“Times, they are a-changing.” Bob Dylan made the phrase famous in the 1960s and now, almost 50 years later, expansions in technology have made it all too apparent again. We have learned to do more with less and that bigger is not necessarily better. The craze for “mini-computer” devices such as the iPad and smartphone are classic examples of this trend. With the tablet market in its infancy, and demand seemingly insatiable for these devices, it will be exciting to see what kinds of technology are created in the next two years.

Technology in the satellite sector, however, has already progressed to such an extent that the evolution to big, powerful satellites of the day (Viasat-1, Ka-Sat, for example) is equally impressive to the development to smaller spacecraft. Smaller satellites cost less and take less time to build, while offering very significant capabilities to users. It seems as if there is no longer a safe middle ground anymore, with extremes of technology going from huge, powerful, dedicated Ka-band satellites to small nimble satellites armed with incredible technology on board.

There has been a desperate attempt by governments to make a dent in the huge deficits we all know too well, yet the demand for more bandwidth and more technology does not change. There may have been a time when money was no object to governments looking to build state-of-the-art next-generation dedicated satellite systems. Now, they are being forced to look for more creative options that give them significant capabilities at a fraction of the price. In fields such as Earth observation and science, small satellites are picking up the slack and allowing governments and agencies to still implement exciting programs, despite budget pressures.

In this edition of Via Satellite, we start a two-part series looking at numerous programs around the world, where small satellites are at the center of these to provide impressive capabilities, whether to governments or military forces. The United States is trying to adapt to this new commercial reality, in particular, in terms of its Milsatcom strategy, as it looks to provide next-generation capabilities at a price few would have thought possible. It reminds me of someone once telling me that it is out of recessions and dark economic times that new thinking and new creativity emerges. The irony of all this of course is that the satellite sector weathers economic hard times better than most. However, with governments’ credit cards pretty much maxed out, satellite companies have had to adapt, and on the face of it, have adapted very well.

I would also like to take the time to say farewell to Jason Bates, the Editor of Via Satellite, who recently left us to embark on a new journey. Jason made a huge contribution to the success of the magazine in recent times, and all of the Via Satellite team wish him well.