Focus: Satellite, space, defense, telecom, and connectivity markets
It’s an interesting time to be a part of the space and satellite industry. A sentiment that echoed across the floor at SatShow 2026 in Washington, DC, which was celebrating its 45th edition. The event kicked off with a keynote in which Mark Boggert, CEO of Seraphim Space, called the time ‘pivotal’, saying “space is open for business.”
For those wanting to understand where the market is heading and where opportunities lie, SatShow is the place to be. Satellite technology is becoming ever more vital in the delivery of ubiquitous connectivity required by the military, commercial businesses and consumers alike, a topic that was recently highlighted at Mobile World Congress.
This was certainly backed up at SatShow 2026. Amid a challenging geopolitical landscape and growing demand for AI and real-time data analytics, we are seeing higher profits and funding, increased development, and greater spending, particularly from the defense sector. Companies are responding; for example, Telesat recently announced changes to its low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites for military compatibility.
Across the industry, launch providers describe manifests as being “really, really busy” for the next two years. Bezos’ Blue Origin has applied to the FCC for permission to launch more than 50,000 satellites into orbit to address the growing demand for AI. Amazon is preparing to launch more than 200 LEO satellites into orbit in the coming months (and since the SATShow has been rumored as looking to acquire Globalstar). And SpaceX has applied to the FCC to increase Starlink upload speeds by tapping more radio spectrum.
These announcements and more signal a rapidly accelerating market that offers opportunities for an array of businesses beyond the traditional satellite industry.
The challenges and opportunities of a growing space and satellite industry
SatShow 2026 featured more military speakers and defense-focused programs, as well as a growing number of startup founders. 41% of attendees were there for the first time, while 24% were emerging professionals. Topics up for discussion included advances in direct-to-device (D2D), 5G Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN), and low Earth orbit (LEO) technology. There are, of course, challenges, including data sovereignty in space, manufacturing at scale, data integration for programs such as the Golden Dome missile defense system, and whether the regulatory environment can keep pace with industry change.
At Tuesday’s General Session: Industry Leaders Forecast, Viasat’s CEO and cofounder, Mark Dankberg’s message was: “Whenever there is change, there is opportunity. Right now, there’s more change than there’s ever been – and more opportunity, if you frame it the right way.” Opportunities were explored on the ground, too, in a panel discussion titled “Building the Foundation: Terrestrial Infrastructure Financing for Space”, which brought together construction, operations experts, and financing companies.
Aside from a panel discussion, there was little formal presence from SpaceX, but it still managed to dominate conversations. As others delay launches due to hardware issues, Musk has announced a workaround using a TERAFAB Giga complex in Texas. The implications of the SpaceX initial public offering (IPO) on the industry were also discussed at length.
Partnership opportunities prevail
The message was clear across social channels, too; SatShow is a great opportunity to connect with stakeholders across the sector. As military demands grow, it may not be where decisions are made and deals are signed, but it does offer a space for satellite operators, component manufacturers, and other stakeholders across the value chain to showcase their capabilities to a growing audience and for military leaders to discuss their challenges and expectations.
Jeffrey Hill, Executive Chairman of SATELLITE and GovMilSpace, commented on the event, saying: “…. We witnessed meaningful connections, strategic business alignments, and new partnerships forged across the global space ecosystem. We … attracted a high concentration of senior leadership from both commercial and government stakeholders, and the combination of public-private representation created a high-value environment for all participants.”
As satellite technology becomes part of the broader connectivity infrastructure, it will extend the coverage of terrestrial networks to support the needs of industries and individuals everywhere, offering myriad opportunities for partnerships.
First-time exhibitors (117 of the total 515) could open new industry discussions. For example, one attendee, Jaime Reed, Vice President, Space Data & Applications at CGI, one of the largest IT and business consulting services firms in the world, said it led to a lot of great new relationships around how they could support SatCom and space organizations.
The CEO of SES, Adel Al-Saleh, believes there is “no saturation in sight” for the D2D market. During a GSMA presentation, it was shared that there are currently more than 121 telcos partnering with satellite operators, 37 of which have live satellite service.
Initiating discussions with the right companies
It’s clear that in such a burgeoning industry in the current climate, the pressure is on to deliver at scale. Smaller satellite companies without the unlimited resources afforded to SpaceX will be looking for partners to overcome industry challenges and compete with integrated end-to-end solutions that go beyond connectivity. This pace of change offers opportunities to companies outside the traditional space ecosystem, including those with AI, cybersecurity, edge computing, and industry-specific SaaS expertise.
The SatShow gives organizations a unique opportunity to position themselves within this evolving ecosystem, identify where they can add value, and begin the right conversations that matter.
With a long-established network of relationships built across the industry, Calysto advises its clients on which events are the most beneficial to them. From securing introductions with media and analyst representatives to shaping messaging that resonates with target audiences, we ensure our clients are visible, credible and trusted, and help them to become part of the right conversations to drive the industry forward.
Sources and More Information
SatShow 2026: 6 trends shaking up satellite, Fierce Network, March 26, 2026
SATShow Week 2026 highlights expanding role of space across industries SatelliteProMe.com, April 3, 2026
Exhibition – SATShow Week, About SatShow
SATShow Week 2026, Via Satellite, March, 2026
SATShow 2026: On-the-Spot Interviews with editor-in-chief of Aviation Tech Today, John Persinos, March, 25, 2026
9 New Faces for SATShow Week 2026 | SATShow Week 2026 — Show Daily, Via Satellite, March 17, 2026
Geopolitical tensions force satellite operators to rethink network strategies, Fierce Network, March 24, 2026
Engineering the Future of Satellite Communications: Insights from SATSHOW 2026, Farran, March 2026
£14 million funding to power UK space technology innovation, Machinery Market, March 25, 2026
The boost from Europe catapults SATLANTIS to record revenues of €47,8 million, Empresa Exterior, March 27, 2026
Pave Space raises $40M to hasten satellite deployment, Computer Weekly.com, March 26, 2026
York Space rides defense demand as procurement changes cloud outlook, Space News, March 23, 2026
Globe eyes to reach 4% underserved population with Starlink partnership, GMA News Online, March 30, 2026