Ground Segment Market and Outlook
Alix Rousselière, Senior Consultant, Novaspace
The ground segment – the oft-unsung backbone of satellite systems – has garnered more and more attention over the past year. While launch services and space-based assets dominate headlines, the growing complexity and strategic importance of ground infrastructure should not be overlooked. Historically an infrastructure-heavy, expensive domain, the satellite ground segment is now undergoing several key transformations, among which are the shift toward externalization and the rise of service-based delivery models, akin to the changes that the telecom and IT sectors have already largely undergone.
A Market in Transition
Traditionally, satellite operators and service providers invested heavily in proprietary ground infrastructure: antennas, teleport facilities, network operation centers, and dedicated personnel to operate them. These capital-intensive, bespoke structures worked well for the fixed satellite services required from them at the time, but provided little to no agility or scalability, which is what the space segment has since evolved towards, notably with flexible payloads and NGSO constellations.
Today, a growing number of players are externalizing their ground segment operations. Instead of managing their ground infrastructure in-house, they are opting for Ground Segment as a Service (GSaaS) business models, in which heavy upfront CAPEX is replaced with flexible OPEX. This grants operators access to global ground networks via subscriptions or pay-per-use fees, enabling them to scale their missions more efficiently and respond faster to evolving customer needs.
This transition mirrors the divestments that occurred in the telecommunications sector, starting in the 1990s and early 2000s. At the time, telcos began to outsource non-core operations, such as tower management and data center operations, in a move to reduce costs and focus on service delivery. The same pattern is now emerging in the space industry, albeit with the added pressures of global connectivity demand, increased satellite proliferation, and the rise of mega-constellations.
Well-established in EO, now coming to Satcom
Earth Observation (EO) operators were early adopters of GSaaS models. Their reliance on frequent downlinks and low-latency data processing made them well-suited clients for on-demand, multi-site ground station access. Software improvements were key to bolstering this sector; EO operators could easily book slots from GSaaS operators for their satellites, for the short, specific time their satellites would be overhead, and GSaaS operators’ ground stations could handle a queue of clients, optimizing the antennas’ active time – and therefore their revenue- instead of leaving them idle.
Over the past year, we’ve seen satcom operators begin to follow suit, albeit at a different pace, and with higher stakes. The satcom industry tends to be more cautious in approach as it handles larger payloads with both longer mission lifecycles and more stringent uptime requirements. However, the business case for flexibility and cost-efficiency is proving persuasive and is beginning to be seen for satcom as well.
Recent Ground Segment M&A Activity within Satcom
Over the past year, the satellite industry has witnessed a series of moves that illustrate just how central ground infrastructure has become in corporate strategy and investment planning. One of the most telling examples is Eutelsat’s agreement with EQT Partners, formally signed in December 2024. The deal, valued at 790 million euros ($831 million USD), is structured as a sale-leaseback arrangement, allowing Eutelsat to offload ground assets while retaining access to them under a long-term lease agreement. This move signals a broader trend: monetizing ground infrastructure to fund priority projects while preserving operational continuity. It is both a financial engineering maneuver and a marked pivot toward a more asset-light, service-focused model. (For more information on satellite ground segment M&A considerations, please see Novaspace’s April 2025 Ground Stations Primer)
In the last 6 months, other operators and service providers with extensive ground infrastructure have seemed to signal interest in following Eutelsat’s lead:
- In early May 2025, Speedcast emerged in industry headlines with reports that it was considering the sale of its ground station business. While still unconfirmed, insiders suggest the company is targeting a valuation exceeding $1 billion. Such a divestment would mark a significant redefinition of its business model. Rather than owning physical ground infrastructure, Speedcast may be shifting toward more network management and service orchestration services, reinforcing its cloud-based delivery model (its AWS-hosted SIGMA platform).
- Also in May 2025, Bloomberg reported that Telesat had issued a major RFP to expand and manage a new network of ground stations – presumably, ground stations for its Lightspeed LEO constellation. The scale of the contract – estimated to be worth over $1 billion – underscores the magnitude of the opportunity and the urgency with which even traditional operators are treating their ground segment strategies. Telesat’s move is particularly significant given its position in the market: a heritage operator modernizing rapidly to support its LEO ambitions.
- Meanwhile, in a slightly different vein, Microsoft sold its ground station assets to Space Leasing International (SLI) in October 2024, effectively retracting its direct involvement in GSaaS, a domain it had entered in 2021. Microsoft remains indirectly involved, however, as SLI has penned a leasing deal with RBC Signals, which will offer GSaaS services to end-users via Microsoft’s Azure Marketplace. For Microsoft, this is a strategic retreat from infrastructure ownership in favor of focusing on its core competencies in cloud services. The move still keeps Azure in the space-data delivery loop, albeit through partnerships.
Each of these cases reflects a broader consensus: ground infrastructure is no longer just a technical imperative but an asset that can be exploited for a competitive advantage. Satellite ground infrastructure can be morphed into a sophisticated and flexible tool for optimized network integration and orchestration, and a financially strategic asset that can be monetized or outsourced to better serve one’s core priorities.
Spotlight on Asia-Pacific
While North America and Europe have been at the forefront of early GSaaS momentum, the Asia-Pacific region is fast becoming a hotspot of innovation, experimentation, and growth in the ground segment ecosystem. Several major GSaaS players have emerged in the APAC region just in the past decade:
- In South Korea, Contec has emerged as a notable player in the GSaaS landscape. Founded in 2015 as a spin-off from the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI), the company initially focused on satellite data processing before evolving into a full-service provider of ground segment capabilities. Today, Contec operates a network of 10 ground stations, 4 of which are located within the Asia-Pacific region, offering coverage that supports both regional and international satellite operators. In addition to conventional RF-based ground stations, Contec has also begun investing in Optical Ground Stations (OGS), signaling a forward-looking approach to high-throughput, low-latency satellite communications. As the demand for secure, high-speed data transfer grows (particularly for EO and defense-related missions), Contec’s dual focus on RF and optical capabilities positions it as a versatile and innovative partner in the growing GSaaS ecosystem.
