{"id":47950,"date":"2025-12-02T18:50:01","date_gmt":"2025-12-02T10:50:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp-productionenv-bjg9h2g2bgg5b8aa.southeastasia-01.azurewebsites.net\/news\/10-tech-trends-that-will-impact-the-space-and-satellite-industry-in-2026\/"},"modified":"2025-12-02T18:50:01","modified_gmt":"2025-12-02T10:50:01","slug":"10-tech-trends-that-will-impact-the-space-and-satellite-industry-in-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/news\/10-tech-trends-that-will-impact-the-space-and-satellite-industry-in-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Tech Trends That Will Impact the Space and Satellite Industry in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The past year was marked by eye-catching spectrum sales amid the ramp-up of direct-to-device (D2D),\tmega-mergers as Europe looks to secure its future in space leadership, and increased adoption of AI technologies for on-orbit operations and network management.<\/p>\n<p>To mark the end of 2025, <em class=\"Annotation -emphasis\">Via Satellite<\/em> asked industry leaders to weigh in on the 10 tech trends set to impact the space and satellite industry in 2026. We heard from experts across commercial, military, investment, and regulatory \u2014 here\u2019s what they had to say.  <\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" src=\"https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Z05iCJb5TmGbKLOa4NQC_VS_120125_DGTL_Cover-300x225.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" style=\"width: 120px; height: auto;\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Z05iCJb5TmGbKLOa4NQC_VS_120125_DGTL_Cover-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Z05iCJb5TmGbKLOa4NQC_VS_120125_DGTL_Cover-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Z05iCJb5TmGbKLOa4NQC_VS_120125_DGTL_Cover-640x480.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Z05iCJb5TmGbKLOa4NQC_VS_120125_DGTL_Cover.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\">\t\t\t<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"fs-5 mt-0\">Explore the December 2025 Issue<\/h3>\n<p class=\"mb-0 fs-smaller text-balance\">Check out more from this issue and find your next story to read.<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t<button class=\"btn btn-primary\" type=\"button\" data-bs-toggle=\"offcanvas\" data-bs-target=\"#offcanvasMENU\" aria-controls=\"offcanvasExample\" aria-label=\"button\" style=\"white-space: nowrap;\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\tView More <i class=\"bi bi-arrow-right-circle\"><\/i><br \/>\n\t\t\t<\/button><\/p>\n<h3>New Layers to the Satcom-Telco Convergence<\/h3>\n<p>The convergence of the satellite and telecommunication worlds has been underway for a number of years, but reached new levels of integration in 2025 with major carriers T-Mobile and Verizon offering direct-to-device services, as well as Apple\u2019s offering.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s an exciting time to be in our world,\u201d says Julie Kearney, who served as the first chief of the FCC\u2019s Space Bureau and is now a partner with DLA Piper and co-chair of its Space Exploration and Innovation Practice. \u201cIf you started in terrestrial \u2014 you\u2019re now in the space community. If you started in space \u2014 you are converging with your colleagues on the ground.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Kearney points to the FCC\u2019s supplemental coverage from space (SCS) framework adopted in 2024 that is now influencing other regulatory frameworks around the world. Canada has issued a similar regulatory framework, and countries in Europe, Africa, and Asia are working on frameworks as well.<\/p>\n<p><script>var AIAD_fcd45f981d570e35cee941b23edc69c7_6a6a92459defe;googletag.cmd.push(function(){var AIMAP_29b58f13885ebf8ea6b032f958eb0748 = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([992, 100], [[970, 90], [970, 250]]).addSize([768, 100], [728, 90]).addSize([320, 100], [320, 50]).build();var AIMAP_737ce075cc05dd766c8f8ea08f3faa73 = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([768, 100], [728, 90]).addSize([320, 100], [320, 50]).build();var AIMAP_21fe3bcfb86a8660aba4e721ee9338f3 = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([1200, 100], [970, 250]).addSize([768, 100], [600, 300]).addSize([320, 100], [300, 250]).build();AIAD_fcd45f981d570e35cee941b23edc69c7_6a6a92459defe = googletag.defineSlot('\/987\/satellitetoday.com\/via-satellite-digital-issue-ads', [ [600, 300], [300, 250], [970, 250] ], 'div-gpt-ad-1774631144891- 0-6a6a92459df00').defineSizeMapping(AIMAP_21fe3bcfb86a8660aba4e721ee9338f3).setCollapseEmptyDiv(true).addService(googletag.pubads());   });<\/script><script>googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1774631144891- 0-6a6a92459df00'); });<\/script><\/p>\n<p>She compares the rollout of D2D services to backup cameras on cars, which started out as a high-tech feature, then became a consumer expectation, and are now a must-have feature for safety. She sees the variety of D2D options from providers and devices as a positive sign for the burgeoning market.