Grounded in Space

In this podcast we discuss the importance of satcoms for broadcast and whether it still has a place to enable point to many distribution, as well as contribution for the broadcast industry. We discuss both the value satcoms delivers, the challenges that we need to overcome, and how those are being solved by a constantly evolving, and innovating, satcoms sector. Guests: Omar Al Marri, Es’hailSatAndrew Bond, ETL SystemsBart Van Utterbeeck, ST Engineering iDirect

In this episode, we got back to our roots and talked about Radio Frequency Interference. We discussed how an increasingly complex environment is having an impact on the probability of RFI, how operators are currently tackling it, what vendors are doing and what more is needed to keep spectrum clean. Guests:•Yasir Hassan, Arabsat•Alvaro Sanchez, Integrasys•Erik Otto Evenstad, Space Norway•Kiril Kirilov, Space Norway

In this podcast, we discuss the potential of AI for satcoms operations, from better signal analysis to RFI prediction and detection and weather intelligence, as well as discussing the barriers to adoption and the importance of human-in the loop. We also discuss how far we have come to date and the risks of not adopting AI.Guests:María Sánchez Romo, HispasatBob Potter, Global InvacomNajeeb Khan, Serana

In our latest podcast, we discussed the talent gap in the satcoms industry and how to resolve. While it is clear there is a gap, there is not a shortage of young people with the right skills and mindset to fill that, so how do we ensure they are aware of the opportunities and that we make the right spaces for them to grow within the industry? Guests:Gavin Cox, Global InvacomDave Davies, ST Engineering iDirectJack Brown, PhD Researcher, University of BirminghamChris Dix, Babcock 

In our latest podcast, we discuss the challenges surrounding flat panel antennas and the lack of certification. Flat Panel Antennas are no doubt critical for next generation networks but bring with them a huge amount of complexity and variables that not only make it challenging to ensure they operate error-free, but also make testing complicated. At the same time, the antennas themselves are evolving with new innovation happening at a dramatic rate, yet approvals are not currently a fair process and that can only stifle that innovation. We discussed the need for industry wide collaboration, independent testing, and the future role that AI will play.Guests: Mark Steel, SIG DirectorRainer Wansch, FraunhoferDave Davis, ST Engineering iDirect

In the latest SIG podcast, we discussed where the industry is with the transition to the cloud and the important things that need to happen to enable it, such as AI, customer education to understand the new technology, and a lower price point on data transfer and compute power. We also discussed how digitisation and cloud processing is bringing satcoms out of the dusty corner and into a new era of connectivity.  Guests:Simon Swift, ETL SystemsAlvaro Sanchez, IntegrasysJorg Rockstroh, Work MicrowaveLaurence Russell, freelance journalist

We discussed the evolution of ground satellite communications, the main areas impacting a transition to a software-based future, and how the satellite industry can learn from other industries. We also discussed how the skillsets needed are changing and how the industry can shift to compete with other sectors for that talent. Markus Eslitzbichler, KratosYassine Bihi, EshailsatMartin Coleman,Crispin Littlehales, Satellite EvolutionHelen Weedon, Satcoms Innovation Group

In the first ever Grounded Podcast from the Satcoms Innovation Group, we gather experts to discuss the challenges for military and government satcoms. We discuss challenges such as Radio Frequency Interference and jamming, technology and scalability, as well as standards. We also discuss the need to integrate more of the innovation happening in the commercial sector into military satcoms and how we can enable closer collaboration. Guests:Alvaro Sanchez, CEO, IntegrasysRory Welch, Vice President Global Government, IntelsatKoen Willems, VP EU/NATO Programs and Government Relations, ST Engineering iDirectFrane Milos, CEO Luxembourg, Amphinicy Technologies