Via Satellite presents six nominees for the 2024 Satellite Technology of the Year award, to be announced at the Via Satellite awards luncheon on Wednesday, March 12, at SATELLITE 2025.
Agatha AI — Slingshot Aerospace — AI-powered space situational awareness system developed with DARPA, using inverse reinforcement learning to detect spacecraft anomalies and identify the intentions of objects operated by nations that don’t share SSA data. Identified numerous anomalies on Chinese and Russian satellites in 2024.
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Link 16 in Space — York Space Systems — First-ever space-to-ground transmission on the Link 16 tactical data network, achieved via SDA Tranche 0 satellites. Demonstrated real-time secure communication to an aircraft carrier (November 2023) and direct network entry with a Navy ship (August 2024). SDA called it “a significant new capability for the warfighter” and “a leap ahead in JADC2.”
Mira Orbital Transfer Vehicle — Impulse Space — High delta-v OTV for LEO, MEO, GEO, and Cislunar missions, designed, built, and launched in under 15 months by SpaceX engine designer Tom Mueller. LEO Express-1 mission launched November 2023 on SpaceX Transporter-9 and completed all primary mission objectives over nine months. Widely regarded as the best OTV debut in history.
SIGMA Platform — Speedcast — Fully integrated single network management system running on AWS that manages VSAT, 4G/5G satellite backhaul, L-band, and multiple secured WAN links simultaneously, converging multi-orbit satellite networks with terrestrial fiber, microwave, and cellular. Activated Eutelsat OneWeb’s LEO service live in a multi-path environment.
Starlink Internet — SpaceX — Activated service in 27 new markets in 2024, adding more than 500 million people to its network. Won the John Deere smart agriculture contract, IFC deals with United Airlines and Air France, 450 aircraft installations, and maritime service to more than 75,000 vessels. Drives consolidation and collaboration across the entire industry.
W-Series Capsule — Varda Space Industries — First successful operation and reentry of a commercial satellite dedicated to in-space pharmaceutical manufacturing. W-1 launched June 2023, conducted ritonavir experiments in microgravity, and returned to Earth in February 2024 surviving speeds over Mach 25 and landing intact in Utah. VS
