Satellite Markets and Research Editor-in-Chief Virgil Labrador spoke with with Dave Rehbehn, Vice-President, International Division-Hughes Network Systems.  Dave gave an update on Hughes and its offerings and the status of its upcoming Jupiter-3 satellite. He also talked about the key verticals that will be driving demand for their services post-pandemic, bridging the digital divide among other topics.

Northrop Grumman Corporation has named Scott Stapp chief technology officer (CTO). Stapp will report to Kathy Warden, chairman, chief executive officer and president and will work closely with the executive leadership team.

Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. (NASDAQ, TASE: GILT) names Adi Sfadia as Gilat’s CEO. Adi Sfadia served as Gilat’s interim CEO since July 2nd this year and prior to that held the position of Gilat’s CFO, for the past 5 years.

Panasonic Avionics Corporation (Panasonic) has today announced the appointment of Hernan Abbes as Vice President, Global Sales. In his new role, Abbes will play a pivotal leadership role in driving business growth and nurturing strong relationships with new and existing airline customers.

Satellite Markets and Research Editor-in-Chief Virgil Labrador spoke with Dan Zajicek, the new CEO of satellite operator Spacecom based in Israel.  Dan spoke about Spacecom's historic participation for the first time at CABSAT, the premiere satellite event in the Middle East, how his company is coping with the pandemic and their offerings for the African satellite market, among others. 

To shed light on the developemnts and tends in the defense market, Satellite Mrkets and Research spoke with Koen Willems, Head of International Government and Defense Strategy-ST Engineering iDirect.  Excerpts of the interview follows:

An NSR report released last month estimates the Machine to Machine (M2M) and Internet of Things (IoT) via satellite market to reach US $12.4 Billion from 2019-2029 with small satellites driving growth. Alan Crisp, NSR Senior Analyst and report lead author stated lower price points will unleash unaddressed use cases. Higher volumes will likewise lead to higher ARPUs, changing the overall demand dynamics of numerous verticals. “That is not to say that MSS and VSAT offerings will lose their competitive edge or role in the marketplace.

Viasat Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT) today announced that Viasat’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mark Dankberg has become Executive Chairman of the company, a new position. He is continuing in his role as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Viasat, Inc. The company’s President and Chief Operating Officer, Rick Baldridge, has been named President and Chief Executive Officer.

These executive changes went into effect on November 3, 2020.

Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. (NASDAQ, TASE: GILT), a provider of satellite networking technology, solutions and services, announces that it has hired BG (Res.) Eyal Zelinger as its Global Defense Vice President and General Manager. The retired Brigadier General from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will head Gilat’s Defense business to maximize opportunities worldwide. Appointment effective December 1st, 2020.

Satellite Markets and Research Editor-in-Chief Virgil Labrador spoke with Krystal Dredge, Marketing Director of satellite antenna manufacturer AvL Technologies. She spoke on her views on how she is continuously building AvL's brand in the industry, how the company has been coping with the global pandemic and the new opportunities in the post-pandemic world.