The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is cementing its position as one of the most dynamic powerhouses in the global satellite industry, fueled by exploding connectivity demands and a diverse economic landscape.
On a recent episode of SSPI’s The Space Business is... podcast, Terry Bleakley, Regional Vice President for Sales at ST Engineering iDirect, provided an expert analysis of APAC’s booming satellite market. He shared his perspectives on the region’s evolution, the pivotal role of ST Engineering iDirect in shaping this transformation, and the company’s commitment to fostering global collaboration in the space industry.
The Space Business is... In Asia: Welcome to ST Engineering iDirect Asia-Pacific
In The Space Business is... podcast series, we take a look at the way the commercial space industry has spread itself to parts of the world where space and satellites were once only read about or dreamed of. In the fifth episode, we hear from Terry Bleakley, Regional Vice President of the APAC region at ST Engineering iDirect.
In his current role, Terry Bleakley is responsible for developing and executing strategies to accelerate ST Engineering iDirect’s revenue growth. Throughout his extensive career, Terry held several senior leadership roles with leading satellite operators. From 2010 to 2023, he served as Regional Vice President for the Asia-Pacific at Intelsat, where he oversaw significant regional initiatives, strengthening the company’s presence in the region. Prior to his tenure at Intelsat, he was the Chief Commercial Officer at MEASAT from 2007 to 2010, where he played a critical role in driving the company’s commercial growth.
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APAC’s Expanding Role in the Satellite Industry
Asia-Pacific has emerged as one of the fastest-growing satellite markets worldwide, showcasing an unparalleled blend of challenges and opportunities. According to Bleakley, the region is home to 18 regional satellite operators, surpassing markets like North and Latin America. From developed nations like Japan to rapidly growing economies like Indonesia, APAC’s diverse ecosystem offers fertile ground for innovation.
Across the region the satellite industry is thriving in 3 key sectors:
- Aeronautics: Advanced satellite networks are driving the future of in-flight connectivity.
- Maritime: Seamless coverage is becoming a reality in one of the world’s busiest trade hubs.
- Broadband: With rapid digital adoption, satellite-powered broadband is closing the connectivity gap in underserved and underserved regions.
Despite intense competition, APAC’s size and complexity provide ample opportunity for growth, innovation, and collaboration among industry players. The region stands as a testament to the untapped potential of satellite technology in addressing digital equality and driving economic growth.
How ST Engineering iDirect is Transforming Ground Infrastructure
At the heart of APAC's thriving satellite industry lies cutting-edge ground infrastructure. This is where ST Engineering iDirect plays a crucial role, enabling operators to meet surging connectivity demands with its next-generation solutions.
One of the most groundbreaking advancements spearheaded by the company is Intuition, an advanced satellite ground system introduced at SATELLITE 2024. Designed to redefine flexibility and adaptability in satellite networks, Intuition boasts the following innovations:
- Virtualization and Network Orchestration to elevate operational efficiency.
- Open Standards Compliance for seamless multi-orbit interoperability.
- Automation Capabilities that improve resource management while minimizing manual intervention.
By championing agility, scalability, and innovation, ST Engineering iDirect ensures that ground segment technology evolves in lockstep with the rapid advancements in space capabilities. Their vision centers on bridging the gap between terrestrial and satellite networks, creating a future-ready landscape for satellite communications.
Supporting “The Space Business is Everywhere” Campaign
ST Engineering iDirect is proud to support and sponsor “The Space Business is Everywhere” topic campaign, a platform that amplifies voices from around the globe and showcases the groundbreaking innovation driving the "New Space" era. This initiative underscores the growing contributions of regions like the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, each bringing unique priorities and increasing investments to the evolving space industry. These advancements serve as a powerful reminder that the influence of space technology truly spans the globe.
Driving the Future of Space Connectivity
ST Engineering iDirect is a driving force behind the transformation of satellite communications. By bridging the gap between advanced technology and accessible solutions, they empower businesses, governments, and individuals to thrive in a connected world.
Explore inspiring podcast contributions from our customers across Africa and Asia. Check out the episodes featuring NIGCOMAT and JSAT later in this issue.
Learn more about ST Engineering iDirect’s role in the satellite evolution here.