The key themes emerging from the three major conferences held in Europe this September, (World Satellite Business Week, IBC and VSAT Global and Next Generation Satellite Applications), were: change, innovation and flexibility.  Change is all around. Change for manufacturers as demand shifts from Geostationary Orbit (GEO) to Non Geostationary Orbit (NGSO). Change in the structure of the industry. Lockheed is tracking 975 new space startups. Change in the manufacturing process. Satellites are getting bigger, and smaller. Electric propulsion is now an accepted technology; software defined satellites are moving from concept to reality, although we are still some time away from an in-orbit fully reconfigurable satellite.

Late September saw the fourth edition of the China Commercial Aerospace Forum, held in Wuhan, in south-central China at the intersection of the Han and Yangtze rivers. As an American who has spent most of my adult life of China, the conference took place at a fascinating time for me, in the midst of a potential trade war between my home country and my adopted home country.

Avanti Communications Group plc,  a provider of satellite data communications services in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, released results for the twelve months ending June 30, 2018. The company reported revenue for the six months to June 2018 increased 23% to US$ 29.9 million (2017: $24.3 million) while EBITDA for the six months to June 2018 increased to US$4.7 million from an EBITDA loss in 2017 of US$ 26.2 million.

Some of the highlights to 30 June, include:

Boeing completed the acquisition of Millennium Space Systems, a provider of agile, flight-proven small-satellite solutions. Millennium Space Systems will operate under Boeing Phantom Works as a subsidiary called Millennium Space Systems, A Boeing Company.

It will retain an independent operating model while benefiting from Boeing's resources, scale, manufacturing capability and technology research as the leading provider of aerospace products and services.

Consulting firm Euroconsult announced the recipients of both its Annual Awards for Excellence in Connectivity and Satellite Communications as well as Earth Observation and Information on the occasion of the World Satellite Business Week, its annual senior executive event, of which the 22nd edition took place in Paris from Sept. 10 to 14. These annual awards recognize companies and their management for their outstanding accomplishments.

Intelsat S.A. (NYSE: I) today announced the settlement of its previously announced tender offer  by its indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, Intelsat Jackson Holdings S.A., to purchase any and all of its outstanding 7 ¼% Senior Notes due 2020.

The annual AfricaCom Awards will once again celebrate success and innovation this year, by recognising the achievements of the best companies, solutions, products and personalities improving connectivity and driving Africa through the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

ITU Telecom World 2018 officially opened for business today in Durban, South Africa with a dynamic Opening Ceremony in the presence of H.E. Nomvula Paula Mokonyane, Minister of Communications, South Africa; Acting Premier of KwaZulu Natal, Sihle Zikalala; H.E. Abdulaziz Bin Salem Al Ruwais, Governor, Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Rob Shuter, Group President and CEO, MTN; ITU Secretary General, Houlin Zhao; H.E Siyabonga Cyprian Cwele, Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services, South Africa; and South Africa President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, who delivered the keynote address.

Across all regions, a plethora of “New Space” companies are bringing about innovative and affordable solutions to access space

The increased privatization of space activities has brought about a new generation of space companies. The most successful of these private companies have come about as a result of consistent cooperation with, and support from government agencies.