Constellations - Explore Space Network Technologies with Industry Leaders

While LEOs may be receiving most of the attention, an emerging technology is rising to the stratosphere in the form of High Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS). HAPS have the potential to unlock the Earth's stratosphere and enhance global connectivity, offering significant opportunities across various industries, including telecommunications, high-resolution Earth observation, weather prediction, and modeling. Though both LEOs and HAPS are used for communication, surveillance, and data collection, they differ greatly in design, functionality, and use cases. To share insights into the similarities and differences between LEOs and HAPS, we are joined by Russ Van Der Werff, Vice President of the HAPS Alliance and VP of Stratospheric Solutions at Aerostar.

In this episode, we dive into the rapidly evolving space and satellite industry, covering both military and commercial sectors. Our guest, a space industry veteran with over 40 years of experience in the U.S. Air Force as a senior space researcher and leader, shares insights on the challenges of building large, custom satellites in the past. Highlighting the need for rapid satellite configuration and launch capabilities, he explains that commercial space has many advantages, as it tends to innovate faster than the military and emphasizes the critical role of space in modern warfare, where conflicts are measured in hours, not days or months.

On this Constellations Podcast, we discuss the Space RCO and the challenges of delivering timely, combat-capable space and ground systems. This episode covers key priorities, including programs like Satellite Communication Augmentation Resource (SCAR) and Rapid Resilient Command and Control (R2C2). Hear about the importance of leveraging commercial products, collaborating with international partners, and enhancing space operations through better synchronization of assets.

There have been many predictions about the consolidation of the GSaaS players, but it doesn’t seem to be as quickly as expected. In this podcast, we discuss what might be the why behind GSaaS providers continuing to hold steadfast for the most part. Listen to Brad Bode, CTO at ATLAS Space Operations, as for his take on the market, the changing applications for GSaaS beyond EO and why software is critical in ground systems.

An estimated 26,104 smallsats will be launched between 2023-2032 according to Novaspace. With so much growth on the horizon, how will regulatory efforts keep pace? What role will regulations play in terms of protecting the spectrum? How can interference be avoided to ensure a level playing field for new and incumbent players? Constellations discussed the role of regulation in the rapidly growing and evolving small satellite world with the ITU.

In this episode, we focus on how the ground segment is evolving to support the emergence of small satellites in orbit. Join our guest, Ron Faith, CEO and President of RBC Signals, as he talks all things GSaaS and smallsats and explains why satellite operators and service providers need to start thinking of the ground segment first rather than last.

In this episode, Al Tadros, Chief Technology Officer at Redwire discusses artificial intelligence (AI) and how it enhances Space Domain Awareness (SDA). Artificial intelligence promises to extend the performance and capability of control systems, machine vision and robotics across the domains. Al describes one of the promises for space domain awareness as being the ability to put machine vision in orbit using AI algorithms. Hear him describe datasets and simulations to train on so that characterization and intent can be determined. Learn about AI promising to advance autonomous maneuvering and navigation, even deciding whether to maneuver or not based on the incoming object.

On today’s podcast, hear from Erin Miller, Executive Director, Space ISAC, and Ernest Campos, Co-chair of the Space Innovations Test Bed (SITB) for Space ISAC and Senior Account Executive for Space Programs at AMERICAN SYSTEMS Corporation.  They will talk about the commercial industry facing an onslaught of cyber-attacks and other threats and ways that the Space ISAC is enabling a resource that can help.  Learn about examples of how you test vulnerabilities as they walk through specific scenarios.  Hear about the responsibilities of public disclosure and why it is important, especially with the rise of threats and sophisticated attacks.

On the Constellations Podcast, we’ll discuss data, data visualization, and processing data for better understanding. In this episode, Paul Graziani, CEO of COMSPOC, talks about Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and the value of data fusion in enhancing SSA. Paul describes the various data sources for SSA, such as optical data from telescopes, RF data from sensors, and radar data from ground-based or transmitter sources. He also explains how these sources differ. David discusses observing data and determining its integrity using a Kalman filter. He highlights the vast number of live and dead objects in space, as well as suspiciously maneuvering spacecraft. Mr. Graziani emphasizes data fusion as a key solution to this problem. He describes the ecosystem of companies, governments, labs, and academics that collectively serve the mission of SSA more effectively.

In this episode, Novaspace consultant Gabriel Deville will cover the current state and outlook of Space Situational Awareness. SSA is a rapidly growing field, with over 80% of data collected by government agencies, making it predominantly government-focused. Gabriel will address the different SSA needs of defense, civil, and commercial sectors, and the shift from geostationary to low Earth orbit as investments in in-orbit services increase. He will also discuss the $3 billion government investment in in-orbit services, crucial for space operations' flexibility, sustainability, and safety, and the market’s need for a substantial customer base before it becomes a true buyer's market.

Game Changers is a limited series of short podcasts focused on pivotal new technologies or trends. In this episode, Alexandre Tisserant of Kinéis explains satellite IoT and the multiple applications and benefits that come from it. This limited series is brought to you by Constellations and Novaspace and highlights some of the key innovative topics that will be addressed at the upcoming World Space Business Week.

Game Changers is a limited series of short podcasts focused on pivotal new technologies or trends. In this episode, Phil Carrai of Kratos Space walks us through the impact of virtual ground systems on the satellite and space industries. This limited series is brought to you by Constellations and Novaspace and highlights some of the key innovative topics that will be addressed at the upcoming World Space Business Week.

