For the third year in a row, DCC was proud to attend the country’s largest satellite industry trade show this week.
Each year, “Sat Show” brings together more than 12,000 satellite professionals for four days of networking and discussion of the latest issues affecting satellite communications, including innovations in commercial, broadband, and broadcast uses; new research and applications for use in the telecommunications, military and emergency response sectors; and more.
Satellite 2016, held at the Gaylord National Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland, highlighted satellite technology’s critical role in sectors as diverse as government, oil and gas, agriculture and financial services. In addition, one of the show’s primary themes this year was a focus on attendees age 35 and younger, a concerted attempt to attract and inspire the next generation of satellite industry professionals.
This year’s conference moved from downtown – its usual location at the Washington DC Convention Center – to the Gaylord National Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland.
Among the hot topics?
- Improvements needed in terminal technology;
- Lower-cost satellites, particularly for constellations of small satellites that fly in Low Earth Orbit;
- Proactive approaches to cybersecurity, including frequent software updates; and
- The potential of High Throughput Satellites (HTS) to deliver broadband to under-served areas such as Africa and India.
Our friends at SRT Wireless and Thuraya were on the scene to promote their Thuraya VIPturbo Module and the new Thuraya Aero division.
Thuraya Telecom’s booth, featuring executives from SRT Wireless
Finally, to reinforce the trend in the overall industry toward developing smaller, more agile and cheaper satellites, a Lockheed Martin executive said the company’s goal over the next 3-5 years was to shorten the time it takes to develop new satellites by 40 percent and develop technology that enables satellites to be reprogrammed while they are still in orbit.
We enjoyed catching up with old friends, clients, and colleagues at this year’s show!