- Japan’s Infostellar was founded in 2016. Infostellar has adopted a “network of networks” GSaaS approach via its StellarStation platform, a cloud-based ground station network that emphasizes antenna sharing and dynamic resource allocation. Rather than owning a dense network of ground stations outright, Infostellar connects underutilized antennas from partners worldwide. This model has resonated particularly well with small satellite operators, offering them a scalable, cost-effective alternative to building out their own infrastructure. Infostellar has also begun forging partnerships beyond Japan (for example, with Indian Dhruva Space in March 2025), signaling ambitions to scale globally.
- Australia is another bright spot for GSaaS within APAC. Australia’s geographic position and vast, remote land topology with relatively low radio-frequency interference make it an ideal location for hosting ground assets supporting sun-synchronous orbits common in EO missions. While SSC founded its subsidiary SSC Space Australia in 2009, two homegrown GSaaS firms were created in the past 8 years: Cingular Space in 2017 and Capricorn Space in 2018. Capricorn Space has since developed partnerships with a number of other GSaaS players, such as Leaf Space and Infostellar.
Taken together, these developments suggest that Asia-Pacific is not just a market for consuming GSaaS but an increasingly active contributor to its evolution. With diverse geographies, emerging space economies, and growing commercial ambitions, the region is poised to play a central role in shaping the next generation of ground segment services.
Looking Ahead
The ground segment is undergoing a quiet revolution. The once-invisible infrastructure layer is now at the forefront of discussions around efficiency, scalability, network integration, and business model transformation. As satellite operators grapple with competitive pressures and growing customer expectations, GSaaS offers a compelling alternative.
Naturally, this evolution is not without its challenges. Regulatory frameworks, standards for interoperability and security are still evolving and necessitate a certain degree of harmonization for GSaaS to work seamlessly. In addition, GSaaS may not be adapted to operators with hefty legacy systems or unique mission profiles.
As the GSaaS ecosystem matures, understanding regional dynamics, competitive moves, and emerging partnership models becomes increasingly essential, not just for satellite operators but also for ground infrastructure providers, cloud partners, and downstream users. With capital flowing into the sector and technologies evolving rapidly, success in this new ground paradigm will depend not only on technical performance but also on flexibility, scalability, and smart collaboration. The satellite ground segment is no longer a static asset but a dynamic enabler, the connective tissue of space-enabled value chains.
Alix Rousselière is a Senior Consultant at Novaspace, where she leads the Ground Segment Market Prospects Report. She has both led and contributed to market assessment studies for satellite operators, equipment manufacturers and space agencies and has moderated panel discussions and webinars on ground segment topics. She has previous professional experience with Thales in Abu Dhabi and with the French Permanent Representation to NATO in Brussels. Alix is PMP-certified and holds a Master’s Degree in International Relations from Sciences Po Bordeaux, France with undergraduate work in Economics.
Ground Segment Market in APAC: Growth, Challenges, and Opportunities
Terry Bleakley, Regional Vice President, APAC, ST Engineering iDirect
The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region has rapidly emerged as a critical hub in the global commercial satellite industry, distinguished by a large number of regional satellite operators and growing connectivity demands across diverse geographies.
The region’s satellite ecosystem is highly competitive, with over 20 regional operators alongside several global players actively providing services. This dense operator landscape has fostered a vibrant market characterized by rapid technological adoption and innovation.
A unique aspect of the APAC satellite market is the significant involvement of emerging economies investing heavily in satellite infrastructure as part of their national development strategies. Countries like Vietnam, Laos, and Bangladesh are launching domestic satellite programs and incentivizing local innovation ecosystems.
This policy-driven push helps build homegrown ground segment expertise and encourages partnerships with international vendors, accelerating technology transfer and fostering regional self-reliance.
However, whilst much attention centers on satellite constellations themselves, the ground segment – the network of gateways, antennas, network management systems, and related software – is a fundamental pillar supporting the effectiveness and scalability of satellite services.
Given APAC’s geographic diversity, including island nations, mountainous areas, and dense urban centers, ground infrastructure must be versatile, robust, and scalable to deliver reliable connectivity.
Operators are challenged to deploy gateway networks that can serve vast urban populations. (Source: Unsplash)
The evolution of ground infrastructure in APAC
Over the last five years, the APAC ground segment has evolved considerably. The widespread deployment of High Throughput Satellites (HTS) with frequency reuse and spot beam technologies has revolutionized satellite communications by dramatically increasing capacity and spectral efficiency.
However, these advancements come with increased ground infrastructure complexity. HTS systems require an expansion of gateways to handle the distributed coverage patterns, prompting satellite operators to significantly upgrade their ground networks.
Operators are challenged to deploy gateway networks that can serve vast urban populations and reach remote rural or island communities. This includes balancing centralized hubs with distributed ground stations, optimizing backhaul connections, and ensuring resilience to local environmental conditions such as tropical storms and high humidity.
An additional catalyst for ground segment evolution in APAC is the growing role of satellites in bridging the digital divide. Governments and private entities increasingly recognize satellite’s potential to provide broadband in underserved regions, which has driven investments in ground infrastructure that supports affordable, scalable connectivity. The APAC market offers fertile ground for innovation, with satellite systems increasingly integrated into national broadband strategies and telecom networks.