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cConsumers love choice, and the market is working in a way that is giving consumers different options,\u201d Kearney says. \u201cOptionality is really important.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>This convergence is also reaching satellite ground systems, says Cynthia Harty, senior vice president of Corporate Strategy for ST Engineering iDirect, adding that upcoming releases of 3GPP standards will accommodate satcom more efficiently than current releases, in terms of broadband.<\/p>\n<p>Customers with large deployed bases of traditional satcom terminals are trying to plan how to migrate to a 5G non-terrestrial network (NTN) environment. \u201cIt\u2019s just not when \u2014 but how,\u201d Harty says. ST Engineering is working on hybrid roaming capabilities to bridge that gap.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou can bring a traditional satcom terminal into the 5G core,\u201d Harty says. \u201cFor new opportunities, you will be able to utilize a hybrid modem so you can take advantage of both traditional satcom waveforms and 5G NR [new radio]. We think facilitating roaming across those two environments will become the biggest game-changer starting in 2026.<\/p>\n<h3>The Super-Trend of AI Applications<\/h3>\n<p>AI is likely the biggest talking point across all industries over the past year, raising questions about an AI investment bubble and whether AI will eliminate entire categories of jobs. Experts interviewed for this story are optimistic and say AI is changing how satellites are operated in space and how networks are managed on the ground.<\/p>\n<p>Harty says AI is playing a large role in the movement toward autonomous networks to accommodate network beam-switching. She gives the example of service providers that may use multiple satellite vendors to fulfill their service level agreements, and AI is used to make decisions about switching.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe can provide lots of information about different anomalies that we detect in the network. We can tell you why they occurred. We can even make recommendations on how you correct for those anomalies. But whether or not our customers in 2026 are willing to let the system automatically make those changes is a TBD. I think it\u2019s going to take the industry a little bit longer to get comfortable with that completely autonomous network,\u201d Harty says.<\/p>\n<p>In the geospatial arena, AI is influencing the adoption of multi-domain intelligence, says Susanne Hake, executive vice president and general manager for U.S. Government at Vantor, recently rebranded from Maxar Intelligence. She says AI is transforming satellites from data collectors into providers of real-time, actionable intelligence.<\/p>\n<p><script>var AIAD_fcd45f981d570e35cee941b23edc69c7_6a6a92459e3b6;googletag.cmd.push(function(){var AIMAP_29b58f13885ebf8ea6b032f958eb0748 = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([992, 100], [[970, 90], [970, 250]]).addSize([768, 100], [728, 90]).addSize([320, 100], [320, 50]).build();var AIMAP_737ce075cc05dd766c8f8ea08f3faa73 = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([768, 100], [728, 90]).addSize([320, 100], [320, 50]).build();var AIMAP_21fe3bcfb86a8660aba4e721ee9338f3 = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([1200, 100], [970, 250]).addSize([768, 100], [600, 300]).addSize([320, 100], [300, 250]).build();AIAD_fcd45f981d570e35cee941b23edc69c7_6a6a92459e3b6 = googletag.defineSlot('\/987\/satellitetoday.com\/via-satellite-digital-issue-ads', [ [600, 300], [300, 250], [970, 250] ], 'div-gpt-ad-1774631144891- 0-6a6a92459e3b7').defineSizeMapping(AIMAP_21fe3bcfb86a8660aba4e721ee9338f3).setCollapseEmptyDiv(true).addService(googletag.pubads());   });<\/script><script>googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1774631144891- 0-6a6a92459e3b7'); });<\/script><\/p>\n<p>\u201cAdvances in technology now make real-time fusion of multi-source data a reality,\u201d Hake says.