The SATExpo Summit opened today alongside SATExpo 2026 at Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City Dubai, bringing satellite operators, technology companies, government representatives and investors together to discuss the technologies and business models reshaping the space sector.
Held under the theme ‘Connectivity, Intelligence and the New Space Economy’, the opening day focused on connectivity and intelligent infrastructure, with sessions examining direct-to-device (D2D) services, artificial intelligence in orbit, satellite infrastructure and the growing commercialisation of space technologies.
One of the central discussions focused on whether D2D connectivity can develop from a promising technology into a commercially sustainable service. During the session ‘Direct-to-Device: Separating the Business Case from the Hype’, Jassem Nasser, Chief Growth Officer of Space Services at Space42, argued that satellite connectivity should be considered an extension of terrestrial mobile networks rather than a substitute for them.
Nasser highlighted spectrum availability, regulation, interoperability and affordability as factors that will determine how quickly D2D services can scale. In the GCC, where terrestrial connectivity is already extensive, he said the strongest opportunities may lie in resilience, remote connectivity and mission-critical applications, including IoT and government services.
AI moves into orbit
Artificial intelligence was another major theme of the Summit, particularly its potential to change how satellites operate and how the data they generate is processed. Dr Hamdullah Mohib, CEO of Orbitworks, discussed the company’s Altair-1 satellite, which reached orbit on October 1, and the role of onboard AI in processing satellite imagery and turning data into actionable intelligence.
The discussion was followed by a panel titled ‘AI in Orbit: From Automating Operations to Trusting the Machine’, which considered the balance between automation and human oversight. The panel brought together Dr Sara Ahmad, Chief Engineer – Licensing and Interconnection at the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority; Chetan Anand, Partner, Digital & TMT – IMEA at Roland Berger; and Rajeeshwaran Moorthy, Acting CEO of Space City Asia, Board Advisor at Pahang Aerospace City, and President & Group CEO of KASDR Legacy in Space City Asia.
Moorthy also highlighted growing UAE-Malaysia cooperation around space technology and skills development. Space City Asia is working with the UAE Space Agency and plans to procure a satellite constellation from UAE-based Orbitworks. The wider collaboration is expected to include opportunities for Malaysian students to gain practical experience in satellite development in the UAE.
“We want this to be an ecosystem that builds the best of space and learns the best of space together, allowing us to groom talent naturally so that the space culture gets to our younger generation,” Moorthy said. The discussion reflects a broader shift in the space industry, where AI is increasingly being considered not simply as a tool for analysing data on the ground but as a technology capable of supporting operations closer to where that data is generated.
Commercial activity extends beyond satellites
The exhibition accompanying SATExpo 2026 is also highlighting developments across satellite communications, ground infrastructure, antennas, terminals and advanced connectivity. Companies including Eutelsat, ST Engineering iDirect, INTEGRASYS, RSCC, APSTAR, Hughes and Space Communication Technologies are showcasing technologies aimed at supporting increasingly connected applications.
Elsewhere at the event, Space Communications Technologies SPC (SCT) and GIS HUB LLC announced a strategic partnership focused on satellite imagery and geospatial technology in Oman. The two Omani companies said they will combine their infrastructure and capabilities to develop integrated geospatial solutions for public and private sector customers.
Mobility is another area where satellite and terrestrial technologies are converging. Orbit Communication Company (OCC), together with StarWin, demonstrated a hybrid satellite, broadcast and terrestrial mobility system using a Chinese DongFeng MHERO SUV. The demonstration showed how a combined satellite and 5G-A terminal can support services including live television, media content, connectivity, messaging, location information and vehicle data.
Building more flexible satellite networks
ST Engineering iDirect is using the event to showcase developments in 5G non-terrestrial networks, AI-enabled satellite operations and multi-orbit connectivity. Its portfolio on display includes the cloud-native Intuition ground system, Foresight AI operations platform and INT3000 multi-waveform 5G NR-NTN modem.
The technologies reflect the industry’s move towards more software-driven and automated satellite networks as operators increasingly work across multiple orbits and connectivity technologies. The Satellite Innovation Showcase is also featuring developments in payloads, antennas, terminals and ground systems, while the event’s Matchmaking Programme is bringing operators, solution providers, investors and government stakeholders together around potential commercial and technology partnerships.
Sustainability becomes the next challenge
The Summit’s discussions on October 6 will conclude with a focus on space sustainability, including the operational and commercial implications of growing orbital congestion, collision risks, liability and insurance. The issue is becoming increasingly important as the number of satellites and commercial operators continues to grow. More activity in orbit brings greater opportunities for connectivity and data services, but also increases the need for coordination, tracking and responsible use of orbital resources.
The SATExpo Summit continues on October 7, with sessions expected to address resilient multi-orbit connectivity, investment in the space sector, satellite security and the commercial opportunities associated with deep-space activity. Across the Summit and exhibition, the discussions at SATExpo 2026 point to a space industry increasingly defined not only by the satellites being launched, but by the networks, software, data and commercial ecosystems being built around them.
