Insights from SATELLITE 2025: How Defence, Digital Sovereignty and D2D Are Reshaping Space

After a packed few days in Washington D.C. for SATELLITE 2025, one thing is clear—the satellite industry isn’t just evolving, it’s accelerating.

From game-changing partnerships to geopolitical shifts, here’s a breakdown of the key themes I walked away with, based on what I saw at the show and ongoing industry coverage.

Direct-to-Device: No Longer a Concept:

One of the most talked-about shifts at SATELLITE 2025 was how far we’ve come from the days when satellite-to-smartphone connectivity was seen as a future possibility.

It’s now very much happening.

The recent SES and Intelsat investment into Lynk Global shows how serious operators are about building infrastructure that enables seamless, global mobile coverage—no matter how remote the location.

We’re entering a phase where direct-to-device (D2D) is moving from pilot programmes to commercial rollouts, backed by multi-orbit capability and operator collaboration. This convergence between terrestrial mobile and satellite networks is no longer experimental—it’s strategic.

For businesses, this means new services, new customers, and new challenges. And for hiring, there’s rising demand for people who can straddle the telco-satcom divide—those who understand network integration, device compatibility, and regulatory nuances.

Defence Gets a Reset: Europe’s Strategic Realignment:

One of the most significant undercurrents at the show—and echoed in recent policy discussions—was the increased urgency across Europe to rethink its approach to defence in space.

Driven by the realities of the war in Ukraine and shifting global alliances, the EU is taking tangible steps to invest in autonomous defence capabilities. Space is central to that. From secure communications to ISR (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance), satellites are no longer just commercial tools—they’re now strategic military assets.

What’s changing is the tone. Defence isn’t just about missiles and troops anymore. It’s about orbital infrastructure, resilient networks, and tech leadership.

As governments and agencies across Europe ramp up investment, there’s a noticeable trickle-down effect on hiring. We’re seeing greater demand for professionals who understand both the technical and policy side of dual-use technology, procurement cycles, and secure systems design.

Europe’s Satellite Push: Digital Sovereignty in Focus:

Alongside defence, another theme gaining traction is Europe’s move towards digital sovereignty—and satellites play a crucial role in that strategy.

With the EU pushing for more self-reliance in space-based communications and navigation, we’re seeing an acceleration of funding and programmes that aim to reduce dependence on non-European infrastructure. Whether that’s through next-gen satellite constellations or sovereign cloud networks, there’s a concerted effort to own more of the digital stack.

The strategic logic is clear: secure, resilient, and independent infrastructure is now viewed as essential to both economic competitiveness and national security.

This brings fresh energy—and budget—into Europe’s space tech ecosystem. From a talent perspective, it means more cross-border projects, more public-private collaboration, and more opportunities for those who understand how to navigate both commercial and institutional landscapes.

Final Thoughts:

If there was a single message from SATELLITE 2025, it’s this: collaboration is the new competition.

Whether it’s operators joining forces to enable global D2D, governments investing in space for defence and digital sovereignty, or startups partnering with legacy players to accelerate innovation—it’s a space where teamwork is becoming just as important as tech.

At neuco, we’re proud to work with organisations shaping this future. Whether you’re building the next constellation or scaling up for a major government programme, we’re here to help you find the talent that makes it happen.

If you’re facing hiring challenges—or looking for your next strategic hire—let’s talk.

Payload Space Investor Summit 2024: Innovations, Challenges, and Opportunities in Space Technology

The Payload Space Investor Summit brought together thought leaders, innovators, and industry pioneers to discuss the evolving space technology landscape. From reusable rockets transforming the cost structure of space travel to the growing influence of defense priorities on space exploration, the event highlighted key trends, challenges, and opportunities. Discussions ranged from the bottleneck in launch availability to the rapid advancements in satellite manufacturing, all against the backdrop of increasing global competition and innovation.

With industry giants, emerging startups, and government representatives in attendance, the summit emphasized the need for collaboration and ingenuity to navigate this rapidly shifting frontier. Below are the key takeaways and themes that defined the summit.

