Grounded in Space

Flat Panel Antennas

In our latest podcast, we discuss the challenges surrounding flat panel antennas and the lack of certification. Flat Panel Antennas are no doubt critical for next generation networks but bring with them a huge amount of complexity and variables that not only make it challenging to ensure they operate error-free, but also make testing complicated. At the same time, the antennas themselves are evolving with new innovation happening at a dramatic rate, yet approvals are not currently a fair process and that can only stifle that innovation. We discussed the need for industry wide collaboration, independent testing, and the future role that AI will play. Guests:  * Mark Steel, SIG Director * Rainer Wansch, Fraunhofer * Dave Davis, ST Engineering iDirect

Transition to Cloud

In the latest SIG podcast, we discussed where the industry is with the transition to the cloud and the important things that need to happen to enable it, such as AI, customer education to understand the new technology, and a lower price point on data transfer and compute power. We also discussed how digitisation and cloud processing is bringing satcoms out of the dusty corner and into a new era of connectivity.   Guests: * Simon Swift, ETL Systems * Alvaro Sanchez, Integrasys * Jorg Rockstroh, Work Microwave * Laurence Russell, freelance journalist

Evolution of Ground Satcom

We discussed the evolution of ground satellite communications, the main areas impacting a transition to a software-based future, and how the satellite industry can learn from other industries. We also discussed how the skillsets needed are changing and how the industry can shift to compete with other sectors for that talent.  * Markus Eslitzbichler, Kratos * Yassine Bihi, Eshailsat * Martin Coleman, * Crispin Littlehales, Satellite Evolution * Helen Weedon, Satcoms Innovation Group

Military and Defense Satcoms

In the first ever Grounded Podcast from the Satcoms Innovation Group, we gather experts to discuss the challenges for military and government satcoms. We discuss challenges such as Radio Frequency Interference and jamming, technology and scalability, as well as standards. We also discuss the need to integrate more of the innovation happening in the commercial sector into military satcoms and how we can enable closer collaboration.  Guests: * Alvaro Sanchez, CEO, Integrasys * Rory Welch, Vice President Global Government, Intelsat * Koen Willems, VP EU/NATO Programs and Government Relations, ST Engineering iDirect * Frane Milos, CEO Luxembourg, Amphinicy Technologies