Given APAC’s geographic diversity, including island nations, ground infrastructure must be versatile, robust, and scalable to deliver reliable connectivity. (Source: Unsplash)
Impact of NGSOs and multi-orbit architectures on ground systems
The arrival of Non-Geostationary Satellite Orbit (NGSO) constellations, including Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellites, has further transformed ground segment requirements in APAC.
Unlike GEO satellites that remain fixed relative to ground points, NGSOs move rapidly across the sky, necessitating ground stations with advanced tracking capabilities and low latency switching.
In response, the ground segment now incorporates electronically steerable antennas and more intelligent network orchestration systems to handle seamless handovers between satellites. Software-defined networking and network function virtualization have become critical to managing the complex, multi-orbit satellite ecosystems emerging across the region.
Operators are increasingly exploring partnerships and shared ground infrastructure to manage capital expenditures efficiently while expanding service footprints. This collaboration is a necessary evolution given the high costs and technical demands of tracking NGSO constellations.
However, given the large number of NGSO satellites planned or already launched over APAC, spectrum coordination has become increasingly complex. Operators and regulators in the region are working together to establish dynamic spectrum sharing frameworks and interference mitigation protocols, leveraging AI-based spectrum sensing technologies integrated within ground stations.
Unlocking scale
Historically, the satellite ground segment industry has been fragmented, with proprietary systems hindering interoperability and scalability. This siloed approach has limited the ability to rapidly deploy new services and integrate multiple satellite architectures efficiently.
A turning point is underway in the region as industry stakeholders begin to embrace standardization efforts. For the first time, satellite communications are being fully integrated into the global mobile network framework, facilitating the development of cost-effective, standardized ground equipment capable of supporting both terrestrial and satellite networks.
Industry consortia, such as the Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF), the Digital Intermediate Frequency Interoperability (DIFI) group, and the Wave Consortium are driving collaboration among ground segment vendors and satellite operators. These efforts aim to deliver modular, interoperable equipment that can flexibly support diverse satellite orbits and frequencies. This is critical in APAC, where the ability to serve different national and regional requirements efficiently can unlock significant market growth.
Virtualization and Software-Defined
Mirroring trends in the broader telecom sector, APAC’s satellite ground segment is shifting from hardware-centric systems toward software-defined architectures. Software-defined satellites (SDS) allow in-orbit reconfiguration of beam patterns and frequencies, but to fully realize their potential, ground infrastructure must also be agile and software-driven.
In this context, software-defined ground systems (SDGS) are becoming key enablers of operational flexibility. Virtualization allows remote provisioning, real-time network orchestration, and adaptive resource management. These capabilities support cost reduction, rapid service deployment, and tailored connectivity solutions across APAC’s varied geographies.
Cloud-native ground infrastructure also permits scalable deployment models. This is particularly relevant for smaller or emerging operators in the region who may lack the resources to build extensive physical ground networks.
The evolution of containerized cloud platforms within ground segments is particularly significant for APAC’s island nations, where physical infrastructure expansion is limited. Operators can deploy lightweight, virtualized network functions on cloud infrastructure located in regional data centers, minimizing the need for extensive local hardware.
Automation and AI in Ground Operations
As the region’s ground networks become more complex, automation and artificial intelligence (AI) are emerging as indispensable tools for operational efficiency. Managing hybrid constellations across GEO, MEO, and LEO orbits involves dynamic resource allocation, interference mitigation, and predictive maintenance – tasks ideally suited for AI-driven platforms.
AI algorithms can optimize beam steering, frequency use, and handover timing in real-time, reducing latency and maximizing throughput. They also enable proactive fault detection, minimizing downtime by predicting equipment failures before they occur.
These innovations are particularly valuable in APAC’s challenging environments where remote ground stations may have limited onsite technical support.
Highly urbanized markets, such as Japan, focus on integrating satellite ground segments tightly with terrestrial 5G and fiber networks. (Source: Unsplash)
Regional influences guiding ground segment design
Island nations such as Indonesia and the Philippines require widely distributed, robust ground networks that can connect remote islands vulnerable to environmental extremes. This drives demand for compact ground terminals and resilient gateway designs.
Highly urbanized markets, such as Japan, South Korea, and Australia, focus on integrating satellite ground segments tightly with terrestrial 5G and fiber networks. This integration requires ground equipment capable of supporting high bandwidth and low latency, as well as compliance with stringent regulatory standards.
Emerging economies in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands view satellite as a critical enabler for closing connectivity gaps. For these markets, cost-effective ground segment solutions, such as modular, scalable gateways and GSaaS, are key to rapid network deployment and sustainable operations.
The challenges
Despite technological progress, deploying ground infrastructure in APAC faces several challenges. Regulatory environments vary widely, with spectrum allocation, gateway licensing, and cross-border data policies often differing country by country, and navigating these regulatory landscapes requires ground segment providers to work closely with national authorities and adapt designs accordingly.
Environmental factors also pose significant hurdles. Ground stations must withstand tropical cyclones, high humidity, and seismic activity prevalent across many APAC regions. Designing for resilience increases complexity and cost but is essential for reliable service delivery.
Capital expenditure remains a substantial barrier too, particularly for smaller operators and new entrants. While virtualization and GSaaS models reduce upfront investment, building and maintaining physical gateways with advanced tracking and beamforming capabilities demands significant funding. Innovative financing and public-private partnerships will be crucial to expand ground infrastructure equitably across APAC.