In this episode, Igor Alonso Portillo and Eliot Nelson from KSAT explore the dynamic landscape of satellite constellations, the impact of recent market consolidation, and spectrum allocation. Hear how advancements like onboard propulsion and edge computing are shaping the future of space technology while considering the implications of increased private sector involvement and the global dependence on satellite data.

Game Changers is a limited series of short podcasts focused on pivotal new technologies or trends. In this episode, Scott Wisniewski of AST SpaceMobile gives us an update on the direct-to-device market, what makes it so important and what to expect next. This limited series is brought to you by Constellations and Novaspace and highlights some of the key innovative topics that will be addressed at the upcoming World Space Business Week.

The need for operational flexibility for satellites in orbit has only grown. Tens of thousands of satellites means tens of thousands of opportunities for disaster. Our guest Kevin Lausten, President of Morpheus Space, is joining us today to talk about the technology behind satellite mobility, how it is evolving with smallsat designs and how its applications are growing beyond collision avoidance to support an emerging need for understanding what satellites are doing in space.

Game Changers is a limited series of short podcasts focused on pivotal new technologies or trends. In this episode, Melissa Quinn of Slingshot Aerospace walks us through the impact of artificial intelligence on the satellite and space industries. This limited series is brought to you by Constellations and Novaspace and highlights some of the key innovative topics that will be addressed at the upcoming World Space Business Week.

In this episode, SES Space and Defense Vice President of Product Management Michael Geist discusses the evolving landscape of multi-orbit satellite capabilities. The integration of LEO, MEO and GEO orbits are poised to enhance connectivity and operational resilience. As governments and commercial entities increasingly embrace multi-orbit strategies, the industry builds a stronger foundation for a more adaptable and resilient future in satcom. An increase in demand for MEO and LEO services has not resulted in a drop in demand for GEO. CASR, or the Commercial Augmented Space Reserve, is a new way for commercial companies to support military satellites in orbit. Geist predicts that the largest disruptor in MILSATCOM will be digitization, which will act as a gateway technology to automating many satellite networking functions. Chapters: 0:26 – Introducing Michael Geist, SES Space and Defense 0:58 – the unique abilities of LEO, MEO and GEO 3:44 – multi-orbit capabilities and resilience through diversity 5:49 – shifts in popularity between orbits 7:07 – military satellites in orbit via CASR (Commercial Augmented Space Reserve) 8:57 – hybrid SATCOM architecture 11:05 – challenges in making CASR successful 13:33 – space data relay services 15:03 – Prediction: what will be the biggest technology disruptors in MILSATCOM? About Constellations: Constellations is a podcast and publication by Kratos covering the new generation of space network technologies. Our core interests are space networks, softwarization, terrestrial-space interoperability, the ground segment, security—and, of course, the growing space economy. - The podcast publishes biweekly on Wednesday mornings. - The podcast has featured leading CEOs, analysts, and government guests from Space Force, AFRL, the White House, and more. - By size, our audience is space industry leaders, engineers, military/civil space, and academia. - We publish article contributions from outside organizations and have ongoing content partnerships with DIFI, Space ISAC, Space Intel Report, and Analysys Mason. - Sign up to receive our newsletter: www.kratosdefense.com/constellations/newsletters

Game Changers is a limited podcast series about the game-changing technologies that will be discussed at the upcoming World Space Business Week. Tune in every Tuesday leading up to the event to hear experts answer 3 quick, hard-hitting questions to explain how they are changing the game. In this episode, Robert Carlisle of Argo Space walks us through the impact of in-space transportation on the satellite and space industries.

Globally recognized organizations are exploring different advanced communication technologies from RF to laser links. Hear Jean Francois Morizur, Founder and CEO of Cailabs, share insights on the market for laser communications and how lasers complement the role of RF signals in satellite connectivity. Lasers require no spectrum access enhancing their ability global satellite connectivity. Novaspace predicts that launches of satellites with laser communication terminals on board will double year over year. Lasers provide an additional layer of security as they qualify as LPD/LPI (low probability of detection or intercept). Chapters: 0:19 – Introducing Jean-Francois (JF) Morizur, CEO of Cailabs 1:06 – Satellites communicating via radio frequency 3:51 – main differences between RF and laser 6:20 – optical ground stations 9:03 – adding laser to traditional ground stations 11:29 – intersatellite laser links 13:22 – are laser links secure? 14:43 – government push for laser 15:28 – downlink to earth (DTE) applications 17:23 – best use cases for laser and satellite networks 20:04 – multi-orbit links 21:52 – Prediction: will laser completely replace RF? About Constellations: Constellations is a podcast and publication by Kratos covering the new generation of space network technologies. Our core interests are space networks, softwarization, terrestrial-space interoperability, the ground segment, security—and, of course, the growing space economy. - The podcast publishes biweekly on Wednesday mornings. - The podcast has featured leading CEOs, analysts, and government guests from Space Force, AFRL, the White House, and more. - By size, our audience is space industry leaders, engineers, military/civil space, and academia. - We publish article contributions from outside organizations and have ongoing content partnerships with DIFI, Space ISAC, Space Intel Report, and Analysys Mason. - Sign up to receive our newsletter: www.kratosdefense.com/constellations/newsletters

Highly-anticipated WILD WILD SPACE brings the space industry into your home! Constellations spoke with Ross Kauffman and Ashlee Vance, the team behind the upcoming HBO original documentary WILD WILD SPACE. The original HBO documentary follows three rocket and satellite companies – Astra, Rocket Lab, and Planet – and the quests of their idiosyncratic founders to conquer the burgeoning space industry.