diversified sources of data collection and more information into how space awareness data is generated. With different objectives than the military, there is more transparency in the commercial industry.
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153 – Nanosatellites, IoT over Satellite and 5G IoT solving Industry Problems
05/10/2023
153 – Nanosatellites, IoT over Satellite and 5G IoT solving Industry Problems
We know that we can use satellite earth observation technology to better understand our world – but now it seems possible to leverage satellites to maximize operational efficiency across multiple industries. In this Constellations Podcast, we are joined by Sateliot CEO Jaume Sanpera to discuss nanosatellites, the evolution of IoT over satellite, and how 5G IoT can solve big problems in the agriculture, transportation, energy industries and more all over the world.
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152 – Mainstreaming Satcom, Convergence with Telco and Connectivity Everywhere
04/26/2023
152 – Mainstreaming Satcom, Convergence with Telco and Connectivity Everywhere
In the past satellites have often been viewed by telecom service providers as a last resort of transport. As satellite looks to move from being a niche application that holds 1% of the telecom market to becoming a mainstream part of the global telecom eco-system where there is a growing move towards convergence. In this Constellations podcast, a panel of experts will discuss the opportunities, challenges and new business approaches taken by satellite and teleport operators to deepen integration with terrestrial telecommunications providers.
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151 - Terrestrial Networks in Space, Inter-Satellite Optical Links and Free Space Optics
04/12/2023
151 - Terrestrial Networks in Space, Inter-Satellite Optical Links and Free Space Optics
With billions of new devices coming online, satellite and network connectivity will become increasingly more complex and our expectations more demanding. In this episode of Constellations, we will look at what it will take to enable the new connectivity of the future. Our guests today are Rivada Space Networks' Chief Program Officer, Clemens Kaiser and Chief Commercial Officer, Ronald van der Breggen. Rivada is in the process of building a space network comprised of satellites linked by optical satellite technology. Our guests discuss the growth of optical technology and what it means for satellite data networks, the role of optical inter-satellite links in creating a space network, the trade-off between optical and RF technology and the implications of optical communications on satellite ground stations.
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150 - Virtual Signal Processing, Software-Defined Satellite Terminals and the Evolution of the Network Edge
03/29/2023
150 - Virtual Signal Processing, Software-Defined Satellite Terminals and the Evolution of the Network Edge
Digitally transformative technologies have been making their way across the satellite industry. From the core to gateways, in orbit and on the ground – there’s no denying that space communications is starting to become more like space IT. Hear a panel of experts from XipLink, Kratos, and NSR, an Analysys Mason company, discuss how digital transformation is changing satellite communications at the remote terminal also known as “the edge.”
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149 - Intentional Collaboration, Asking the Right Questions and Turning the Ship Around
03/15/2023
149 - Intentional Collaboration, Asking the Right Questions and Turning the Ship Around
On the Constellations Podcast, we’ll discuss how the government can pivot and adjust in the way it procures defense technology. During this episode, Colonel Michelle Idle, the Mobilization Assistant to the Commander, Space Systems Command, Los Angeles Air Force Base, California will discuss SSC’s Front Door Initiative to help improve their outreach into the commercial sector. Space Systems Command (SSC) is looking to capture the vast amounts of commercial space industry expertise as quickly as possible. The SSC is working on changing how they do business, both from how a requisition is received, how systems are acquired, and how they're delivered. Hear Colonel Idle explain how ongoing Industry Days help the government learn more about existing commercial expertise that can be leveraged, rather than reinventing the wheel.
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148 - Satellite-as-a-Service, Data Fusion and Sovereign Earth Observation
03/01/2023
148 - Satellite-as-a-Service, Data Fusion and Sovereign Earth Observation
On today’s Constellations Podcast, we’ll discuss emerging business and technology trends in Earth observation. With us today is Aravind Ravichandran, founder of TerraWatch Space, a company devoted to providing insight to satellite Earth observation. In this episode, Aravind will discuss emerging business models and technical advances being employed by EO, such as “space-as-a-service” and “satellite-as-a-service”, data fusion and onboard computing. He will also discuss the difference between space strategy and data strategy and how they impact the EO industry. Listen as he discusses “sovereign earth observation”, essentially an EO strategy for national governments.
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147 - In-flight Connectivity, Seamless Air Travel and the Physics of Networks in the Sky
02/15/2023
147 - In-flight Connectivity, Seamless Air Travel and the Physics of Networks in the Sky
When satellites are 500 miles from their antennas, and aircraft are traveling at over 500 miles per hour, it is difficult to fathom ways to provide faster speeds and more reliable connectivity for passengers and crew. Listen to John Peterson, Iridium’s Executive Director of Aviation, as he helps us understand new technologies in the aero market that make it possible. Hear Mr. Peterson discuss how these technologies can improve performance and end-user experience and overcome the challenging physics of in-flight connectivity.