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGovernments and commercial users are increasingly expecting automated workflows that include real-time insights and anomaly detection rather than raw imagery. The expectation has become clear: satellites must not only observe but also interpret.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>In the next year, Hake expects to see significant advances in automation, predictive analytics, and broader adoption of AI-driven geospatial intelligence platforms for autonomous systems and defense operations. She expects to see new partnerships and joint ventures that bring together sensors, analytics, and delivery platforms.<\/p>\n<p>There\u2019s also enormous potential for AI to impact engineering requirements, says S. Sita Sonty, a partner and managing director in the AlixPartners AD&amp;A Americas Group. She sees an opportunity for a domain-specific language model for space to aggregate systems engineering requirements across the space industry and help companies develop systems engineering requirements more efficiently.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDomain-specific language models are the next layer for AI to speed up processes for an industry,\u201d Sonty says. \u201cFor space, codifying systems engineering requirements enables faster development of them and faster development of task flows to them. It sounds boring \u2014 but it\u2019s going to save millions of dollars for companies.\u201d<\/p>\n<h3>A More Maneuverable Future<\/h3>\n<p>This year, Space Force General Michael Guetlein detailed China practicing \u201cdogfighting\u201d in space \u2014 demonstrating maneuvering capabilities with satellites.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI think the fact that China significantly demoed it this year has to really make us focus on that,\u201d says retired Lt. Gen. John Shaw, who served as the deputy commander of U.S. Space Command.<\/p>\n<p>In his time in the Space Force, Shaw championed industry to develop maneuverability capabilities in order to enable dynamic space operations. He is now a board member for multiple commercial space companies, including SES and Stoke Space. He points to momentum for in-space maneuvering: that the Space Force is sponsoring refueling demonstrations; indications that the RG-XX program will mandate on-orbit refueling; and the urgency to validate refueling for Moon missions.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s about combat capability \u2014 how do I get more maneuverability than my adversary? We don\u2019t have aerial refueling for our Air Force today because it\u2019s a cheaper way to fly airplanes. It\u2019s not. It gets us better combat capability,\u201d Shaw says. \u201cAnd then the civil piece \u2014 it\u2019s hard to close the equation for a sustained human presence on the Moon without a refueling capability.\u2019<\/p>\n<p><script>var AIAD_fcd45f981d570e35cee941b23edc69c7_6a6a92459e8d6;googletag.cmd.push(function(){var AIMAP_29b58f13885ebf8ea6b032f958eb0748 = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([992, 100], [[970, 90], [970, 250]]).addSize([768, 100], [728, 90]).addSize([320, 100], [320, 50]).build();var AIMAP_737ce075cc05dd766c8f8ea08f3faa73 = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([768, 100], [728, 90]).addSize([320, 100], [320, 50]).build();var AIMAP_21fe3bcfb86a8660aba4e721ee9338f3 = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([1200, 100], [970, 250]).addSize([768, 100], [600, 300]).addSize([320, 100], [300, 250]).build();AIAD_fcd45f981d570e35cee941b23edc69c7_6a6a92459e8d6 = googletag.defineSlot('\/987\/satellitetoday.com\/via-satellite-digital-issue-ads', [ [600, 300], [300, 250], [970, 250] ], 'div-gpt-ad-1774631144891- 0-6a6a92459e8d7').defineSizeMapping(AIMAP_21fe3bcfb86a8660aba4e721ee9338f3).setCollapseEmptyDiv(true).addService(googletag.pubads());   });<\/script><script>googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1774631144891- 0-6a6a92459e8d7'); });<\/script><\/p>\n<p>Kearney of DLA Piper adds that operational playbooks are maturing for companies focusing on in-orbit docking and relocation. She also highlights the sustainability angle and refueling as an enabler for the future space economy.