Integration with 5G NTN standards, virtualization, AI-powered automation, and collaborative industry initiatives are collectively reshaping the ground segment landscape.
The road ahead
The APAC ground segment market is characterized by rapid technological advancement and growing regional demand. Integration with 5G NTN standards, virtualization, AI-powered automation, and collaborative industry initiatives are collectively reshaping the ground segment landscape.
As satellite constellations multiply and diversify, the need for flexible, scalable, and interoperable ground infrastructure becomes ever more critical. Ground segment providers that can deliver cost-effective solutions tailored to APAC’s unique geography and regulatory environment will be well positioned for growth.
Additionally, expanding satellite connectivity in maritime, aeronautical, rural broadband, and enterprise sectors will further drive demand for innovative ground stations and network management tools. The ability to support multi-orbit constellations and hybrid satellite-terrestrial networks will be a key success factor.
Overall, while satellites operate far above, the ground segment forms the essential foundation for realizing satellite connectivity’s promise in the Asia-Pacific region.
With continued innovation, standardization, and strategic investment, the APAC ground segment market is poised to flourish over the next decade, enabling digital inclusion and economic growth across a complex and dynamic landscape.
Terry Bleakley is the regional vice president of the APAC region at ST Engineering iDirect where he is responsible for developing and executing strategies to accelerate the company’s revenue growth.
Throughout his extensive career, Terry held several senior leadership roles with leading satellite operators. From 2010 to 2023, he served as Regional Vice President for the Asia-Pacific at Intelsat, where he oversaw significant regional initiatives, strengthening the company’s presence in the region. Prior to his tenure at Intelsat, he was the Chief Commercial Officer at MEASAT from 2007 to 2010, where he played a critical role in driving the company’s commercial growth.
Terry’s journey in the satellite industry began in 1997 when he moved to Malaysia to join British Telecom. Since then, held senior sales management roles at PanAmSat and Intelsat. More recently, he served as Senior Advisor for Strategic Initiatives at Intelsat and as an advisor to Sky TV New Zealand. He is set to continue his advisory work with SkyPerfect JSAT through late 2024.
With strong roots in the APAC region, Terry serves as the President of the Asia Pacific Space Community Council (APSCC), a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the satellite ecosystem in the Asia-Pacific region. Since 2023, he has been leading APSCC’s efforts to advance satellite communications across one of the world’s most dynamic markets.
He holds a Bachelor of Science from Victoria University in Wellington and a Diploma in Aviation Studies from Massey University in New Zealand.
How Ground Systems Can Help MNOs Deliver Robust Connectivity to Rural Areas in Need
Kartik Seshadri, Vice President, International Division, Hughes
One quarter through the 21st century, the gap between urban and rural internet access remains a persistent global challenge. While over 83% of urban residents worldwide had internet access in 2024, fewer than half of their rural counterparts could say the same, according to the International Telecommunication Union.
The issue, in many cases, is not just internet access – it’s a matter of capacity. Given that the demand, and need, for new kinds of digital solutions – particularly in essential services like healthcare, education, retail, and government – will only grow, it’s just as important that rural areas have sufficient bandwidth to accommodate changing data needs.
This gap between capacity and need is a major roadblock to development, and rural communities cannot fully participate in the modern economy or benefit from advances in telemedicine, online learning, and e-commerce without reliable connectivity. But the high costs associated with deploying broadband infrastructure in sparsely populated, remote, and geographically challenging areas often dissuade wireline operators from upgrading their investments to meet current and future demand.
Fortunately, recent advances in technology are making it possible to connect these areas at much lower price points. The rapid evolution of satellite connectivity – especially advances in ground systems – has made high-speed internet in rural areas both technically feasible and economically viable.
Satellite ground systems – which generally consist of networks, antennas, and data processing and storage boxes – are now relatively inexpensive to deploy and offer scalability and flexibility that other broadband solutions often can’t match – at an economical price point.
And since the challenge is not just meeting the data needs today – demand can change unexpectedly based on any number of circumstances – mobile network operators (MNO) need systems that scale easily. Newer satellites and advanced ground systems are now perfect for this. Ground systems interoperate seamlessly with mobile infrastructure, are built to meet the demands of software-defined satellites and hybrid networks, and can support the full spectrum of use cases – from basic rural internet access to cellular backhaul and mobility. MNOs can leverage this reliable, flexible connectivity to expand internet access, and establish new sources of revenue.
Rural Cellular Connectivity (Source: Getty Images)
Satellite Connectivity: From Backup to Backbone
Traditionally thought of as a backup solution to infrastructure like cable or fiber optics, satellite connectivity is now emerging as a primary pillar of MNO infrastructure. These networks provide robust, scalable, and cost-effective connectivity that can be deployed without the massive capital expenditures associated with fiber or microwave networks. Just as importantly, they offer a critical advantage in areas with unreliable power supplies, where maintaining tower uptime during outages is a key operational hurdle.
They are also inherently flexible compared to other broadband solutions. The fact that they are modular means they can easily be expanded to help MNOs prepare for long-term connectivity needs. The flexibility and interoperable nature of ground segments means that MNOs can meet current demands and prepare for the unpredictable data needs of tomorrow at a much lower cost.
Inflight Connectivity (Source: Getty Images)
Smart Integration for a More Connected Future
A major obstacle to seamless service today is the siloed nature of terrestrial and satellite networks. As the digital economy pushes deeper into rural and underserved regions, MNOs need to design networks that can access whatever connectivity source is available at any given time – and quickly expand or shrink capacity to meet demand.
This is where advanced satellite ground systems shine. By integrating cloud-native, API-driven, and traffic-aware platforms, MNOs can manage connectivity dynamically – routing traffic intelligently, reconfiguring systems in real time, and scaling operations with a physical footprint that is considerably smaller than other systems.
