Full Speed Ahead

Earlier this month, Telesat gave an update on its plans for its Lightspeed LEO constellation that will see a launch in the next few years. The constellation’s future was uncertain in recent years, and now there is funding place and a new manufacturer, MDA. It is one of the biggest announcements of the year.

In this edition of Via Satellite we put the spotlight on Amini, one of the companies featured in our 10 Smallsat Startups to Watch feature in the August edition. Kate Kallot is an impressive CEO with a bold vision to use satellite for the good of farmers and communities across Africa. In this interview, she sets out how and why Amini can make a difference.

In fact, climate change and agriculture is a particularly strong theme in this edition of Via Satellite. My colleague Rachel Jewett looks at how satellite could be on the verge of some big breakthroughs in the agriculture sector in the near future. Given how John Deere is openly pursuing a satellite capability, it seems very soon that others might follow.

As we go into the September show swing, one of the hot topics of many satellite shows will be on the ground segment, and in particular, multi-orbit terminals. Marisa Torrieri talks to a number of key players here about their technology roadmaps on how they are going to bring this long-awaited tech to the market.

What has struck me this summer is the real impacts of climate change. We have seen devastating wildfires across the world. It also makes clear more than ever that in this very real fight against climate change, that satellite tech and satellite data will be absolutely vital as we seek to find solutions to minimize the damage and effects of such catastrophic consequences. For the optimism around our industry and what satellites can do, it can still pretty sobering at times when you see what is happening. We appreciate your support as always and look forward to seeing you in Paris and other events soon.