The past year marked a period of significant progress across the satellite and connectivity landscape. In this first episode of 2026, The Satellite World Briefing podcast revisits the conversations from 2025 that encapsulated this momentum. Industry leaders discussed how software-defined satellites, hybrid satellite-IP networks, and next-generation mobility solutions are reshaping connectivity in broadcast, mobile, maritime, and aviation markets. These conversations revealed that new operational models and increased performance expectations are driving a growing convergence between terrestrial and space networks.

Joshua Flood, Co-Founder and Director of Maritime at Valour Consultancy, joins our host in this episode of the Satellite World Briefing to give a preview of their Future of Maritime Connectivity 2025 Report. Flood covers a wide range of issues, including the growing significance of multi-orbit and hybrid connectivity architectures for today’s fleets, the main drivers behind broadband adoption at sea, and the critical role that collaboration plays throughout the satellite ecosystem. In the era of emerging LEO constellations, he further explores the ongoing development of Ku-band and GEO services and highlights the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for the industry.

In the second episode of  Satellite World Briefing’s new media mini-series, Ruben Calzadilla, Senior Technical Advisor at SES, and Dr. Ciro Noronha, President of the RIST Forum and Chief Technology Officer at Cobalt Digital, join host Lucas Hunsicker to discuss the advantages of hybrid satellite and IP delivery, why public internet alone cannot ensure reliability, and how broadcasters can future-proof content distribution with backward-compatible methods. As Calzadilla said:

“Satellite handles scale, internet ensures resiliency, and together, they form a model that’s both efficient and future-proof.”

The world of video content delivery is fascinating and constantly changing. Over recent years, it has seen a massive transformation fueled by rapid advancements in technology, changing the way video makes it to the TV screen. In the first episode of Satellite World Briefing’s new Media mini-series, host Lucas Hunsecker sits down with Pascale Fromont, Vice President and General Manager of Media at Intelsat, to unpack the evolving world of video delivery. From hybrid networks to global reach and real-time reliability, this episode explores the powerful—but often overlooked—infrastructure that keeps us connected and entertained.

“If you are truly going to connect the unconnected …you need to make sure every single device on Earth works seamlessly with a satellite in orbit.”

– Dan Dooley, Lynk Global Chief Commercial Officer

That was once considered a wild idea, but today, it's the foundation of one of the fastest-moving innovations in telecom. In this episode, we speak with Dan Dooley, Chief Commercial Officer of Lynk Global, to explore how their “cell tower in space” technology is not just technically possible but already being deployed with mobile network operators worldwide from the remote plains of South Africa to the north of Canada to the isolated islands of Palau. Lynk is pioneering direct-to-device satellite connectivity that integrates effortlessly with existing mobile infrastructure - no new phones, apps, or hardware required.

We discuss how Lynk's regenerative payload design makes its satellites behave like roaming partners for MNOs, enabling easy network extension into hard-to-reach areas without additional ground infrastructure. From rural connectivity and disaster recovery to IoT and 2G sunset strategies, Dan breaks down why this is a transformational leap for mobile operators. Whether you're looking to reach new markets, improve service resilience, or unlock latent revenue from underutilized spectrum, this conversation shows why direct-to-device satellite is no longer the future—it’s the now.

In part two, we continue the conversation with Foster and Welch and dive further into the ways in which early adopters of IFC technologies like 2Ku are positioning themselves for the next wave of advancements, including low Earth orbit (LEO) and multi-orbit systems. Additionally, Foster and Welch break down how airlines are using IFC to improve operational efficiency and offer premium connectivity in strategic routes to exceed passenger expectations.

In both business and commercial aviation, seamless inflight connectivity (IFC) is becoming an expectation rather than luxury. In this episode of the Satellite World Briefing, our host discussed the evolving landscape of IFC with Valour Consultancy Co-Founders & Senior Consultants Craig Foster and Daniel Welch.

With the Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) conference just around the corner, Foster and Welch dove into the latest trends shaping the industry, ranging from the impact of emerging technologies like next-generation air-to-ground and satellite networks to shifting passenger expectations. They also discussed how airlines and business aviation operators are adapting to meet the growing demand for connectivity, the role of loyalty programs in justifying IFC investments, and how advanced satellite solutions are democratizing high-speed connectivity for smaller aircrafts globally.

In this episode, of the Satellite World Briefing, host Lucas Hunsicker sits down with Greg Quiggle, Senior Vice President of Product Management at Kratos Defense and Security Solutions, to discuss the groundbreaking potential of SDS and the changes that need to be made on the ground to unlock their power. In our conversation with Greg, you will hear how these next-generation satellites are revolutionizing connectivity by enabling unprecedented flexibility to adapt in real time to shifting demands which ultimately leads to improved performance, better economics, and much better coverage around the world.