Via Satellite’s executive interviews provide an in-depth look into the biggest stories of the year. Here is a roundup of our best and most popular interviews of 2023 with the leaders who drive the satellite industry forward.

This round-up is part of our year-end content series. Check out the 2023 in review podcast, where Via Satellite editors analyze some of the top news of the year, and see what songs top industry executives were listening to this year. We also pulled together our top news stories of 2023.

Outgoing SES CEO Steve Collar Shares the Reasons Behind His Surprise Departure

Soon after announcing he would step down from SES after five years as CEO, Steve Collar spoke with Via Satellite about why it was the right time to leave SES. Collar insisted his departure wasn’t connected to the potential merger discussion between SES and Intelsat ending without a deal. 

Lighting the Way: Dan Goldberg on How Telesat Secured the Future of Lightspeed

After Telesat dropped the surprise announcement it was switching manufacturers to go with MDA to manufacture its Lightspeed constellation, CEO Dan Goldberg talked about the key technology upgrades that made the move possible, and why he’s more confident in Lightspeed than ever. 

Integrity and Grit: Melanie Stricklan on How Slingshot Aerospace Earned the Space Industry’s Trust

Satellite Executive of the Year winner Melanie Stricklan spoke with Via Satellite about how Slingshot Aerospace earned the trust of satellite operators and established itself as a leader in space situational awareness. Stricklan formed a community where satellite operators serve as mutual investors in solutions to potential costly disasters, while preserving their autonomy. 

Answering the Call: How Apple Started Working with Satellite to Save Lives

Apple won Satellite Technology of the Year for its emergency messaging service that allows the iPhone 14 to connect with satellites. Michael Trela, senior director of the Satellite Connectivity Group within Apple, spoke with Via Satellite about how Apple saw satellite connectivity as an important way to extend its existing set of safety features, and collaborated across many teams to put the capability in the hands of customers.

Peter Beck’s Vision Of Rocket Lab Extends Beyond Himself

Rocket Lab is the frontrunner to challenge SpaceX’s dominance in the launch market. In this interview, CEO Peter Beck explains how the company is transitioning to a new phase of scaling up operations to get its new Neutron rockets in orbit, break launch supply bottlenecks, and become the world’s premier end-to-end space company.

Melissa Quinn Explains Her Spaceport Cornwall Departure, Next Steps for Spaceport

After Spaceport Cornwall was the site of Virgin Orbit’s launch failure in the United Kingdom in January, outgoing spaceport leader Melissa Quinn spoke about the challenges to building a successful spaceport, and the legacy she hopes to leave behind. 

Internet of Tractors: Unlocking Agricultural Connectivity with John Deere Engineer Chung Hsieh

John Deere made headlines last year announcing a satellite project — looking for industry partners to connect thousands of agricultural machines beyond cellular networks. In this episode of the On Orbit podcast, Chung Hsieh, senior infrastructure engineer at John Deere, gives an engineer’s perspective on data and connectivity in agriculture, and working with the satellite industry. 

The Africa-Centric Approach at the Heart of Kate Kallot’s Bold Vision for Amini

Kate Kallot, CEO of African satellite startup Amini, talks about her vision to build a satellite data company with technology designed specifically for the needs of communities in Africa. Kallot is looking to upend the traditional business model and design solutions based on local needs. 

ST Engineering iDirect CEO Don Claussen: Solving the Identity Question

In one of his first interviews since becoming CEO of ST Engineering iDirect, Don Claussen talks about the challenge to define the ground tech giant’s identity. Claussen shared his insights from a customer listening tour and previews the priorities for ST Engineering iDirect’s next-generation platform. 

Awais Ahmed on Pixxel’s Rapid Rise and its Hyper-focus on Climate Data

Hyperspectral startup Pixxel had a rapid rise since Awais Ahmed co-founded the company in 2019 at a university in India. This year, the satellite company raised a Series B funding round with Google as an investor, and began receiving images from its first three satellites in orbit. Ahmed talks about the company’s mission to fight climate change with hyperspectral satellites.