Constellations - Explore Space Network Technologies with Industry Leaders

There are a number of companies introducing quantum key distribution for secure communications across optical fiber networks but the technology has yet to be applied across a constellation of small satellites in Low Earth Orbit to produce secure global coverage. Until now. On this Constellations Podcast, we welcome Dr. Mark Adams, Associate Professor, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Auburn University to discuss the basics of quantum information processing, how quantum key distribution (QKD) ups the game in data transmission security and moving from the BB84 scheme to fully entangled microwave sources for SmallSats.

On this Constellations Podcast, we’ll discuss the growing interest and investments surrounding today’s space efforts, particularly cislunar space. NASA is leading the forefront of this initiative and will soon launch Artemis I, an uncrewed moon-orbiting mission that includes different technology solutions offered by multiple commercial players. During this episode, we are joined by Al Tadros, CTO of Redwire, who walks us through the importance of sustainable space exploration and how Redwire is supporting the goal of a “sustainable presence” on the moon.

On this Constellations Podcast, we’ll discuss the first anniversary of STARCOM. Major General Shawn Bratton, Commander, Space Training and Readiness Command of the United States Space Force explains STARCOM and how it is training the Space Force for competition and conflict in the Space domain. Hear Maj Gen. Bratton explain why STARCOM is working with experts such as astronauts from NASA that do an incredible amount of training with simulators, the advice they’re receiving from other parts of the Space Force such as the Space Warfighting Analysis Center, and a new series of complex training exercises called the Sky Series.

On the Constellations Podcast, we’ll discuss how the Space Development Agency (SDA) is accelerating the development of space-based capabilities for the warfighter. The SDA is accelerating capabilities with spiral development, working with the idea that getting to a solution that is 80% complete and viable in two years is better than an exquisite solution that will take five years. During this episode, Dr. Frank Turner, Technical Director of the Space Development Agency, discusses how the SDA is trying to help both industry and DoD understand how to support the warfighter, building a mesh network in space and the difference between the SDA’s tracking and transport layer and Tranches.

Real-time video collaboration is a given in our day-to-day lives here on Earth, but how about in deep space?  On this Constellations Podcast, we’ll talk about how deep space video collaboration differs from video collaboration here on Earth. Deep space communication is becoming an important topic with the upcoming launch of NASA’s Artemis 1 mission around the Moon. The mission will be the first test of video collaboration technology off planet. During this episode, Jono Luk, VP of Product Management at Webex will discuss the difficulties of video communications in deep space and explain how these issues can be overcome to support NASA’s Artemis Program.

On this Constellations Podcast, we’ll discuss the emerging dual-use technologies coming from the commercial space market and what to consider when making investments in these technologies. Joining us today is Jordan Noone, Co-founder of Embedded Ventures, a next-generation venture capital firm investing in dual-use space startups beyond launch. During this episode, Jordan walks us through the first-of-its-kind partnership between Embedded Ventures and the United States Space Force, the ‘beyond launch’ technologies the venture capital firm invests in, and the growth seen within the industry over the last quarter century.

There are still many places in the world that have little to no access to the Internet. In Alaska, an estimated 40,000 rural households are disadvantaged in access to healthcare, education, timely emergency services, and basic communication because there is little to no reliable Internet connectivity. Advances in technology, such as software-defined smallsats, have aided in developing a business case for delivering service in the most remote places. On this Constellations Podcast, Shawn Williams, VP of Government Affairs and Strategy for Pacific Dataport, walks through the process of building a network that overcomes the challenges of Alaska while providing the performance we enjoy in the cities.

On the Constellations Podcast, we’ll discuss the growth of LEO and how it is supporting a void 5G was meant to fill. In this episode, Bill Ray, VP Analyst for Gartner Research and part of Gartner’s emerging technologies and trends office, will discuss topics his company has been following within the satellite market. Launch capacity has increased, not just in the United States, but globally and has brought with it value even in areas like sub-Saharan Africa. Phased array antennas are complicated, yet are considered an inexpensive innovation critical to this market. Hear Bill explain how several companies are starting to invest in the vertical markets rather than satellites, concentrating on the services available such as data and data analytics.

On the Constellations Podcast, we’ll discuss how satellite communications are being impacted by the introduction of laser terminals for ground, air, and space. Radio frequency (RF)-based communications have been the constant for transmitting reasonable amounts of data in space, but the movement from analog to digital signals has opened the door for some new methods of data transmission. During this episode, Bulent Altan, CEO of Mynaric, explains why laser terminal technology is one of the more prominent disruptors entering the global communications market, outlines the adoption of laser across the global space network, and shares how its implementation will impact the future of space communications.

On this Constellations Podcast, we’ll discuss the business of being an end-to-end spacecraft company. A lot of the actual hardware being deployed in smallsats, had its start in ground-based IT, with smallsats beginning to adopt hardware that's very similar – which is not traditional. During this episode, Josh Duncan, Business Development Lead from Blue Canyon Technologies will discuss the benefits of virtualization and how it is accelerating into the space domain. He will talk about the unique opportunities in smallsat, including the ability to rideshare. Hear Josh explain how the whole ecosystem has to fit together, including all the parts in architecture, launch, and comm in order to get an end product out to the user in a responsive timeframe.