By: Don Claussen

The satellite industry is at the threshold of unprecedented transformation, driven by breakthrough technologies, new entrants, and evolving global market demands. What was once a niche sector, focused largely on specialized communication and remote access, is now central to the future of global connectivity. The demand for fast, reliable, and ubiquitous internet access is growing rapidly, and satellite communications must be at the heart of this solution to bridge the digital divide and create global, always-on connectivity.

At the core of this shift are three transformative trends: the rise of mega-constellations, the adoption of multi-orbit strategies, and a drive for standardization. These developments bring immense opportunities but also new complexities that, as an industry, we must tackle with fresh perspectives and adaptable approaches.

Mega-Constellations: An Important New Kind of Global Coverage

The deployment of mega-constellations, with thousands of small satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), is reshaping what satellite networks can achieve. These networks deliver high-speed, low-latency, internet services capable of reaching underserved and remote regions, allowing satellite networks to compete with traditional broadband on a global scale.

LEOs are also making an indelible impact due to the sheer amount of capacity they bring, affecting markets and pricing. Satellite service providers have also begun to incorporate LEO capacity to add network resilience and scalability for applications from IoT to autonomous vehicles.

New satellite networks now have a wider range of characteristics to consider when creating a service. LEO capacity is quickly becoming an important element in service packages.

Multi-Orbit Strategies: A Game-Changer for Adaptability

In the past, the satellite industry mainly depended on geostationary orbit (GEO) systems, but today’s operators are embracing a multi-orbit approach, drawing on the distinct advantages of LEO, Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), and GEO in terms of coverage, latency, and capacity. Additionally, a multi-orbit setup provides redundancy, with different orbit layers serving as backups, ensuring continuous connectivity even during disruptions in one orbit. This redundancy bolsters network reliability, crucial for applications like emergency services and critical communications. By integrating these orbits, operators can optimize connectivity for a range of applications from expanding broadband in rural areas, to supporting high-density urban environments.

By embracing a multi-orbit paradigm, operators are positioned to provide more flexible, high-performance connectivity solutions that can seamlessly support a broad array of use cases.

Flexible Orchestration and Infrastructure: Making Multi-Orbit a Reality

Orchestration is central to this multi-orbit ecosystem, enabling precise, real-time resource management and service deployment. This orchestration requires a flexible, “orbit-agnostic” satellite communication ground network, allowing operators and providers to select the most effective orbit for each service as needed.

To monetize these services, modems that can support capacity from all orbits are essential, accommodating a wide range of bandwidth requirements. Additionally, adaptable satellite terminals that operate seamlessly across orbits, such as trackable antennas, parabolic and phased array designs, and flexible baseband solutions, are crucial. Furthermore, application-specific components must support diverse use cases, including cellular backhaul, maritime and in-flight connectivity, and specialized services for government, media, and broadcast markets.

Standardization and Interoperability: Building the Foundation for Seamless Connectivity

Interoperability across satellite and terrestrial networks is key to creating a seamless, cohesive connectivity experience. For too long, proprietary technologies have limited the satellite industry’s potential for innovation. However, a new commitment to standardization, including alignment with 3GPP/5G protocols, is paving the way for greater collaboration and operational efficiency. This is more than a technical issue — it’s a necessity to ensure connectivity in the most remote locations and to accelerate the rollout of hybrid networks.