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe see companies that are doing amazing research and scientific and technical feats to ensure that we\u2019re able to keep using satellites,\u201d Kearney says. \u201cYou bring your car to the mechanic to get it fixed \u2014 this is the kind of model that we want to achieve with satellites. Let\u2019s keep them up there as long as we possibly can.\u201d<\/p>\n<h3>Sovereign Access, Sovereign Data<\/h3>\n<p>Sovereign space has been one of the largest trends in the space industry in 2025 and it will continue to drive demand in 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Shaw sees it as an opportunity for more global cooperation. \u201cI think it\u2019s healthy for all nations to want their own kind of capabilities to meet their own interests. That raises the field for everybody,\u201d he says. \u201cThis is a great opportunity to help us grow the space economy \u2014 if done properly.\u201d <\/p>\n<p>Beyond ownership and access to assets in space, Sonty sees data as a key driver of the sovereign trend. She cites geopatriation as a key trend for 2026, which is moving data and applications to a sovereign cloud system.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGeopatriation is basically data security on steroids,\u201d Sonty says. \u201cIt\u2019s a trend for not only increased international sovereign constellation proliferation, but it\u2019s also driving the importance of data security as part of the full offering, rather than outsourcing that to a host of cybersecurity subcontractors. Having [data security] as a primary element of the solution is becoming very important.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Rachelle Radpour, chief engineer of Boeing\u2019s Space Communications Programs, sees upside in the sovereign trend for the potential to increase capabilities, but has concerns about policies that limit competition.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis is kind of a double-edged sword. It\u2019s going to grow capabilities, it\u2019s going to increase the number of available suppliers,\u201d Radpour says. \u201cBut there\u2019s also a trend we\u2019re watching with the laws that are aimed at limiting spending to domestic content. That could ultimately hurt the overall competitiveness and supply chain flexibility.\u201d<\/p>\n<h3>A Critical Juncture for Europe<\/h3>\n<p>While sovereign space is a global trend, multiple European nations are at a critical juncture in terms of investment in space capabilities \u2014 with the flagship IRIS\u00b2 program, and nations like Germany and France planning billions of dollars in investment in space capabilities for defense.<\/p>\n<p><script>var AIAD_fcd45f981d570e35cee941b23edc69c7_6a6a92459ed89;googletag.cmd.push(function(){var AIMAP_29b58f13885ebf8ea6b032f958eb0748 = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([992, 100], [[970, 90], [970, 250]]).addSize([768, 100], [728, 90]).addSize([320, 100], [320, 50]).build();var AIMAP_737ce075cc05dd766c8f8ea08f3faa73 = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([768, 100], [728, 90]).addSize([320, 100], [320, 50]).build();var AIMAP_21fe3bcfb86a8660aba4e721ee9338f3 = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([1200, 100], [970, 250]).addSize([768, 100], [600, 300]).addSize([320, 100], [300, 250]).build();AIAD_fcd45f981d570e35cee941b23edc69c7_6a6a92459ed89 = googletag.defineSlot('\/987\/satellitetoday.com\/via-satellite-digital-issue-ads', [ [600, 300], [300, 250], [970, 250] ], 'div-gpt-ad-1774631144891- 0-6a6a92459ed8a').defineSizeMapping(AIMAP_21fe3bcfb86a8660aba4e721ee9338f3).setCollapseEmptyDiv(true).addService(googletag.pubads());   });<\/script><script>googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1774631144891- 0-6a6a92459ed8a'); });<\/script><\/p>\n<p>\u201cThat is no small thing for the industry to see this separate sovereign demand signal that could open up some interesting opportunities, some competition, and some international collaboration, on the commercial front,\u201d Shaw says of France and Germany\u2019s recent announcements.<\/p>\n<p>For Jean-Francois Morizur, CEO and founder of French startup Cailabs, which builds optical ground stations, he\u2019s watching to gauge the specific intent of the national investments. \u201cThere\u2019s one big question about the German investment in space \u2014 is it going to be to build a space capability, or is it going to be to build a space industry?\u201d he asks.<\/p>\n<p>Morizur sees a difference between investing in capabilities, which then filters down to stimulate the industry, versus funding jobs in an area. On IRIS\u00b2, he sees the goal of a specific constellation as a positive indicator. \u201cThe European Union has said it\u2019s to provide a service, so that\u2019s good. They made it very clear that they want to provide that service,\u201d he adds.