Transformative Industry Trends

Cost reduction in space travel has reached unprecedented levels, thanks to reusable rockets like SpaceX’s Falcon 9 and the upcoming Starship. Marginal costs have plummeted, enabling a new era of accessibility. Advancements in satellite technology have also revolutionized the sector, with smaller, more capable satellites produced faster and at a fraction of historical costs. These innovations are changing the economics of space and enabling more ambitious projects than ever before.

Challenges in Launch Supply

A recurring theme at the summit was the industry’s struggle in launch availability. SpaceX’s schedules are booked years in advance, leaving a vacuum for other players to fill. Companies like Rocket Lab, Firefly, and Stoke were highlighted as emerging alternatives, leveraging innovative technologies and expanding capacities to meet the growing demand for reliable and accessible launches.

Emerging Players and Investments

The Payload Summit also spotlighted companies and individuals driving innovation:

  • Rocket Lab is establishing itself as a key player, with over 400 vacancies and a valuation of $9 billion.
  • Apex Innovations in LA is redefining bus manufacturing with customizable, rapid production cycles.
  • Other startups to watch include Sceye (balloon technology) and Varda (orbital infrastructure), both of which are developing cutting-edge technologies to address new space demands.

These companies, alongside government and private sector partnerships, are transforming the space industry with forward-thinking investments and groundbreaking ideas.

Key Takeaways for Investors and Stakeholders

The Payload Summit underscored several critical themes for those navigating the industry:

  • Reusability and Modular Systems: Scalable, reusable technologies are key to reducing costs and increasing accessibility.
  • Government Spending being used as a Guidepost: Monitoring defense and space budgets reveals substantial opportunities for startups and innovators.
  • Leveraging of AI and Data: Advanced AI applications, including remote sensing and satellite data analytics, are driving the next wave of innovation.

WSBW Paris 2024: The Space Industry’s Path to Expansion, Innovation, and Sustainability

This year’s World Space Business Week (WSBW) in Paris set the stage for insightful discussions and bold predictions about the future of the space industry. As the space sector accelerates its growth trajectory, several key themes emerged that highlighted the immense potential and challenges that lie ahead.

Explosive Growth of the Space Industry

One of the most exciting takeaways came from Novaspace, emphasizing the rapid expansion of commercial space activities. Satellite services, communications, and Earth observation businesses are thriving like never before, with both private enterprises and governments driving the demand for satellite data. It’s not just a matter of sending satellites into orbit anymore—it’s about harnessing their capabilities to transform industries on the ground.

Earth Observation: The Powerhouse of Data

BlackSky’s win of the 2024 Novaspace Leading Earth Observation Business Award underscored just how crucial Earth observation has become. From defense to agriculture and environmental monitoring, the value of geospatial intelligence is skyrocketing. The ability to monitor and analyze our planet in near real-time is becoming indispensable for decision-making in both public and private sectors.

Sustainability and Space’s Role in Climate Action

Another key focus was sustainability, a hot topic in every industry, and space is no exception. WSBW attendees were deeply engaged in how space technology can be a game-changer in fighting climate change. From climate monitoring to sustainable energy solutions, space assets are increasingly being leveraged to support environmental protection efforts. The synergy between space and sustainability is set to drive innovation in the years ahead.

The Booming Satellite Communication Sector

The satellite communications sector is experiencing significant shifts. According to Euroconsult’s projections, this industry is poised to hit USD 123 billion by 2032. While traditional video services are declining, new data-driven verticals, such as direct-to-cell communications, offer immense opportunities—potentially unlocking a USD 100 billion market. However, despite the excitement, challenges in adoption remain a hurdle that the industry must overcome.

Changing Revenue Streams in Satellite Operations

Interestingly, the financial landscape for satellite operators is evolving as well. The mix of revenue sources is shifting, with value-added services now representing a larger slice of the pie. In contrast, wholesale capacity—a mainstay in satellite business models—has dwindled to just 20% of total revenue. This shift signals that operators are adapting to a new reality where innovation and tailored services are driving profitability.

WSBW 2024 not only showcased the rapid evolution of the space industry but also highlighted the innovative ways in which it’s intersecting with broader societal needs—from climate action to next-gen communications. The future is undeniably bright, but with it comes the challenge of navigating new frontiers. As the industry grows, so too will its role in shaping the world of tomorrow.