Features like modular deployment, multi-transport flexibility, and virtualization are now more critical than ever. As ground infrastructure becomes denser – paired with high-capacity Q/V-band support – these systems will be able to scale bandwidth from 1.5 Gbps to 30 Gbps per gateway quickly and with ease. More than just servicing unconnected communities, this kind of flexibility is necessary for business-critical applications.
Remote Learning India (Source: Getty Images)
A Proven System for a Hybrid World
Leading this evolution in ground systems is the Hughes JUPITER™ Scalable gateway System. Built to meet the demands of modern hybrid networks and software-defined satellites, the JUPITER System is a real-world solution already powering global providers like SES-17, Eutelsat VHTS, Konnect, Telkomsat, and PSN.
With advanced features such as RF gateway diversity, machine learning-based switchover, and support for multi-orbit traffic, the JUPITER System delivers always-on connectivity – even in mobile or bandwidth-variable environments. It allows MNOs to treat Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSAT) as native network endpoints, enabling service differentiation through different tiers, bandwidth partitioning, and intelligent orchestration.
JUPITER 3 over the Americas(Source: Hughes)
Built for the Connectivity Needs of Today and Tomorrow
In the years to come, the ground systems that succeed will be cloud-native, containerized, with seamless interoperability across technologies and geographies.
By 2030, the most successful ground systems will:
- Integrate natively with 5G and 6G mobile cores
- Deploy lightweight and adaptable workloads on cloud-based gateways
- Support a wide range of satellite orbits and waveforms
- Offer intelligent orchestration for managing bandwidth across hybrid, multi-access edge networks
The Hughes JUPITER System delivers on all these fronts – offering MNOs a trusted partner and a powerful foundation for rural expansion, network resilience, and long-term growth.
As you consider building out internet capacity in remote parts of the world, consider the flexibility, robust connectivity and cost competitiveness of satellite ground systems.
Kartik Seshadri, vice president in the International Division at Hughes, leads the company’s global service delivery of enterprise broadband products for international and domestic US customers. In this capacity, he manages large satellite networks, both LEO and GEO, for Hughes customers, bringing together end users, service operators, and Hughes engineering teams to meet customers’ evolving needs in global communications and networking.
Throughout his career, Kartik has worked across the Hughes business⎯from network engineering to product line management to business development for international and domestic enterprise markets. Prior to his current role, Kartik worked on the Hughes satellite ground system, collaborating closely with international and domestic companies to tailor network solutions to their needs. Previously, he led the network engineering team supporting wideband time division multiple access (TDMA) and very small aperture terminal (VSAT) satellite network projects.
Kartik earned a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from Pennsylvania State University. He speaks frequently on satellite solutions for bridging the digital divide.
Software-Defined Ground: Unleashing the Full Power of Software-Defined Satellites
Paul Isaac, Director, Kratos
Challenged by intense competition, the growth of mega-constellations, and market disruption, operators today face a less predictable path into the future. To contend with that uncertainty, many are looking for ways to better compete and adapt. One path they’re taking is the move to more flexible software-defined systems in orbit and on the ground.
“What’s driving the shift to software systems is flexibility,” said Dallas Kasaboski, Principal Analyst at Analysis Mason. “It’s a natural evolution to have more flexibility and capabilities to prepare for the markets of tomorrow.”
With operators no longer having stable business cases over the life of a satellite, the move to reconfigurability in orbit allows them to protect their investment with a future-proofing effect. They can reshape beams and point capacity to where business is driving evenue.
But that flexibility on the satellite requires equal flexibility on the ground. To realize the benefits of a satellite that can adjust capacity, and coverage requires a ground system that can work in tandem with the payload.
Software-Defined Satellites offer better business models and more flexible capacity options. (Source: Shutterstock)
Thaicom: Embracing a Software-Defined Approach for Business Agility
One company making the shift to software-defined capabilities is Thaicom, a regional satellite operator that serves the Asia Pacific markets. In 2023 Thaicom purchased a OneSat software-defined GEO satellite from Airbus Defence and Space.
With eight of its satellites fixed, Thaicom moved to procure a semi-flexible satellite for its THAICOM-9 and fully flexible OneSat for its THAICOM-10. The OneSat, operating in Ka, Q/V and Ku band, will allow Thaicom to move and adjust capacity and coverage as demand or requirements change.
New Software-Defined Ground capabilities enable the full capabilities of flexible satellites. (Source: Kratos)
“It’s difficult to find a concrete requirement for 15 years, so the satellite has to be adaptable for any change in market demand,” said Park Boonyubol, Senior Vice President of Technology and Satellite Operations at Thaicom.
“With flexibility, you can provide bandwidth to users when they need it at any given time, which is a real business advantage in the satellite ecosystem.”
To unlock those capabilities, Thaicom contracted with Kratos for a new software-defined ground system designed to take advantage of the full capabilities of the THAICOM-10 satellite. The end-to-end system includes the traffic planning, resource orchestration, and performance monitoring of the satellite and ground system to coordinate end-to-end operations and deliver services in real-time.
With conventional satellites that remain mostly fixed after launch, the satellite and ground function as separate systems. “But once you have flexibility on the satellite, with a payload that can reconfigure and direct beams and bandwidth where you want, you need dynamic capabilities on the ground to match the dynamic capabilities of the satellite,” said John Chay, Vice President of Kratos.
In traditional ground systems that are built in hardware, it can take engineers days or weeks to provision a service manually as they plan out the capacity and configure modems and equipment at different sites.