<\/p>\n<p>The European space industry will also be impacted by the pending space merger between major primes Airbus, Leonardo, and Thales. The coming two to three years of planning and initial operations are crucial, Pravin Pradeep, senior consultant for Aerospace, Defense, &amp; Space with Frost &amp; Sullivan, recently told <em class=\"Annotation -emphasis\">Via Satellite<\/em>. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cUltimately, the JV represents both a warning and a wager: a warning that the current model is unsustainable, and a wager that consolidation can yield both competitiveness and sovereignty. Whether that bet pays off depends on how fast and how boldly Europe moves next,\u201d Pradeep said.<\/p>\n<h3>NEI: A New View in Space Domain Awareness<\/h3>\n<p>Over the past year we\u2019ve seen eye-catching photos of satellites \u2014 snapped by other satellites. It\u2019s called non-Earth imaging (NEI), and there\u2019s increased interest in the capability, with multiple commercial imagery companies now offering it.<\/p>\n<p>Vantor exec Hake calls it \u201ceyes in space,\u201d giving a view where radar and traditional sensors can\u2019t provide the full picture. It\u2019s used to gauge the health of satellites, understand the capabilities of other objects in orbit, detect suspicious behavior, and reduce collision risk.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIn many ways, NEI is emerging as a \u2018neighborhood watch\u2019 in space, strengthening deterrence in a world where proximity operations, maneuvering, and modifications to spacecraft are becoming more common,\u201d Hake says.<\/p>\n<p>It can also supply information during the collision avoidance gap, or COLA gap, confirming a satellites position in the time after launch, and also bring capabilities to the Golden Dome with persistent monitoring of space objects.<\/p>\n<p><script>var AIAD_fcd45f981d570e35cee941b23edc69c7_6a6a92459f45a;googletag.cmd.push(function(){var AIMAP_29b58f13885ebf8ea6b032f958eb0748 = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([992, 100], [[970, 90], [970, 250]]).addSize([768, 100], [728, 90]).addSize([320, 100], [320, 50]).build();var AIMAP_737ce075cc05dd766c8f8ea08f3faa73 = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([768, 100], [728, 90]).addSize([320, 100], [320, 50]).build();var AIMAP_21fe3bcfb86a8660aba4e721ee9338f3 = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([1200, 100], [970, 250]).addSize([768, 100], [600, 300]).addSize([320, 100], [300, 250]).build();AIAD_fcd45f981d570e35cee941b23edc69c7_6a6a92459f45a = googletag.defineSlot('\/987\/satellitetoday.com\/via-satellite-digital-issue-ads', [ [600, 300], [300, 250], [970, 250] ], 'div-gpt-ad-1774631144891- 0-6a6a92459f45b').defineSizeMapping(AIMAP_21fe3bcfb86a8660aba4e721ee9338f3).setCollapseEmptyDiv(true).addService(googletag.pubads());   });<\/script><script>googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1774631144891- 0-6a6a92459f45b'); });<\/script><\/p>\n<p>\u201cNEI is moving from a supporting capability to a strategic requirement that will define how the industry maintains safety, accountability, and stability in space,\u201d Hake says. \u201cWe expect broader adoption of NEI across government, allied, and commercial operators, especially as they seek more reliable ways to maintain custody of high-interest objects and reduce ambiguity in space.\u201d<\/p>\n<h3>A New Leader at the Helm of NASA<\/h3>\n<p>Billionaire and entrepreneur Jared Isaacman is back in the confirmation process to become the next NASA administrator after President Trump re-nominated him after dropping the nomination earlier this year.<\/p>\n<p>Tom Mueller, founder and CEO of Impulse Space who was the first employee of SpaceX and designed the Merlin engine, sees Isaacman\u2019s re-nomination as a positive sign with implications for NASA\u2019s Moon programs.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOne of the trends that\u2019s going to continue is more increased collaboration between the government and commercial space, especially with Isaacman\u2019s renomination. One of the things we hope for at Impulse Space is more COTS-like programs for lunar delivery,\u201d Mueller said, pointing to NASA\u2019s Commercial Orbital Transportation Services program. \u201cI\u2019ve always been a big Moon proponent. One of the things I wanted to do when I started Impulse was make access to the Moon much, much easier.