The State of EO + SatCom (Payload Editorial)

EPISODE SUMMARY

This week, we bring you our second installment of Pathfinder’s special podcast series on the State of the Space Industry. You’ll hear from two members of Payload’s editorial staff on key trends, exclusive interviews, and insights shaping the industry. Today’s episode explores EO & SatCom, featuring Payload’s Research Director, Jack Kuhr, and Lead Reporter, Rachael Zisk.

EPISODE NOTES

This week, we bring you our second installment of Pathfinder’s special podcast series on the State of the Space Industry. As a reminder, you’ll hear from two members of Payload’s editorial staff on key trends, exclusive interviews, and insights shaping the industry.

Today’s episode explores EO & SatCom, featuring Payload’s Research Director, Jack Kuhr, and Lead Reporter, Rachael Zisk. Highlights from the discussion include:

EO

  • EO market dynamics in 2023
  • Public EO companies’ trajectory
  • VC inclinations and startup viability in EO
  • Speculating on SpaceX’s emerging EO ambitions
  • The realities of commercial demand

SatCom

  • The SatCom market in 2023
  • The impact of the Ukraine war
  • Exploration of direct to cell innovations
  • SpaceX’s strategic moves
  • Investor sentiment and edge computing in SatCom

This episode is brought to you by the Italian Trade Agency (ITA). Be sure to check out the Italian Pavilion  in South Hall (Booth 603) during Space Symposium!
 

• Chapters •

00:00 Intro & ITA Ad

01:22 Jack’s background

02:21 Earth Observation market in 2023

04:41 State of the public EO

06:23 Major fundraisers in 2023

07:51 EO startups securing venture capital

14:20 Spire and BlackSky

16:19 SpaceX and EO

18:59 Consolidation in the EO market

22:37 Rachel’s background

23:30 Satcom in 2023

24:51 Ukraine & SatCom

26:45 Direct to cell technology

28:51 Starlink’s impact

33:22 Edge computing

35:30 Investing in SatCom

39:47 FCC and regulations

42:17 Predictions for SatCom in 2024

• Show notes •

Jack’s socials — https://twitter.com/JackKuhr

Rachael’s socials — https://twitter.com/RachaelZisk

Mo’s socials — https://twitter.com/itsmoislam

Payload’s socials — https://twitter.com/payloadspace / https://www.linkedin.com/company/payloadspace

Pathfinder archive — Watch: https://www.youtube.com/@payloadspace Pathfinder archive — Listen: https://pod.payloadspace.com/episodes