In contrast, in a software-defined approach the software-based ground connects with the software-defined satellite to work as a single integrated system. An operator can plan the spectrum dynamically with the payload configurations coordinated with the ground resources in a much faster and automated fashion.
Automation, integration, and analytics across the software-defined ground and satellite system is key to maximizing business value.(Source: Shutterstock)
For software-defined satellites that have hundreds to thousands of spotbeams, each delivering a measure of bandwidth, flexible beam forming creates a complex provisioning model that needs to be taken into account on the ground at any given time, explained Chay.
Configurations that can change day-to-day or hour to hour, such as the channel allocation and power applied to a particular beam, must be brought down and coordinated with the ground. Software orchestrates those changes, automating them across the satellite, ground, and user segments, ensuring all the subsystems operate in a synchronized fashion.
“For the software satellite to work with the software ground, every system has to connect and talk with each other,” said Boonyubol of Thaicom.
Maximizing Capacity and Driving Applications for Business Growth
Boonyubol sees numerous advantages and applications of a flexible space-ground architecture that can support dynamic satellite use cases.
One is with disaster response and recovery, where a customer can have a huge, sudden need for bandwidth that they don’t need all the time. “When it is needed or predicted, we can provide it at those times to those areas.”
Another is mobility. “In today’s world, you have to allocate capacity across all parts of the mobility area, which can be large. However, with the flexible system, technically you can look at or predict the demand and pre-provision it, allowing the headroom for the demand to grow.”
He added capacity utilization and converting megahertz to megabits as another.
“If you can manage the market dynamically, then technically you can oversubscribe your capacity, meaning, the effective throughput of the software-defined satellite is higher than the fixed satellite.”
An operator, for example, can shift capacity from one area to another, following the demand to increase their fill rate and generate more revenue. Bandwidth that supports offices during the day could be redirected to residential areas at night, or to another region where it’s still daytime.
“By looking at the pattern of life and utilization of the satellite using data analytics and artificial intelligence, and moving the capacity dynamically, you can potentially oversubscribe a 100-gig satellite with 120 gigs of revenue. That’s a lot of revenue if you can fulfill the full capacity of the satellite by reselling, moving the capacity dynamically from one region to another,” said Chay.
“As we modernize our satellite fleet and ground capabilities,” said Boonyubol, “those are some of business cases we’re looking at to unlock that value.”
That more flexible approach versus a more rigid one, has some companies seeing the need for less total capacity on the satellite to keep pace with growth trends, said Kasabowsk of Analysis Mason.
An End-to-End Software-Defined Approach from Space to Ground
For the ground to support that approach requires real-time integrated satellite and ground management, “to have an instant picture of the current space network and to know exactly what’s changed,” explained Chay of Kratos.
“It also needs to be flexible and dynamic so you can scale and be elastic to provide the capacity when it’s needed. And when it’s not, the resources are released back for other uses. Ground virtualization is key and goes hand in hand with the software-defined satellite.”
New ground capabilities take advantage of virtualization and orchestration to work in tandem with flexible satellites (Source: Shutterstock)
Some advances in the ground segment aren’t exactly new, but others are. Kratos began virtualizing ground infrastructure over a decade ago, converting hardware functions to software, mostly for EO applications and later for satcom.
But as software-defined satellites have continued to evolve and advance, so too has the software ground to leverage those capabilities.
“We recognized early on the potential of software-defined satellites and the need to support the more dynamic capabilities. For several years we’ve been working with the satellite operators and satellite manufacturers such as Airbus and Thales on how to integrate the software, manage the satellite payload, and also the resource management,” said Chay.
“That interaction is essential for the end-to-end connectivity,” he added. “You need to be able to connect the satellite to the ground and orchestrate all the resources so that all the systems operate in unison to provide a service when you need it. Orchestration chains up all these changes, coupled with analytics and automation to preempt any congestion or to provide additional oversubscription capabilities on the satellite.”
Boonyubol of Thaicom sees the ground innovation continuing, with “more automation, analytics, and intelligence that will enable the space network to change to meet the needs of the market. If you change the satellite, you have to change the terminal and the ground that it’s connected to. Orchestrating and synchronizing them all together based on predicted or actual demand is key.”
A Software-Based Approach is Key to Multi-Orbit Operations
Beyond using the ground to leverage its own GEO satellites, Thaicom is also looking to leverage other satellite orbits as well as part of a multi-orbit strategy.
In comparing GEOs and NGSOs, Boonyubol believes there’s no perfect, one-size-fits all solution. “Each have their own unique advantages and there’s a case for each. As a satellite operator that’s starting to become a service provider as well, we see the trend of not only having a base solution to fit specific requirements, but also a way to dynamically optimize between the two.
“To link the two as one solution, you need a flexible software-based ground that can manage the portion or timing, where you may have GEO in one scenario and LEO in another. From the end-user perspective, that’s the way to create the best value in terms of user experience – offer the orbit that best meets the customer service demand,” said Boonyubol.
The Path Ahead for Software-Defined Ground
“Everything in this market is increasing in demand, in speed, and wanting lower costs,” said Kasabowski of Analysis Mason. Bringing together software-defined satellites and the software ground is the next step as operators look to better compete and innovate to serve growing markets and global demand.
A key value of software-defined ground systems is their ability to future-proof new satellite network deployments. The flexible technology and the embrace of industry standards supports the drive to new markets, services and revenue streams.
“Standards such as 5G NTN and DIFI play an important role in providing scalability and extension of the terrestrial network. The ability for remotes to roam across different satellite networks seamlessly will allow the regional satellite operators to effectively compete with the global mega-constellations,” explained Chay.