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Isaacman\u2019s confirmation could lead to large shifts at NASA, notes Mary Guenther, head of Space Policy at the Progressive Policy Institute, pointing to the \u2018Project Athena\u2019 leaked document that Isaacman put together detailing his vision for NASA.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere may be some shifts, given things that have transpired, but it\u2019ll be really interesting to see his impact on the agency as the next senior executive who has been very clear that he has big plans for shifting things,\u201d Guenther says. \u201cIt\u2019s an ambitious agenda with a lot of things that are really interesting and a lot of things that people may have some open questions [about] in terms of how they\u2019re implemented.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>If Isaacman is confirmed, he will take the helm of a smaller staff after layoffs and early retirements this year. The agency will have to contend with fear in the federal workforce from the disruption of the past year that goes beyond just NASA, Guenther says.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWith that kind of fear in so many federal workers\u2019 hearts, [there\u2019s a question of] whether they\u2019re going to be able to be convinced to make such dramatic changes and believe that they\u2019ll be supported in taking more risk,\u201d she says. \u201cThe federal government has probably needed to take more risk for some time \u2014 but when you\u2019re taking more risk, you need to do it in a holistic and thoughtful way.\u201d<\/p>\n<h3>Finally a Break in the Launch Bottleneck?<\/h3>\n<p>When Blue Origin landed the booster on just the second-ever New Glenn mission last month, it sent a jolt of excitement well beyond Blue Origin\u2019s watch parties, potentially marking the start of a more competitive launch market.<\/p>\n<p><script>var AIAD_fcd45f981d570e35cee941b23edc69c7_6a6a92459f8f8;googletag.cmd.push(function(){var AIMAP_29b58f13885ebf8ea6b032f958eb0748 = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([992, 100], [[970, 90], [970, 250]]).addSize([768, 100], [728, 90]).addSize([320, 100], [320, 50]).build();var AIMAP_737ce075cc05dd766c8f8ea08f3faa73 = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([768, 100], [728, 90]).addSize([320, 100], [320, 50]).build();var AIMAP_21fe3bcfb86a8660aba4e721ee9338f3 = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([1200, 100], [970, 250]).addSize([768, 100], [600, 300]).addSize([320, 100], [300, 250]).build();AIAD_fcd45f981d570e35cee941b23edc69c7_6a6a92459f8f8 = googletag.defineSlot('\/987\/satellitetoday.com\/via-satellite-digital-issue-ads', [ [600, 300], [300, 250], [970, 250] ], 'div-gpt-ad-1774631144891- 0-6a6a92459f8f9').defineSizeMapping(AIMAP_21fe3bcfb86a8660aba4e721ee9338f3).setCollapseEmptyDiv(true).addService(googletag.pubads());   });<\/script><script>googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1774631144891- 0-6a6a92459f8f9'); });<\/script><\/p>\n<p>\u201cIron sharpens iron,\u201d Guenther says. She sees Blue Origin\u2019s progress as a great sign for the launch market heading into 2026.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe\u2019ve seen satellite companies and payload folks really concerned about the lack of options depending on what kind of vehicle they need and what their requirements are,\u201d Guenther says. \u201cHopefully this will be really exciting for all these incredible new companies and vehicles to come online and to create some additional competition, which is only a good thing.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The launch market has been stalled on the cusp of change for a few years. United Launch Alliance has flown Vulcan but has so far not been able to meet projected cadence, and Rocket Lab pushed Neutron\u2019s debut to 2026. Meanwhile, SpaceX\u2019s Starship development program ran into a number of hurdles this year while deadlines for civil missions are looming.<\/p>\n<p>Mueller has high expectations for Starship\u2019s development in 2026, and expects the team to pass the heat shield issues and be able to re-fly the ships and begin deploying Starlink satellites. He expects Starship V3 to progress rapidly and advance to the orbital transfer propellant demonstration in 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Looking at the launch market, Mueller notes the huge backlog of Amazon Leo launches that multiple providers need to work through over the next few years.