The satellite industry in 2022 was marked by consolidation and partnerships, as companies across the value chain look to boost their market position and become a greater part of the telco ecosystem. Also, as Russia’s war in Ukraine made its impact around the world, it also impacted the space industry in a number of ways. Here is a look back at some of Via Satellite‘s most-read news stories of 2022. 

Dankberg and Suri Explain Strategy Behind Viasat/Inmarsat Acquisition

Viasat’s deal to acquire Inmarsat was one of the biggest headlines in 2021 that continued to play out in 2022. Viasat CEO Mark Dankberg and Inmarsat CEO Rajeev Suri spoke with Via Satellite to talk about the opportunities and implications of joining together two of the largest satellite operators. Expect to hear more in 2023 — the acquisition is still going through regulatory approval. 

Credit Suisse Report Says LEO Constellations Will be Challenged by Increasing Data Use

Financial services company Credit Suisse caught the space industry’s attention in January with a report on the prospects of Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations. Analyst Ben Lyons concluded that market-leading LEO operators have an opportunity to make outsized returns, but cautioned they will be challenged to maintain satellite fleets and service levels to keep up with the ever-growing user demand for data. 

OneWeb Suspends Launches From Baikonur, Arianespace Suspends Soyuz Launches

Effects of Russia’s war in Ukraine rippled across the space industry in 2022, halting OneWeb’s Soyuz launch campaign with Arianespace. After Russia invaded Ukraine, Roscosmos put steep demands on OneWeb and Arianespace ahead of a launch from Kazakhstan, leading OneWeb to suspend all launches from Kazakhstan and Arianespace to suspend Soyuz launches. OneWeb later struck deals and resumed launches with the Indian Space Research Organisation and SpaceX. 

Viasat Details KA-SAT Cyberattack that Affected Thousands of Modems in Ukraine

The hack on the ground network of Viasat’s KA-SAT network in Ukraine in February was one of the top stories in the satellite industry this year, elevating cybersecurity concerns. Viasat shared an in-depth report on the attack and how hackers gained access to the network. 

Telesat Downsizes Lightspeed Constellation Plans

In May, Telesat confirmed plans to downsize its Lightspeed LEO constellation from the planned 298 satellites to 188 with 10 in-orbit spares due to supply chain shortages and inflation. The Canadian operator is still struggling to secure the total funding for the constellation, and was still in talks in its most recent quarterly update. 

Eutelsat, OneWeb CEOs Outline Plans for Combined GEO/LEO Entity

In a surprise move, Eutelsat and OneWeb announced plans in July to combine the traditional Geostationary (GEO) player and LEO startup. The companies pitched the value of a combined GEO/LEO player with joint technical and regulatory work for a future hybrid infrastructure and design of OneWeb Gen 2 constellation. Eutelsat’s board approved the transaction in November. 

FCC Cancels Starlink Funding for Rural Broadband Program 

SpaceX lost nearly $900 million in planned funding for the Starlink constellation when the FCC dropped Starlink from the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) in August. The commission said the constellation “failed to demonstrate” that it could deliver the service that was promised, and Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel took issue with the cost of the consumer terminal. SpaceX has since challenged the decision. 

Elon Musk Announces SpaceX Starlink Cellular Partnership with T-Mobile

Soon after Starlink was dropped from the FCC’s RDOF program, SpaceX made a splash announcement with T-Mobile, announcing a partnership to make second generation Starlink satellites communicate directly with cell phones on T-Mobile’s network. SpaceX and T-Mobile said the service could enter beta as early as late 2023. 

Apple to Debut iPhone With Emergency Messaging Enabled by Globalstar Satellites 

Satellite-to-cell service has been the hot topic in the second half of 2022. Apple announced that the new iPhone 14 can send emergency SOS messages outside the reach of cellular networks, enabled by Globalstar satellite connectivity. The news officially revealed a partnership long rumored to be in the works. Apple is investing $450 million in infrastructure to support the service and Globalstar ordered 17 new satellites. 

John Deere Releases Satcom RFP for Always-On, Connected Agricultural Solution

Agricultural giant John Deere issued an RFP to the satellite industry in September, seeking a satellite service and terminal that can provide always-on connectivity to thousands of agricultural machines. John Deere said connecting machines outside of cellular networks is essential to harnessing the full value of real-time data analysis and unlocking the autonomous farming of the future. 

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