Industry players who adopt software-defined satellites will have a sharp competitive edge in the years to come, as end-users become accustomed to on-demand capabilities. “I believe that on-demand is something that everyone needs now,” said Boonyubol.
For satellite operators like Thaicom that operate in the highly dynamic Asia Pacific region, the move to a software-defined ground system to unlock the capabilities of its software-defined satellite offers significant opportunities to deliver new and improved services, capture more revenue, and enable new use cases for customers.
As a Director at Kratos, Paul Isaac leads the effort in providing systems and tools to support customers as they adopt emerging software-defined satellites. He works on innovative solutions to provide advanced ground capabilities such as traffic planning, resource orchestration, and performance monitoring to support flexible satellite operations. He has worked over thirty years for satellite operators in UK, Luxembourg and Holland before moving to France and then California to work for Kratos. He gained experience in satellite ground segment operations and design, payload operations and product delivery before specializing in product management In 2010. He holds a B.Sc. with Honors degree in Computer Software Engineering from the Open University in the UK.
Cloud-based Satellite Ground Platforms in the Age of 5G NTN
Yaron Nachman, Product Line Manager, 5G & Cloud, Gilat Satellite Networks
Introduction and Scope
The satellite communications industry is in the midst of transformation with the impending shift to 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN). This evolution promises standard ubiquitous connectivity across terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, a multi-vendor open ecosystem for the satcom industry, new revenue streams from new use cases, and reduced TCO for satellite operators and MNOs. In this paper we will expand on the motivation for 5G NTN and the key strategic evolution steps to make the 5G NTN justified from business perspective to the market players.
Why 5G NTN?
5G NTN brings forth a wide range of advantages that contribute to the progression and enhancement of global satellite communication systems. Some of these advantages include:
Ubiquitous Connectivity:
5G NTN can provide ubiquitous connectivity, extending text, voice, video, and broadband 5G services to remote and underserved areas globally. This contributes to bridging the digital divide and ensuring that people in diverse geographical locations have access to advanced communication services.
Service Monetization:
Satellite Operators and MNOs can leverage 5G terrestrial network monetization systems that allow them to onboard new customers and provide new services quickly and easily, as well as expand to new use-cases and revenue streams.
Operational Efficiency:
Satellite Operators and MNOs can adapt 5G terrestrial network functions and operations systems that allow them to reduce their current OpEx and CapEx, as well as increase customer experience.
Standard Interoperability
Historically, satellite networks have been characterized by proprietary interfaces and protocols, hindering system interoperability and limiting the development of standardized solutions. The adoption of 5G NTN, a globally recognized standard, promises to break down these silos, fostering greater competition and innovation. A large ecosystem will also benefit from economies of scale.
Flexibility for Diverse Use Cases:
5G NTN is designed to accommodate diverse use cases, ranging from Direct-to-Device and IoT to Air, Ground and Maritime Mobility, Cellular Backhaul, Private Networks, and Military services. This flexibility makes it suitable for a wide array of applications, driving innovation across industries.
Future-Proof Design:
5G NTN standards are developed with a forward-looking approach, allowing for easy integration of future technologies and evolved standards. This ensures that the network remains relevant and adaptable to emerging trends and requirements.
Figure 1: 5G NTN Advantages
Seamless Evolution Strategy to 5G NTN
As we embark on this exciting journey, it’s crucial to focus on efficiency, adaptability, and strategic evolution. We have analyzed the key considerations for a seamless evolution to 5G NTN, ensuring harmonious integration without sacrificing current investments and business continuity.
Transitioning to a Virtualized All-Software Platform:
The foundation of a successful transition to 5G NTN is the adoption of a virtualized all-software platform that operates efficiently on standard, off-the-shelf hardware. This shift towards Virtualization and Cloud technologies empowers network operators with flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. By decoupling software from dedicated hardware, operators can harness the power of commodity hardware, significantly reducing capital expenditures and operational costs.
A virtualized platform facilitates the efficient allocation of resources, ensuring optimal performance based on demand. This approach not only enhances operational efficiency but also paves the way for a dynamic, software-defined network architecture that can easily adapt to evolving requirements and new technologies.
Virtualization and Cloud have revolutionized terrestrial networks, offering unprecedented flexibility, cost-efficiency, and on-demand resource allocation. The satellite industry recognizes these benefits and is eager to leverage cloud platforms for network management, data processing, and service delivery. This move allows satellite operators and MNOs to scale their infrastructure dynamically, reduce capital expenditure, and access a rich ecosystem of cloud-based applications and services.
The integration of cloud technology into satellite network operations offers numerous compelling benefits:
Scalability and Elasticity:
Cloud environments provide virtually limitless scalability, allowing satellite operators to easily scale their resources up or down based on demand. This elasticity is crucial for handling fluctuating traffic patterns and supporting new services without requiring massive upfront investments in infrastructure.
Agility and Faster Time to Market:
Cloud platforms enable faster deployment of new services and applications. The agility of the cloud allows operators to respond quickly to changing market demands and launch innovative offerings, gaining a competitive edge.
High Availability and Redundancy:
Cloud platforms offer robust infrastructure with built-in redundancy and disaster recovery capabilities. This enhances the reliability and availability of satellite network services, ensuring business continuity even in the face of unforeseen events.
Innovation and New Service Enablement:
Cloud platforms provide access to a wide range of cutting-edge technologies, such as AI, machine learning, and big data analytics. These technologies can be leveraged to develop new services, optimize network performance, and gain valuable insights into customer behaviour.
