A Market at an Inflexion Point

SATELLITE 2026 in Washington, D.C., has reinforced what many across the space and satellite ecosystem have been anticipating: the industry has entered a new phase of acceleration, shaped by geopolitical pressure, technological convergence, and the increasing strategic importance of space infrastructure.

Bringing together over 15,000 leaders across commercial, government, and military sectors, SATELLITE 2026 has made one thing clear: SATCOM is no longer a supporting capability; it is now mission-critical infrastructure underpinning global connectivity, security, and defence operations.

Government & Defence

One of the most defining themes across the week has been the central role of government and defence in shaping the satellite market.

What was once considered a parallel market is now firmly at the centre of industry strategy. Investment in secure, resilient, and sovereign satellite communications is accelerating rapidly, with governments increasingly relying on commercial operators to deliver capability at speed.

The concept of space as a contested domain has also taken centre stage. Conversations across GovMilSpace focused heavily on:

• Space domain awareness
• Cybersecurity in orbit
• Intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance
• Secure communications for defence operations

Multi-Orbit Architectures Become the Standard

Multi-orbit is no longer a differentiator; it is the baseline. The integration of LEO, MEO, and GEO networks is now central to delivering:

• Resilient connectivity
• Lower latency communications
• Greater global coverage
• Redundancy across mission-critical networks

Industry leaders are increasingly focused on hybrid architectures that combine the strengths of each orbit, enabling seamless service delivery across commercial and defence use cases.

Sovereignty, Speed & Scalability

Across both commercial and defence discussions, three priorities are consistently emerging:

1. Sovereign Capability

Nations are prioritising control over their satellite infrastructure, accelerating demand for sovereign and dual-use systems.

2. Speed of Deployment

Procurement cycles are shortening, with governments leaning on commercial innovation to deliver capability faster than traditional acquisition models allow.

3. Scalable Infrastructure

Operators are investing in next-generation constellations designed to deliver higher capacity, lower latency, and cost efficiencies at scale.

A clear example of this shift is the growing number of partnerships between established operators and emerging space companies, combining software-defined payloads with high-power satellite platforms to drive performance and flexibility.

The Talent Challenge

While technology continues to evolve at a pace, one constraint remains consistent across every conversation: talent.

Demand for experienced professionals across:

• Satellite engineering
• Systems architecture
• Cybersecurity
• Government and defence programmes
• Commercial leadership

Continues to significantly outpace supply.

The reality is clear: the companies that can attract, develop, and retain top talent will be the ones that define the next phase of the space economy.

A Talent Perspective: Hiring for a Converging Industry

From a hiring and talent standpoint, there is a fundamental shift in what organisations need:

• Cross-domain expertise – professionals who understand both commercial SATCOM and defence requirements
• Systems-level thinking – engineers and leaders capable of working across multi-orbit architectures
• Speed and adaptability – talent that can operate in fast-moving, innovation-driven environments
• Security-first mindset – particularly as cyber and space domain awareness become critical

For organisations looking to scale, the challenge is no longer just hiring talent—it is building teams that can navigate an increasingly complex and converged ecosystem.

Looking Ahead

The overarching theme is not just innovation – it is execution.

The technology is advancing. Investment is accelerating. Demand is clear.

But the organisations that will lead the market are those that can:

• Translate strategy into operational capability
• Build the right partnerships across commercial and defence sectors
• Secure the talent required to deliver at scale

As the space economy continues to evolve, the next 3–5 years will be defined not by who has the best technology, but by who can execute most effectively.

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About neuco

neuco is a global specialist recruitment partner supporting organisations across the satellite, space & defence, media & sports technology and cyber security sectors. With deep expertise in the space and satcom ecosystem, neuco partners with businesses to secure senior and executive talent across engineering, commercial, and leadership functions.

As the industry continues to converge across commercial and defence domains, neuco works closely with clients to navigate complex hiring challenges, identifying individuals who can deliver across multi-orbit architectures, mission-critical programmes, and rapidly evolving market demands.

With a focus on long-term partnerships and sector expertise, Neuco helps organisations build the teams required to scale, innovate, and lead in the next phase of the global space economy.

