For the first time, this is the SATELLITE show edition of the magazine. I could not have imagined we would ever have had a SATELLITE show in September, but these are unusual times. It has been 18 months since the last in-person SATELLITE show.

It was a week when many of us enjoyed the last semblance of normality before the COVID-19 reality hit. I remember at the time, most of us were thinking and hoping that COVID would come and go quickly. Sadly, that proved not to be the case.

As we prepare for SATELLITE this year, I like to think we all have a greater appreciation for being part of this community, and a greater personal empathy for all of us who have this shared interest. I have learned to live on Zoom and Teams and talk into my screen for hours a day, but I look forward to seeing you in person.

The satellite industry has always sought to connect the world, but now it is more important than ever. Given the issues with the pandemic and climate change, the need for satellite-based solutions is in plain sight. The industry is rising to this challenge, and it must in order to help future generations enjoy life on Earth. For all the talk of going to space, the last 18 months have highlighted the precarious challenges facing all of us as we look to build sustainable societies for future generations here on our planet.

SATELLITE 2021 will be a chance for the industry to gather and build toward an exciting future in the 2020s, with fundamental change across all aspects of the value chain. It has never been a more exciting time to be part of the industry.

We at Via Satellite appreciate your support. Whether you read one article a year, or read our editions cover-to-cover, we appreciate the time you spend with us. We continue to wish you all the best during these difficult times, and if you do make it to SATELLITE this year, we hope you enjoy the experience. Thank you and stay safe.