The pulse of the satellite industry: questions and answers for senior executives 2026

This report examines the questions that industry leaders in the satellite communications (satcom) and telecoms industries want answers to in 2026. It is based on the ‘burning questions’ submitted to us by space and telecoms stakeholders when they registered for Analysys Mason’s annual breakfast briefing in Washington, D.C.

This report offers a unique perspective on the trends and issues that are currently shaping decision‑making across the space industry. This year’s registrants submitted around 350 survey responses, underscoring growing interest (and concern) among stakeholders about the future development of satellite and space technologies.

The survey responses span a wide range of topics, although most fall into the following six categories:

• direct-to-device (D2D) and non-terrestrial network (NTN) evolution
• multi-orbit architectures and integration
• AI and virtualisation
• vertical integration and industry consolidation
• sovereignty, security and regulation
• low-Earth orbit (LEO) constellation impacts.

This report focuses on four of the industry’s most pressing questions, offering insights and practical guidance for senior executives in satcom and telecoms organisations worldwide.