Insights from neuco | Global Specialist Recruitment for Satellite, Space & Defence| MWC 2026

Mobile World Congress Barcelona 2026 highlighted a landmark shift across the global connectivity and space industries. Defence priorities are increasingly shaping investment, innovation and collaboration across satellite communications, secure networks and advanced space infrastructure, redefining what sovereign capability means in the 21st century.

As governments place greater emphasis on resilient satellite connectivity, secure communications and strategic space infrastructure, the intersection between defence, telecom and commercial space is becoming more pronounced than ever before.

Drawing on conversations across MWC 2026 and insights from neuco Director and Co-Founder Laurie Scott, here are five key trends shaping the future of the defence and space industries.

1. Defence Investment Is Accelerating the Global Space Industry

One of the most prominent themes at MWC Barcelona 2026 was the growing influence of defence programmes on the global space sector. Governments across Europe and the Middle East are increasing investment in secure satellite communications, sovereign space infrastructure and defence-ready connectivity networks, prioritising greater independence in critical national communications systems.

This strategic shift is driving unprecedented collaboration between satellite operators, telecom providers, defence contractors and technology companies. Many space programmes are now being designed with dual-use capabilities, simultaneously supporting both commercial applications and high-demand defence requirements.

Secure satellite connectivity, resilient communications and sovereign space capability are now strategic priorities for many nations. This trend is expected to accelerate as geopolitical pressures intensify and nations compete for strategic advantage in LEO and beyond.

2. Non-Terrestrial Networks Are Becoming a Core Connectivity Layer

NTNs were among the most widely discussed topics at MWC 2026. NTN technologies integrate satellites, high-altitude platform stations and other space-based infrastructure with terrestrial mobile networks, enabling seamless global connectivity as mobile architectures evolve toward 6G.

The applications for NTN are rapidly expanding across a range of critical sectors:

• Defence and secure government communications
• Aviation and maritime connectivity
• Remote and rural broadband coverage
• Satellite-enabled IoT

Closely linked to NTN development is the growing strategic importance of PNT technologies. Reliable PNT systems are foundational to defence operations, aviation safety and critical infrastructure – further solidifying the role of space systems in the global connectivity ecosystem.

3. The Space Ecosystem Is Consolidating

A clear trend emerging across the space industry is the move towards greater consolidation and vertical integration. A notable development discussed at MWC was Indra’s acquisition of a majority stake in satellite operator Hispasat, reflecting a broader industry effort to build fully integrated, end-to-end space capabilities.

Organisations are increasingly looking to control more of the value chain, combining expertise across:

• Satellite manufacturing and launch
• Ground segment infrastructure
• Satellite communications services
• Space data and analytics

This consolidation allows organisations to deliver comprehensive satellite and connectivity solutions, becoming increasingly critical as demand for integrated space services grows and competition intensifies across commercial and defence markets.

4. Spectrum and Ground Infrastructure Are Evolving Into Strategic Platforms

Another emerging theme is a fundamental shift in infrastructure models. Rather than building dedicated ground infrastructure from scratch, many organisations are adopting platform-based approaches to spectrum access and ground segment operations, enabling greater scalability and flexibility.

Key developments in this area include:

• Ground segment as a service
• Shared satellite infrastructure models
• Advanced spectrum management platforms

These models allow satellite operators and connectivity providers to scale more rapidly while reducing operational complexity. As satellite constellations expand and demand for always-on connectivity increases, infrastructure flexibility is fast becoming a key competitive differentiator in the global market.

5. Specialist Talent Demand in the Space and Defence Ecosystem Is Surging

Alongside technological innovation, MWC 2026 underscored a critical reality: the demand for experienced specialist talent in the defence and space sectors is accelerating rapidly. As investment flows into satellite programmes, secure communications networks and next-generation connectivity platforms, organisations worldwide are competing intensely for niche expertise across both commercial and technical disciplines.

Demand is particularly strong for leaders and specialists in:

• Satellite systems engineering
• Commercial strategy for space programmes
• Defence and government partnerships
• Advanced network architecture and connectivity platforms
• NTN and 6G integration specialists

For companies scaling rapidly in this sector, access to experienced talent is becoming one of the most critical factors in successfully delivering complex space and defence programmes on time and on budget.