Transitioning to a virtualized all-software digital platform running on Private, Public or Hybrid Cloud contains 3 main parts: cloud-native NMS application, Data Processing cloud-native network functions (CNFs) and Digital Baseband CNFs connected via Digital Interface (e.g., DIFI) to the antenna. Satellite Operators will run the Data Processing and Digital Baseband cloud-native functions On-Premises, Private Cloud or Edge Cloud for enhanced Performance, Security and Control.
Figure 2: Virtualized All-Software Digital Platform
Future-Ready Platform:
To future-proof your infrastructure it’s essential to choose a platform designed to apply future standards, ensuring adaptability and integration across multiple waveforms. The 5G NTN landscape is dynamic and characterized by new standards and technologies, that are evolving along 3GPP Releases and technology maturity. A forward-thinking platform should be capable of seamlessly incorporating these changes without necessitating extensive hardware upgrades.
Flexibility is paramount, and a platform that supports multi-waveforms ensures compatibility with diverse satellite communication technologies. This adaptability is crucial as industry continues to explore different frequency bands, modulation schemes, and satellite constellations to meet the growing demand for ubiquitous connectivity.
Strategic Evolution and Phased Approach:
Evolution should be strategic, preserving current investments in technologies like DVB-S2X while maintaining smooth business evolution. The transition to 5G NTN is not a one-size-fits-all process, as some SNOs will aim for building 5G NTN Transparent solution while others will aim for 5G NTN Regenerative solution. A phased approach allows operators to incrementally upgrade their infrastructure, mitigating risks and ensuring a smooth transition without disrupting ongoing operations.
Preserving investments in current technologies like DVB-S2X is essential for a cost-effective transition. By integrating current DVB-S2X technologies with standard 5G Core (aka Hybrid NTN mode), and using standard OSS and BSS systems and processes, SNOs can use 5G Core’s standard management and control for users and services. Furthermore, SNOs can monetize and automate their operations and use advanced standard capabilities like Charging, Roaming, Analytics and Lawful Interception. By integrating DVB-based networks into 5G Core, SNOs enjoy the benefits of 5G Core without losing their past investments. As such they can reduce risk, validate and use 5G Core even prior to market availability of 5G NTN satellites, hubs and terminals.
By strategically integrating 5G NTN elements – 5G Core, 5G NTN gNBs and 5G NTN Terminals – alongside existing systems, operators can leverage the benefits of both technologies while minimizing disruptions to ongoing operations. This phased approach also allows for thorough testing and validation, ensuring that each stage of the transition is successful before moving to the next.
Figure 3: Strategic Evolution to 5G NTN
Multi-Orbit Platform:
For next-generation 5G NTN platforms, the ability to seamlessly operate across multiple satellite orbits – Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), and Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) – is paramount. Each orbit offers distinct advantages in terms of latency, coverage, and capacity. LEO constellations excel in low latency and high data rates, ideal for real-time applications and dense urban areas. GEO satellites provide vast, consistent coverage, crucial for broadcasting and serving remote and fixed locations. MEO offers a balance between the two.
A multi-orbit capable platform enables dynamic service provisioning, allowing operators to select the optimal orbit based on specific application requirements, user location, and service level agreements. This flexibility enhances network resilience, optimizes resource utilization, and facilitates the delivery of a wider range of services, from low-latency mobile broadband in urban centers to ubiquitous IoT connectivity across vast rural landscapes and reliable backhaul for remote terrestrial networks.
Network Management System (NMS) for Both Current DVB-S2X and 5G NTN Platforms:
The cloud-native NMS application serves as the central nervous system of your network, providing real-time monitoring, configuration, and optimization capabilities. It is wise to invest in a robust NMS designed to handle the intricacies of both current DVB-S2X and 5G NTN platforms.
A unified NMS that seamlessly integrates with both legacy and future platforms, as well as with Service, Resource & Cloud Management and Orchestration systems, simplifies operations and reduces the learning curve for network administrators. This unified approach enhances overall efficiency, allowing operators to manage and monitor their entire hybrid network ecosystem from a single interface.
Conclusion
The transition to 5G NTN and Cloud represents a significant leap forward for the satellite communications industry. Operators can ensure a smooth and future-ready transition by following these guidelines: a) embracing a virtualized all-software platform. b) incorporating future standards. C) adopting a phased evolution strategy. d) supporting multi-orbit platform. e) investing in versatile NMS.
As we navigate the complexities of this transformation, it’s imperative to keep in mind that the journey to 5G NTN is not just about embracing the latest technologies but also about leveraging them strategically to enhance connectivity, efficiency, and business continuity. With careful planning and a forward-thinking approach, the industry is poised to unlock new possibilities and redefine the landscape of satellite communications. The successful implementation of these tips will not only position operators as leaders in the 5G NTN era but also ensure that they are well-prepared for the evolving demands of the digital age.
Since the invention of cellular networks, their focus has been only on terrestrial infrastructures. For the first time in history, 5G technology is about to expand to non-terrestrial networks, allowing the creation of true ubiquitous connectivity and coverage around the world.
Yaron Nachman serves as Product Line Manager for 5G & Cloud at Gilat Satellite Networks. In his role, Yaron leads the introduction of 5G NTN and Cloud technologies into Gilat’s next-generation products. Before joining Gilat, Yaron served in a variety of positions such as: Product Management, Partnerships Management and System Architecture in international companies including Amdocs, Nokia, Siemens and Avaya. His market and technology expertise covers Fixed, Mobile, Satellite, Enterprise Networks and OSS systems. He started his career in an elite technology unit of the IDF and is the co-author of five granted patents. Yaron holds a BSc and MSc in Electrical Engineering from the Technion – Israel institute of Technology.