As satellite operators respond to rising demand and growing competition, next-generation networks are being shaped by interoperability, space sustainability, AI-driven automation and the integration of non-terrestrial and terrestrial infrastructure. In an interview with SatellitePro ME, Manik Vinnakota, Vice President of Product and Customer Solutions at Telesat, shares his perspective on the key forces transforming the industry.
As satellite constellations evolve across LEO, MEO, and GEO orbits, how are network design and deployment strategies evolving and where does satellite now fit within the broader connectivity landscape, alongside fiber and 5G?
One of the biggest shifts in how satellites are being designed and deployed is that many satellite operators are now designing their networks for interoperability versus a separate bespoke satellite network. Interoperability use cases vary. For example, some operators are building Direct to Device (D2D) capabilities to enable emergency communications for wireless phones. Delivering universal broadband to all people and businesses needs a mix of different network technologies fiber, 5G and satellites. Satellites will complement fiber in eliminating digital deserts. Fiber is not economically viable in low population density areas. Satellites will also enable 5G expansion to rural and remote areas by connecting (as backhaul) 5G mobile sites to the telco core network.
5G is a rapidly advancing technology trend that is driving satellite and telco networks together. A transformative move is using non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), such as LEO satellites, which will be fully integrated into terrestrial networks to create hybrid terrestrial/non-terrestrial 5G mobile infrastructures to serve enterprises and consumers. Enterprise-class LEO networks can create virtual fiber networks that can reach any point globally.
For the past decade, telcos have been using the MEF standard for interoperable Carrier Ethernet services. This compatibility is essential for enabling the seamless extension of terrestrial networks to areas where coverage is lacking.
How is AI improving efficiency, cost, and performance in satellite network operations?
The complexity of managing LEO constellations in a crowded orbital environment requires advanced tools to ensure efficiency and safety. AI plays a critical role in enabling autonomous satellite operations and real-time decision-making. From collision avoidance to space domain awareness, AI transforms how satellites are managed and optimised.
What solutions will be most effective in ensuring long-term space sustainability and debris management?
Recognising that space is a globally shared asset, satellite operators must prioritise its protection and preservation to ensure uninterrupted future access. This begins with robust satellite design specifications to ensure a high level of reliability throughout the spacecraft service life, including redundancies across key components and subsystems. Every satellite operator must responsibly remove spacecraft from orbit as it reaches its end of life to contribute to a safer space environment, free from debris, for generations to come.
Space Situational Awareness is key and requires industry-wide data sharing and coordination. For example, operators share orbital and maneuver planning data with other nearby operators, the US Space Forces Combined Space Operations Center, Space Data Association, and the Canadian Space Agency. Additionally, some operators are active members of the U.S. Office of Space Commerce Traffic Coordination System for Space (TraCSS) and the European Unions Space Surveillance and Tracking (EU SST) system.
How is the commercialisation of space and the rise of new players driving innovation and investment in the satellite sector?
The satellite connectivity market has long been highly competitive, with a massive addressable market that requires multiple operators to meet growing demand.
With strong momentum around LEO constellations, where do you see the biggest opportunities for LEO networks over the next five years?
We estimate the Total Addressable Market (TAM) for LEO services to be approximately US $650bn by 2032. Of that, a significant portion is focused on the $320bn Enterprise services market covering the terrestrial enterprise, aviation, maritime, government and defense markets. New LEO networks are being designed with advanced capabilities to meet the demanding, secure, mission-critical requirements of enterprise and government users, with unprecedented flexibility in how customers define, deliver, manage and monitor the quality of experience to their end users all backed by guaranteed SLAs.
What were your key takeaways from Satellite 2025?
Demand and excitement for next-generation LEO connectivity continues to grow, whether as a stand-alone network or as part of a multi-orbit service delivery strategy. High performing, affordable, ubiquitous connectivity is not only a growth enabler in enterprise markets, but commercial LEO solutions are increasingly being leveraged by governments for defense missions and sovereign concerns.
What emerging satellite technologies do you see shaping the industry over the next decade?
I think well see several innovations in the Electronically Steerable Antenna (ESA) technology for highly efficient user terminals, in terms of performance and the ability to access multi-orbit services. Key technologies related to LEO satellites including optical satellite links, on-board processing and antennas will continue to advance resulting in more capable and higher capacity LEO satellites in the future. Additionally, we believe there will be increased competition in the launch sector with new rockets coming into service, as well as rockets with larger payload capacity.