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146 - Digitalization, Leveraging the Cloud and the Building Your Own Ground Segment
02/01/2023
146 - Digitalization, Leveraging the Cloud and the Building Your Own Ground Segment
Guillaume Tanier, CEO and Co-founder of Leanspace, joined Constellations to discuss the benefits of software for space and satellite operations. Hear Mr. Tanier discuss the digitalization of the satellite ground segment including an explanation of the concept of digital continuity, the challenges of interfaces between providers, and how it is possible for developers to build their own ground segment in weeks, rather than years.
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145 - Future of Satellite Connectivity, New Satellite Applications and Other Key 2023 Space Trends
01/18/2023
145 - Future of Satellite Connectivity, New Satellite Applications and Other Key 2023 Space Trends
On this Constellations Podcast, we’ll cover a lot of territory... from space to the ground. Our guest today is Sita Sonty, Partner and Associate Director at Boston Consulting Group and their global lead for commercial space. In this episode, Sita will discuss the satellite revolution taking place in both space and on the ground Including the future of satellite connectivity, the growth of non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) satellites, the demand for multi-orbit antennas, and the virtualization of satellite ground systems.
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144 - Satellites integrated with Telcos, 5G and a Converging World
01/04/2023
144 - Satellites integrated with Telcos, 5G and a Converging World
5G is the fifth-generation technology standard for broadband cellular networks predicted to have more than 1.2 billion connections and cover one-third of the world’s population by 2025. The impact on the mobile industry and its customers will be profound, especially with the recent inclusion of satellites into the standard. This offers new opportunities for satellites to integrate with terrestrial networks to manage connectivity to cars, ships, planes and other IoT devices in remote and rural areas. Will this satellite and telco industry convergence be a revolution or an evolution? To share some research and insights on this question, we have with us today Yesmean Luk, a Senior Consultant at STL Partners. She has led and managed client projects with both operators and technology companies across a number of domains, including private networks, telco cloud, network slicing, edge computing and IoT.
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143 - Global Connectivity, Low Latency and Supporting Government Sectors in LEO
12/21/2022
143 - Global Connectivity, Low Latency and Supporting Government Sectors in LEO
On this episode of the Constellations Podcast, we’ll learn about the differences between OneWeb and OneWeb Technologies. Kevin Steen, CEO of OneWeb Technologies, will discuss how demand for broadband connectivity continues unabated with many government agencies requiring services. This includes not only the military but border protection, prison bureaus, policemen and first responders. IoT itself is not the reason for a LEO constellation, it is about mission-critical connectivity with low latency and resiliency. Kevin describes the need for time-sensitive, critical decision-making capabilities, with bandwidth and latency being key for relevant data availability. Additionally, Kevin talks about connectivity in places that currently do not have broadband, such as polar regions or UAV applications – any place where decisions are based on information coming from the edge.
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142 - NFV, SDN and Enabling Dynamic Satellite Ground Networks
12/07/2022
142 - NFV, SDN and Enabling Dynamic Satellite Ground Networks
The satellite industry has gone through tremendous innovation over the last few years with the emergence of software-defined payloads and LEO and MEO constellations. These new satellite architectures bring much more capacity and the ability to reconfigure and adjust payloads to changing missions on demand. Ground segment providers are embracing approaches proven in telecom and IT to overcome the scale and automation challenges being faced in the satellite industry. This has led to discussions focused on how virtualization, software-defined networking, and orchestration can enable ground networks to become much more agile to meet the new capabilities in space. To shed some light on these IT/Telecom concepts and how they can be applied to the satellite industry, we have with us Luc-Yves Pagal Vinette, an expert in networking concepts such as SDN/NFV, the edge and disaggregated networks. He is also the Product Marketing Director for 5G Service Orchestration, Network Slicing and Service Assurance at Amdocs.
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141 - Antenna Technology, Exponential Growth and Adapting to the “Multi’s”
11/23/2022
141 - Antenna Technology, Exponential Growth and Adapting to the “Multi’s”
In this Constellations Podcast, we’ll discuss the need for more terminals to be interoperable, including working on different frequency bands, different orbits, and different types of constellations. How the need is handled is less of a technology decision than a business discussion. During this episode of Constellations, Bill Milroy, Chairman and CTO, of ThinKom Solutions, discusses the business case for the types of capabilities needed in an antenna. He addresses the challenges of creating antennas for deployment in space vehicles, especially in the unique environment of space. He touches upon the idea of a software-defined antenna, which in the case of antennas would mean reconfigurable hardware that can work using different software on different systems. However, he also gave a different example of a software-defined antenna that included a phased array antenna mimicking a parabolic dish for one application while creating multiple beams to service a large number of satellites when the need for the parabolic dish passed. Bill thinks the market is moving towards a fusion of GEO and LEO to help shape IP traffic and giving solutions that are the best of both worlds.