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI would like to see us come from just one provider flying a lot, to a bunch of providers flying a lot,\u201d Mueller says. \u201cI think that\u2019s where we\u2019re headed and that competition can continue to reduce the cost and open up the market.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI think we finally turned a corner and all of these other developments are starting to pay off,\u201d he adds.<\/p>\n<h3>The Race to Ramp Up and Advance Manufacturing<\/h3>\n<p>The past year saw a major emphasis on ramping up satellite manufacturing. Barely a week went by without news of a factory or additional space as companies race to ramp up their manufacturing capabilities.<\/p>\n<p>Disruption in the industry is driving innovation and competition, says Boeing\u2019s Radpour, who talks about Boeing\u2019s embrace of additive manufacturing methods to improve cost and schedule.<\/p>\n<p><script>var AIAD_fcd45f981d570e35cee941b23edc69c7_6a6a92459fc41;googletag.cmd.push(function(){var AIMAP_29b58f13885ebf8ea6b032f958eb0748 = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([992, 100], [[970, 90], [970, 250]]).addSize([768, 100], [728, 90]).addSize([320, 100], [320, 50]).build();var AIMAP_737ce075cc05dd766c8f8ea08f3faa73 = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([768, 100], [728, 90]).addSize([320, 100], [320, 50]).build();var AIMAP_21fe3bcfb86a8660aba4e721ee9338f3 = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([1200, 100], [970, 250]).addSize([768, 100], [600, 300]).addSize([320, 100], [300, 250]).build();AIAD_fcd45f981d570e35cee941b23edc69c7_6a6a92459fc41 = googletag.defineSlot('\/987\/satellitetoday.com\/via-satellite-digital-issue-ads', [ [600, 300], [300, 250], [970, 250] ], 'div-gpt-ad-1774631144891- 0-6a6a92459fc42').defineSizeMapping(AIMAP_21fe3bcfb86a8660aba4e721ee9338f3).setCollapseEmptyDiv(true).addService(googletag.pubads());   });<\/script><script>googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1774631144891- 0-6a6a92459fc42'); });<\/script><\/p>\n<p>Radpour points to Boeing\u2019s integrated payload array (IPA). \u201cWhat used to be a six- to nine-month integration and test phase for larger payloads with higher capacities is now basically a printed circuit,\u201d she says. \u201cIt\u2019s a huge jump, huge capabilities for our customers. We have a hot production line for it.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>As satellite operators now deploy satellites across multiple orbits, manufacturers have moved toward configurable platforms, where common building blocks can be leveraged, no matter where the mission is headed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAs a whole industry we\u2019re trying to get to orbit faster, [with] fewer parts, fewer handoffs, and production and manufacturing flows designed to support goals for proliferated architectures,\u201d Radpour says.<\/p>\n<h3>10. The Value of Spectrum<\/h3>\n<p>The past year showed the value of spectrum \u2014 particularly mobile satellite service (MSS) spectrum that can be used to provide D2D services. AST SpaceMobile agreed to pay around half a billion dollars for MSS spectrum to Ligado for spectrum rights, then SpaceX made an eye-catching $17 billion deal with EchoStar. In both cases, the operators are securing rights to their own spectrum versus sharing spectrum with mobile network operators (MNOs) to provide service.<\/p>\n<p>It will be some time before SpaceX will be able to provide service with the spectrum it purchased, but the purchase is sending shockwaves through the industry. Globalstar\u2019s share price recently skyrocketed on reports that the company was considering a sale, possibly to SpaceX.<\/p>\n<p>Morizur of Cailabs is watching for how the spectrum sales influence other companies\u2019 decisions about their own architectures. For Cailabs, which builds optical ground stations, it could push more players to adopt optical communications to get around spectrum availability, he says.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI think the thing that resonates is it sends a signal to the industry that that\u2019s what spectrum goes for. There are some sitting on spectrum that say \u2018I may want to sell it.\u2019 Others are considering [their] plans involving a lot of spectrum and maybe it\u2019s going to be challenging,\u201d Morizur says. \u201cWhat happens after that massive, massive sale \u2014 and what does that mean for the others?