10 Fresh Faces at SATELLITE 2025

This year’s SATELLITE show continues its tradition of spotlighting fresh voices, including government officials, defense leaders, end users, and pioneers in connectivity solutions. Via Satellite highlights 10 notable speakers in this year’s SATELLITE program.

Dr. Paweł Bernat, Senior Lecturer, Polish Air Force University

As a senior lecturer at the Polish Air Force University and with experience at institutions like the George C. Marshall Center, Bernat brings a unique perspective to issues around satellite technology and security. Bernat has authored numerous academic articles and his upcoming book focuses on how non-state actors can target space assets and the use of space intelligence in irregular warfare. On Wednesday afternoon, Bernat will discuss the global market of satellite data available to private military companies, and how the Wagner Group in particular has used satellite imagery during the Russo-Ukrainian war. — Satellite Data and Private Military Companies: The Case of the Wagner Group, Wednesday 3 p.m. Room: 145 A/B

Dr. Amina Boubendir, Head of Research and Standardisation, Airbus Defence and Space

Dr. Amina Boubendir is a leader in developing secure satellite communications, 5G/6G NTN connectivity and AI-based automated systems. She has contributed to global standardization organizations like 3GPP and European Telecommunications Standards Institute, while also representing the company as a member of the advisory group of the European 6G Flagship Hexa-X I and II initiatives. At SATELLITE, Boubendir’s insights on integrating satellite systems with the telco ecosystem will be essential for understanding the future of hybrid communication. — Satellite-Telco Integration: Unlocking the Next Wave of Growth, Monday 10:45 a.m. Room 145 A/B & Open APIs Ground Station Interoperability Tech Forum, Wednesday 3 p.m. Room: Tech Theater

Neha Idnani, Regional Vice President, APAC, Eutelsat

From telecoms to space, as the regional vice president for the Asia Pacific connectivity business for Eutelsat Group, Neha Idnani influences communications across the region. Previously, she led multi-billion-dollar M&A transactions and fundraised over $10 billion for the Bharti Group and generated a $500 million order book at Eutelsat OneWeb. Idani will share insights on the integration of Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) and Geostationary Orbit (GEO) technologies and how the combination is revolutionizing connectivity solutions in the Asia-Pacific region on Tuesday morning. — The Power of Connectivity: Driving Development and Revenue in Remote Regions, Tuesday 11 a.m. Room: 147

Adam Jorjorian, Captain, ICS Communications Leader, DC Fire Department

Adam Jorjorian has served the DC Fire Department for 20 years and brings hands-on experience from firefighter to captain roles. Currently assigned to the regional Metro rail fire liaison program and assists in the fire department’s communications support unit, Jorjorian offers unique insights into emergency communications. At SATELLITE, he'll discuss the critical role of satellite connectivity as a backup for fire and public safety organizations, ensuring reliable communications in areas with varying cellular coverage. Jorjorian brings a unique end user perspective to this discussion about making satellite technologies accessible for the future of emergency response communications. — Fire and Public Safety: Always-Connected IoT Solutions that Save Lives, Thursday 9:30 a.m. Room: 146A

Maikel Miranda, Senior Director, Network, Voice and Satellite Services. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.

The last place anyone wants to be cut off from the world is in the middle of the ocean, but thanks to Maikel Miranda, that’s becoming a thing of the past. As the senior director of Connectivity and Voice Services at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, Miranda is dedicated to keeping passengers connected while they sail. With over 25 years in communications, he leads technical teams that design and implement connectivity solutions for both ship and shore. After Norwegian's recent fleet-wide Starlink deployment, Miranda’s focus now shifts to enhancing the onboard internet experience for all passengers. — Enhancing Passenger Experiences on Cruise Lines, Tuesday 1:45 p.m. Room: 147

André Patrick, Manager of In-Flight Wi-Fi & Analytics, Air Canada

With more than 10 years with Air Canada, André Patrick knows how to improve passenger connectivity for customers. Patrick will represent the airline industry on Wednesday afternoon, where he will discuss how he is revolutionizing in-flight connectivity (IFC). This panel discussion comes after Air Canada recently announced plans to roll out complimentary Wi-Fi for loyalty members in line with its Intelsat IFC upgrade. Patrick’s panel will cover how airlines are sitting at the strategy table with satellite operators, reshaping in-flight network design with a collaborative, tech-forward approach. — How Operators and Airlines are Collaborating to Revolutionize In-Flight Connectivity, Wednesday 1:45 p.m. Room: 147

Wim Steenbakkers, Managing Director, ING Global

As Managing Director and Global Head Satellite Finance for Amsterdam-based multinational bank ING Global, Wim Steenbakkers is a leading voice in the world of satellite sector lending and advisory. At SATELLITE, Steenbakkers will bring his insights to the investment forum, providing commentary on the issue of funding challenges in the space industry. Along with the other panelists, Steenbakker will deep dive into how funding challenges impact startups and innovators, along with strategies for raising capital in the space sector. — Selling Growth Projections to Investors in an Uncertain Environment, Wednesday 10:45 a.m. Room: 146A

Jay Schwarz, FCC Space Bureau Chief

The FCC’s recently named Space Bureau Chief Jay Schwarz will deliver the Wednesday lunch keynote. Schwarz leads the Space Bureau, which was established as its own bureau in 2023 to handle policy and licensing matters related to satellite and space-based communications and activities. Schwarz joined the FCC after serving as vice president of Public Policy for Comcast for the past six years. He has a lot of past experience at the FCC and previously served as former Chairman Ajit Pai’s Wireline Advisor. He also held positions at the FCC in the Wireline Competition Bureau, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, and the Office of Strategic Planning. The FCC’s new Chairman Brendan Carr has said one of his priorities for the FCC under his leadership is to create new opportunities for the space economy. — Via Satellite Awards Luncheon, Wednesday, 12:00 p.m., Ballroom A/B

Paula Trimble, Policy Cell Director, Space Development Agency

Paula Trimble serves as a Policy Director for the Space Development Agency (SDA) and leads congressional engagement strategies in support of the annual defense appropriations and authorization processes. She pursues solutions to reduce barriers in the acquisition process and enable small businesses and start-ups to work more easily with the federal government.

Monday morning, Trimble will provide insight from the SDA on a panel discussion about the SDA’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA). — Enabling Resiliency in SDA's Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture, Monday, 9:30 a.m. Room 146 B/C

Vice Admiral Frank Whitworth, Director, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency

Vice Admiral Frank Whitworth currently serves as the eighth director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, which delivers geospatial intelligence to policymakers, military service members, intelligence professionals, and first responders. Whitworth will be a part of the GovMilSpace program kickoff on Monday morning in a fireside chat moderated by Defense Daily Editor John Robinson. — GovMilSpace Breakfast Keynote, Monday 8 a.m. Room 146 B/C VS