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140 - Satellite Networks, Mobile Network Operators and Cell Service from Space
11/09/2022
140 - Satellite Networks, Mobile Network Operators and Cell Service from Space
On the Constellations Podcast, we’ll discuss emerging direct satellite-to-cell phone technology and how it could dramatically alter the relationship between satellite and terrestrial networks. With us today is Chris Quilty, Partner in Quilty Analytics, who will discuss the financial, technical and regulatory implications of direct satellite to cell phone connectivity now being explored, and in some cases deployed, by SpaceX and T-Mobile, Globalstar and Apple, and Iridium among others. Chris will discuss the different business models: using a mobile network operator’s (MNO) existing spectrum or using spectrum assigned to Mobile Satellite Services (MSS). Listen as he explains how this technology could impact cellular backhaul revenues and conclude with his thoughts on the challenges ahead for direct satellite to cell phone connectivity.
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139 - 5G, Satellites and Connectivity Anywhere
10/26/2022
139 - 5G, Satellites and Connectivity Anywhere
Imagine being able to download a full-length high-definition movie to your phone in seconds even when you’re in a car, ship or plane in remote and rural areas. That is the potential that 5G brings. High bandwidth and seamless connectivity to end users across a range of networks from terrestrial to satellite. 5G is about connecting things everywhere – reliably, without lag – and delivering a high-quality user experience. During this episode, Tom Stroup the President of the Satellite Industry Association (SIA) discusses the market drivers, opportunities, and challenges that 5G presents for the satellite industry. Tom is uniquely qualified to discuss this topic. He is well versed in the regulatory and policy issues of critical importance to the satellite industry, including spectrum and licensing issues, defense and public safety matters, and export control and international trade issues.
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138 - Smart Phones, Dead Zones and Cell Towers in Space
10/12/2022
138 - Smart Phones, Dead Zones and Cell Towers in Space
On the Constellations Podcast, we’ll discuss the most recent development in the integration of satellite and terrestrial networks – direct satellite to smart phone communications! Soon, someone with no cellular connectivity in a remote part of the country, or merely in a dead zone on the way to work, will have a new option — satellite connectivity without the need of a satellite phone. Charles Miller, co-founder and CEO of Lynk, a company developing a satellite-to-mobile phone satellite constellation that aims to provide a cell tower and space capability for global coverage. Charles will explain how it works, the difference between using a satellite for GPS and for communication, cell tower economics and the impact cell-to-satellite connectivity will have on markets as diverse as mining and commercial fishing.
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137 - Artemis, CAPSTONE and the Challenge of Cislunar Navigation
09/28/2022
137 - Artemis, CAPSTONE and the Challenge of Cislunar Navigation
On this Constellations Podcast, we’ll discuss the impact a growing number of lunar missions, like NASA’s Artemis lunar exploration program, will have on the satellite and space sector, especially the ground segment. We’ll discuss the differences between NHRO and GEO orbits and the CAPSTONE program from Advanced Space. Our guest today is Thomas Gardner, Director of Engineering/Mission Systems at Advanced Space, a Colorado space technology company now working with NASA on cislunar programs. Tom will discuss NASA’s space exploration program and Advanced Space’s role in it, advances in lunar navigation and communications, and NASA’s plan to land the first woman on the moon by 2024.
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136 - Post Quantum Hacks, Quantum Key Distribution for SmallSats and the Fully Entangled Future
09/14/2022
136 - Post Quantum Hacks, Quantum Key Distribution for SmallSats and the Fully Entangled Future
There are a number of companies introducing quantum key distribution for secure communications across optical fiber networks but the technology has yet to be applied across a constellation of small satellites in Low Earth Orbit to produce secure global coverage. Until now. On this Constellations Podcast, we welcome Dr. Mark Adams, Associate Professor, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Auburn University to discuss the basics of quantum information processing, how quantum key distribution (QKD) ups the game in data transmission security and moving from the BB84 scheme to fully entangled microwave sources for SmallSats.
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135 - Building in Sustainability, Cislunar Infrastructure and Furthering Exploration
08/31/2022
135 - Building in Sustainability, Cislunar Infrastructure and Furthering Exploration
On this Constellations Podcast, we’ll discuss the growing interest and investments surrounding today’s space efforts, particularly cislunar space. NASA is leading the forefront of this initiative and will soon launch Artemis I, an uncrewed moon-orbiting mission that includes different technology solutions offered by multiple commercial players. During this episode, we are joined by Al Tadros, CTO of Redwire, who walks us through the importance of sustainable space exploration and how Redwire is supporting the goal of a “sustainable presence” on the moon.
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Special Release - STARCOM, Virtualized Training for Space and Breaking New Ground
08/23/2022
Special Release - STARCOM, Virtualized Training for Space and Breaking New Ground
On this Constellations Podcast, we’ll discuss the first anniversary of STARCOM. Major General Shawn Bratton, Commander, Space Training and Readiness Command of the United States Space Force explains STARCOM and how it is training the Space Force for competition and conflict in the Space domain. Hear Maj Gen. Bratton explain why STARCOM is working with experts such as astronauts from NASA that do an incredible amount of training with simulators, the advice they’re receiving from other parts of the Space Force such as the Space Warfighting Analysis Center, and a new series of complex training exercises called the Sky Series.
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