Don Claussen, ST Engineering iDirect

In this episode of Commercial Space Transformers SpaceNews Senior Staff Writer Jason Rainbow speaks with Don Claussen, CEO, ST Engineering iDirect.
Key topics of the conversation include virtualization, automation, and the push for standardization in satellite networks, which aim to enable greater flexibility, scalability, and interoperability. Claussen highlights how emerging market disruptors like Starlink have accelerated innovation and adaptability in the industry, shifting from static, long lifecycle deployments to more iterative and dynamic solutions.
Challenges such as operating across multiple orbits and integrating with vertically integrated solutions are discussed, with a focus on reducing operational complexity and leveraging AI for tasks like resource optimization. Claussen underscores the importance of collaboration within the industry and with telcos to establish unified standards for seamless connectivity, citing direct-to-device technologies as a potential catalyst for integration. He also stresses the need for a mindset shift, inspired by the rapid advancements in terrestrial wireless communications, to meet growing consumer expectations for continuous connectivity.
About Commercial Space Transformers
The SpaceNews Commercial Space Transformers video series gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the people and companies driving the space industry’s commercial transformation.
The weekly series features 15-minute down-to-Earth interviews with key players in space, ranging from the executives at the helm of some of the market’s biggest disruptors to the bankers and investors helping to finance their journey.
Join SpaceNews Senior Staff Writer Jason Rainbow as he embarks on a mission to learn where the fast-evolving space industry is heading next.
Commercial Space Transformers
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Time Markers
00:16 - Episode introduction
00:56 - Welcome Don
01:13 - What are the advances being made in the ground segment to enable all those next-generation capabilities? And key trends?
04:43 - Market disrupters like Starlink have reshaped the industry, what would you say are the main norms that have changed and what lessons can others in the satellite sector draw from their approach?
06:35 - What would say is the most pressing challenges your satellite customers are facing? And what are you doing to support them?
11:32 - How are you planning on leveraging AI?
13:48 - What external pressures are challenging the need for a mindset shift in the satellite industry? What are these transformation so urgent?
17:44 - We’re seeing a lot of advances in the direct to smartphone market, do you think that’s going to help with integration? And bring Telcos to the negotiating table?
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