The Convergence of Defence, Telecom and Space: What It Means for the Industry

Perhaps the most important takeaway from MWC Barcelona 2026 is the accelerating convergence between defence, telecom and commercial space ecosystems. Satellite connectivity is no longer a niche capability; it is becoming a core layer of the global communications infrastructure, underpinning everything from defence operations to next-generation mobile networks and critical national infrastructure.

The organisations that succeed in this rapidly evolving landscape will be those that can:

• Navigate complex global partnerships and regulatory environments
• Integrate satellite and terrestrial connectivity seamlessly
• Develop resilient, secure communications systems meeting defence-grade standards
• Attract, retain and develop specialist talent in a highly competitive market

As the defence and space industries continue their rapid evolution, events like MWC Barcelona provide an invaluable snapshot of just how fast this sector is advancing, and where the next wave of investment, innovation and opportunity will emerge.

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Looking for specialist talent in the defence, satellite or connectivity sector?

neuco’s expert consultants are embedded in your markets and know exactly where to find the best people, wherever in the world you need them.

Get in touch with the neuco team at neuco-group.com/contact to discuss your hiring needs or explore our current opportunities.

Space Tech Expo Europe 2025: The NewSpace Sector Steps Up!

Alistair Wilson, Senior Consultant – Satellite & NewSpace at neuco

As someone who’s recently joined the world of Satellite & NewSpace, attending my first Space Tech Expo in Bremen was a real eye-opener. I’ve heard from colleagues how impactful this event can be, but seeing the innovation, energy, and the sheer scale of opportunity was fantastic! t’s clear that Space Tech Expo Europe has earned its place as a cornerstone event for the global space community.

This blog post explores some of the main topics we saw at the show and how they are shaping the industry.

NewSpace Momentum Is High

There’s no doubt that the NewSpace sector is stepping up. From hardware to software, from LEO platforms to in-orbit servicing, what stood out most was just how many of the businesses in this space are now delivering, rather than just developing.

Startups and scale-ups came into the event with credibility and clarity. These aren’t speculative ventures anymore; they’re executing on real missions, building out ecosystems, and shaping commercial pathways.

There’s also a new wave of innovation being driven by companies like Dawn Aerospace, Okapi:Orbits, Reflex Aerospace, Gomspace, OQ Technology, Ramon.Space, Look up, Bright Ascension, LeanSpace, and ExoLaunch are solving some of the challenges of autonomy, command and control, and scalable software infrastructure. Across the board, confidence was high, and rightly so.

Smallsats Continue to Dominate

One of the clearest shifts is the dominance of smallsats in conversations across the floor. Smaller, faster-to-deploy platforms are becoming the foundation for new constellations, high-speed data transfer, scientific observation, and even defence applications.

The focus has moved from feasibility to functionality. The smallsat economy is now a major commercial force and a key driver in the sector’s expansion. And as manufacturing lead times shrink and more launch options emerge, the barrier to entry continues to drop.

Connectivity Is Now the Main Battleground

Connectivity was everywhere. Whether it was direct-to-device, hybrid constellations, or sovereign infrastructure, the narrative has changed from payloads and platforms to integration and accessibility.

What’s becoming clear is that companies winning in this space aren’t just building spacecraft; they’re building end-to-end services. With that comes new thinking around ground infrastructure, spectrum licensing, data processing, and commercial partnerships.

Sovereignty, Sustainability and Strategic Thinking

Several panels throughout the week addressed the need for clearer strategy and collaboration across Europe. With the upcoming ESA Ministerial Conference looming large, many industry voices expressed both concern and cautious optimism.

There’s a growing consensus around the importance of sovereignty, regulation, and responsibility. Quantum key distribution, on-orbit cybersecurity, faster licensing for European spaceports, and AI-driven mission oversight are no longer emerging issues; they’re strategic priorities.

Final Thoughts

Bremen was a brilliant introduction to the possibilities of NewSpace. There’s still a long way to go, but the direction of travel is clear: smarter, faster, more connected, and more commercially aware.

