Talk of Innovation Heats Up As Satellite Seeks its Place

“If we don’t adapt, we might find ourselves wiped out as an industry in 20 years,” said Tom Choi, CEO, Asia Broadcast Satellite (ABS), at the recent CASBAA Satellite Industry Forum in Singapore. The subtext of Choi’s message was clear: if the satellite industry can’t figure out a way to become more efficient and relevant in a data-centric world, companies such as Google and Facebook could ultimately succeed and push satellite to the periphery.

Google is clearly ramping up its presence in the satellite. With a deal to acquire Skybox Imaging, and the hiring of some well-known satellite executives, a more expansive satellite strategy could be at play. It remains a fascinating wildcard, and it will be interesting to see what the company looks to do with satellites beyond the SkyBox Imaging acquisition.

In this edition of Via Satellite, we look at two vital parts of the satellite market: the manufacturing and the launch services segment, in which change is clearly happening. SpaceX has undoubtedly impacted the market, and we look at how other major launchers are looking to respond. We also talk to most of the major satellite manufacturers about the challenges in meeting future operator needs and how they are bring new technology to market.

What is beyond doubt is that for the satellite industry to have a bright and successful future, it will need a next wave of entrepreneurship in order to be successful. Our “Perspective” story takes a look at one of the industry’s brightest lights, Mark Dankberg, chairman and CEO of ViaSat. We look at how he was almost lost to the satellite industry before he even started. He talks about the ups and downs of his time at ViaSat, as well as his thinking of where the satellite industry goes next. With more focus than ever before on innovation and creative thinking, we look for the next generation of leaders to follow the likes of Choi and Dankberg to make sure the satellite industry has a prosperous future for future generations.