A Call to Collaborate in 2024
As the space environment becomes more crowded, and indeed more complex, the issues and challenges that the industry now faces are of such breadth and complexity that no single organization or entity is capable of solving them on their own. This year, LEO has continued to expand at a previously unimaginable rate, and the industry is continuing to move towards multi-orbit, multi-band networks because it provides a means of better meeting consumer needs.
All of these changes are driving innovation at ground level, and ground segments are becoming more dynamic, and complex, in order to support the new space environment. At the same time, the industry is also continuing to transition toward the digitalisation and virtualisation of the ground segment, and this will be vital if the ground is to keep up with an ever more powerful and flexible space segment.
Getting a grip on new interference
Given all of these uncertainties, it’s hardly surprising that interference has been a key point of discussion at all of the events I’ve been at this year. It is an unknown quantity as far as the evolution of the industry goes. Interference could become evident in adjacent satellites or dynamic LEO networks could potentially impact the effectiveness of the tools we already have in place. Interference could also be a problem with the new antennas that support these networks. As we go forwards, antenna testing is going to be ever more important to stay on top of instances of interference in these new networks. It’s been a central subject at the SIG-moderated panels and events we’ve held this year.
But it’s not just interference that’s on the agenda. There are many developments and trends impacting the satcoms industry, including the role of AI, challenges around flat panel antennas, 5G, 6G and the need for standardisation both in relation of the development of an open interoperable digital IF/RF standard, and also around antenna design and approvals.
New threats
As an industry, we also need to be alert and responsive to evolving threats. As the orbits become more crowded, serious discussions around Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and the challenge of space debris become increasingly important. With satellites under passive threats such as interference and debris to active threats such as cyber attacks and even anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons, these topics need to remain at top of mind as they have been this year at events such as Govsatcom and Defence in Space.
Addressing the skills gap
Another burning topic has been the growing skills gap that the satellite sector is suffering from, creating hiring problems across ours and many other industries. This was widely discussed at our SIG Workshop in June. SIG is actively addressing this challenge and is engaging with schools, colleges and universities to encourage dialogue on how this can be addressed. We need to ensure we are looking at grass roots solutions, encouraging young people from primary school age upwards to find a passion for STEAM subjects.
Switched on to the challenges!
Today more than ever, we need to work together to solve the many challenges that the industry is facing. SIG is the place to grow and develop the solutions with our hugely innovative members. Our workshops are key to stimulating discussion, to share knowledge and collectively advance.
SIG has grown from strength to strength since it was first established in 1997. It has a wide membership that is proactive and engaged in the issues at stake, and a strong board of directors.
Though there are many challenges that we face, I have no doubt that our group can overcome them. Using our collective knowledge and experience will enable us to move forward strong and resilient. Satellite has a pivotal role to play in the connectivity of the future and it’s up to us to help secure that future.