Via Satellite announced Melanie Stricklan, CEO of Slingshot Aerospace, as the winner of the 2022 Satellite Executive of the Year award, and Apple’s iPhone 14 with emergency satellite messaging as the 2022 Satellite Technology of the Year winner. Jacqueline Good of Magnestar won the Startup Space pitch competition. Winners were chosen by public vote and the Via Satellite editorial board.
Stricklan led Slingshot through a blockbuster 2022 — two acquisitions, two funding rounds, and a free SSA platform rollout. In her acceptance speech: “We at Slingshot are here to chart a new course for humanity by building the technologies and the awareness capabilities to ensure space remains safe now, and a secure gateway of discovery.”
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Apple’s iPhone 14 emergency messaging — already saving lives — was recognized for bringing life-saving satellite connectivity to the world’s most popular smartphone. Mike Trela, Apple’s Senior Director of Satellite Connectivity, said: “What’s really rewarding is being able to be part of something that saves lives. We’ve connected people with the help they need, when they needed it most — from the couple in Los Angeles whose car fell into a canyon, to the man in Alaska stranded on a snow machine.”
Startup Space winner Magnestar, led by Good, is building a clearinghouse to maintain high connectivity for satellite operators in contested and congested RF environments. As winner, Good receives access to private pitch meetings with leading space investors. VS