\u201d <strong class=\"Annotation -strong\">VS<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>,<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"widget-title\">In This Issue<\/h2>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t<!-- post id 404132:  \/code\/wp-content\/themes\/ai-beehive\/template-parts\/content\/post-snippet.php --><\/p>\n<figure class=\"overflow-hidden w-100 me-3\">\n<p>\t<img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" src=\"https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/lqhxA4ovQjyaR1HfHMlH_VS_120125_DGTL_VLEO_1280-300x225.jpg\" class=\"img-responsive wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" style=\"\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/lqhxA4ovQjyaR1HfHMlH_VS_120125_DGTL_VLEO_1280-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/lqhxA4ovQjyaR1HfHMlH_VS_120125_DGTL_VLEO_1280-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/lqhxA4ovQjyaR1HfHMlH_VS_120125_DGTL_VLEO_1280-640x480.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/lqhxA4ovQjyaR1HfHMlH_VS_120125_DGTL_VLEO_1280.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\">\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"fs-4 w-100 line-clamp-3\">\n<p>\t\t\t\tA Closer Look at VLEO: The New Frontier in Orbit<br \/>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n<p><!-- .post-snippet --><\/p>\n<hr class=\"my-3 d-block d-md-none\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<!-- post id 404156:  \/code\/wp-content\/themes\/ai-beehive\/template-parts\/content\/post-snippet.php --><\/p>\n<figure class=\"overflow-hidden w-100 me-3\">\n<p>\t<img width=\"300\" height=\"167\" src=\"https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/yV9qcmBITPeBlrQyP8Uw_Editors_Note-300x167.jpg\" class=\"img-responsive wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" style=\"\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/yV9qcmBITPeBlrQyP8Uw_Editors_Note-300x167.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/yV9qcmBITPeBlrQyP8Uw_Editors_Note-800x446.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/yV9qcmBITPeBlrQyP8Uw_Editors_Note-640x357.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/yV9qcmBITPeBlrQyP8Uw_Editors_Note.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\">\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"fs-4 w-100 line-clamp-3\">\n<p>\t\t\t\tMarking the End of 2025<br \/>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n<p><!-- .post-snippet --><\/p>\n<hr class=\"my-3\">\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t<!-- post id 404145:  \/code\/wp-content\/themes\/ai-beehive\/template-parts\/content\/post-snippet.php --><\/p>\n<figure class=\"overflow-hidden w-100 me-3\">\n<p>\t<img width=\"300\" height=\"225\" src=\"https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1UeHcIdDRASAov5nZJVr_VS_120125_DGTL_Spin_Launch_Interview-300x225.jpg\" class=\"img-responsive wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" style=\"\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1UeHcIdDRASAov5nZJVr_VS_120125_DGTL_Spin_Launch_Interview-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1UeHcIdDRASAov5nZJVr_VS_120125_DGTL_Spin_Launch_Interview-800x599.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1UeHcIdDRASAov5nZJVr_VS_120125_DGTL_Spin_Launch_Interview-640x480.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1UeHcIdDRASAov5nZJVr_VS_120125_DGTL_Spin_Launch_Interview.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\">\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The past year was marked by eye-catching spectrum sales amid the ramp-up of direct-to-device (D2D), mega-mergers as Europe looks to secure its future in space leadership, and increased adoption of AI technologies for on-orbit operations and network management. To mark the end of 2025, Via Satellite asked industry leaders to weigh in on the 10 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":47951,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-47950","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47950"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=47950"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47950\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/47951"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=47950"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=47950"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=47950"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}