At neuco, we speak to the companies building this future every day, and our work in supporting their growth has never felt more relevant. If you’re hiring, scaling, or simply exploring what’s next, we’d love to hear from you.

Please email hello@neuco-group.com with any questions or queries you may have for us!

As the dust settles from another unforgettable World Space Business Week in Paris, it’s clear that this year’s event was more than just a summit; it was a bold statement of where the global space and satellite industry is heading.

With over 1,600 senior executives, policymakers and innovators converging across five dynamic days, WSBW 2025 demonstrated a market that is accelerating rapidly, driven by sovereign strategies, groundbreaking tech, and ever-growing demand for secure, scalable connectivity.

The Industry’s New Pulse: Sovereignty, Speed & Software

From Day 1, the tone was set: agility and resilience are no longer optional; they’re essential. As governments double down on sovereign constellations and secure infrastructure, the distinction between commercial and defence has continued to blur. The ESA’s push for strategic acceleration, growing GCC investment, and Europe’s alignment of defence and space policy reflect this global momentum.

But it’s not just strategy that’s shifting. The infrastructure itself is transforming. Ground systems are now virtualised, software-defined “nervous systems”. On-board processing and AI-driven autonomy are making satellites smarter, and next-gen platforms like meoSphere, SES’s new MEO network, are embracing software-led design, with interoperability and flexibility at their core.

Constellations, Capital & Consolidation

Constellations are no longer just about coverage. They’re about AI enablement, edge processing, and seamless device integration. With Direct-to-Device (D2D) predicted to reach 300 million users by 2030, this is a market ready to explode.

However, capital is becoming more selective. While the sector continues to attract investment, only those with clear revenue pathways and dual-use relevance are thriving. M&A remains the dominant exit route, while IPO activity cautiously re-emerges.

Disruption in manufacturing was another major theme – from micro-factories to software-defined payloads. Yet, industry consensus leans toward consolidation, particularly in light of surging sovereign demand and strategic procurement cycles.

Regional Growth, Local Resilience

WSBW 2025 also spotlighted the shift from global dominance to regional self-determination. Operators across Asia, Africa, LATAM and the GCC are no longer just infrastructure players; they’re evolving into full-service providers. These shifts are underpinned by strong local partnerships, sovereign policies, and clear economic intent.

The rise of Africa’s space ambitions – including EO, capacity building, and ground infrastructure – was a standout storyline. Likewise, LATAM’s demand for defence and commercial sales leadership underlines the need for local talent and long-term commitment.

Talent Takeaways

At neuco, attending WSBW isn’t just about observing; it’s about connecting and identifying both immediate and future-facing talent needs. Key hiring trends and opportunities we observed include:

• Leadership churn across major operators, creating fresh opportunities in C-level and commercial roles
• Start-up scaling, especially in software-defined networks, EO, and cloud-based ground systems, fuelling demand for senior technical and growth leaders
• Defence-driven sales growth in LATAM, Africa and Asia, with a strong appetite for localised expertise and multilingual commercial talent
• Funding-led hiring, particularly within NewSpace, where companies are recruiting ahead of product rollouts and VC milestones

Despite structural shifts across the sector, the appetite for talent remains strong – especially for those who can bridge commercial acumen with technical understanding or navigate cross-border regulatory and partnership ecosystems.

WSBW has also reaffirmed the global challenge around senior succession. With many executive roles staying open for extended periods, organisations increasingly recognise the value of specialist search partners in accelerating time-to-hire and uncovering passive talent.

Looking Ahead

If one thing’s certain post-WSBW 2025, it’s that the space industry is no longer just about launch and infrastructure. It’s about platforms, partnerships, and people.

As sovereign ambitions grow, funding evolves, and innovation accelerates, so too does the need for adaptable, visionary leaders who can translate bold strategy into sustainable execution.

At neuco, we’re proud to support that journey.

Whether you’re scaling a start-up, reshaping a legacy player, or building sovereign capabilities, we’re here to help you find the talent to make it happen.

Looking to build your leadership team?
Let’s talk – the right talent is out there, and neuco knows where to find it.
Email us on hello@neuco-group.com

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.