Recipients of the Excellence in Satellite Communications Awards were recognized at this year’s World Space Business Week. In its 27th edition, the prestigious event hosts more than 1,400 executives and industry leaders each year from over 500 space organizations across the globe.
Brussels, Hong Kong, Montreal, Munich, Paris, Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo, Toulouse, Washington D.C. [September 18, 2024] – Novaspace, merger between Euroconsult and SpaceTec Partners, recognized top technical and business innovations in satellite Communications during the Excellence in Satellite Communications Awards at World Space Business Week.
The winners were chosen by a panel of industry experts who evaluated candidates based on strict criteria including innovation, management style, financial performance, and overall business impact. In a ceremony held on Wednesday, September 18th, during World Space Business Week, the winners received their awards before an audience of over 1,400 of their executive peers. This year’s winners were recognized in four distinct categories:
Yahsat and Bayanat collected the Strategic Transaction Award (M&A)
Yahsat’s merger with Bayanat signals a new trend toward AI-powered space technology. The UAE-based complementary merger between the companies is predicted to lead to a market capitalization of over $4 Billion positioning the company for future profitable growth and innovation. The merger, leading to the creation of Space42, aims to create a vertically integrated AI provider with geospatial and mobility, satellite communications and business capabilities.
“Receiving the WSBW award is a significant recognition of Yahsat and Bayanat’s commitment to advancing SpaceTech and AI technologies. Our merger with Bayanat to create Space42, underscores our commitment to seamlessly integrate satellite communications, geospatial intelligence, and AI capabilities, in line with the UAE’s Space Strategy 2030 and AI Strategy 2031. Through our combined world-class capabilities and expertise, we are positioned to meet the rapidly evolving needs of the global SpaceTech sector and deliver greater value to our customers, stakeholders, and the communities we serve. We are proud to lead in this critical sector and remain dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what satellite technology can deliver to transform industries and communities worldwide.”
Ali Al Hashemi, GCEO of Yahsat
“Receiving the Strategic Transaction of the Year Award is a powerful affirmation of Bayanat and Yahsat’s bold vision in transforming the space sector. Our groundbreaking merger to form Space42 aligns perfectly with the UAE leadership’s ambition to position our nation as a global powerhouse in space and AI, fueling a dynamic, knowledge-based economy. The launch of the UAE’s first SAR satellite, Foresight-1, marks a significant leap in our Earth Observation program, showcasing how our united strengths are set to revolutionize global standards. This recognition propels us to push the boundaries of innovation, leaving a lasting impact on global decision-making powered by Space & AI.”
Hasan Al Hosani, MD of Bayanat
Avanti Communications & IHS Towers secured the Universal Broadband Award
The partnership between Avanti Communications and IHS Towers paves the way for continued rural connectivity. Together, Avanti Communications and IHS Towers will establish a cost-effective, reliable and sustainable broadband connectivity solution to Nigeria, a region sorely lacking in accessible telecommunications services. This important solution will enhance quality of life to millions of people in that region.
“Thank you for recognising Avanti and IHS as the winners of the Universal Broadband Award.
Kyle Whitehill, CEO, Avanti Communications
The mission to provide cost-effective, reliable, and sustainable internet solutions is more than a professional endeavor; it is a mission we each carry personally at Avanti. Access to the internet is not a luxury, it is a necessity. It opens doors to education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and global connectivity. For too long, the remote and hard-to-reach regions of Africa have been left in the dark, disconnected from the boundless potential connectivity brings.
This award marks a significant milestone for both Avanti and IHS, but it is also a reminder of what we still must achieve. It motivates us to continue to push boundaries and challenge limitations, so that every individual, regardless of their location, has the opportunity to be a part of the digital age.”
“We are deeply honored to receive the World Space Business Week Universal Broadband Award, recognizing our commitment to innovation and social responsibility in expanding global connectivity. As one of the largest independent tower companies globally, IHS Towers is dedicated to helping bridge the digital divide, particularly in Nigeria, where we operate more than 16,000 towers.
Our partnership with Avanti Communications has been pivotal in bringing broadband connectivity as well as delivering sustainable, reliable, and cost-effective solutions to rural areas. Together, we are striving to help transform lives by enabling digital inclusion, job creation, and driving socio-economic development across underserved and unserved communities.”
Mohamad Darwish: Executive Vice President, IHS Nigeria CEO
SES won Global Satellite Business of the Year
Satellite telecommunications giant, SES Satellites, announced major partnerships and collaborations marking pivotal shifts and providing a glimpse into the future of satellite communications. SES’s success as a global satellite operator has seen it expand from its European broadcasting origins to providing an impressive portfolio of global services including broadband. Additionally, SES teamed up with SpaceX to link their broadband satellites to Starlink to enhance multi-orbit cruise connectivity.
“On behalf of SES, I am honored to accept this award which acknowledges the integrated multi-orbit innovation we are spearheading and the value we are delivering to our customers. This achievement is only possible thanks to our team’s dedication to understanding customer needs and our global partnerships across the industry. Pending approval, we believe the proposed SES-Intelsat acquisition will enable the combined company to become an even more competitive multi-orbit operator with the ability to offer better solutions in high-value markets.”
John-Paul Hemingway, Chief Commercial Officer at SES
Sky Perfect JSAT Group secured the Regional Satellite Operator Award
Sky Perfect JSAT Group has successfully grown its communications and broadcasting satellite fleet over decades, with its first satellite launched in 1989. Sky Perfect JSAT Group has now become the premiere commercial constellation in Japan, servicing the Asia Pacific market, ensuring its knowledge and expertise of space operations can be shared across the Japanese communications market.
“We are truly honored to receive this award and grateful to Novaspace for always providing an insightful platform such as World Space Business Week. SKY Perfect JSAT has been leading the satcom industry in Asia Pacific for 35 years, and we are now transforming ourselves into more than just a satellite telecommunication and broadcasting provider. With our initiatives and technologies including integrated non-terrestrial network systems, earth observation, active debris removal, and space situational awareness, we will continue to perform at our best to bring “Space for your Smile,” as our group mission says, to the lives of people, communities, and countries in the region.”
Yutaka Moriai, Executive Officer, Group President, Global Business Group, Space Business Unit
Space Villages has been honored with the Space Business Catalyst Award, powered by Thales Alenia Space. For the second year, this award is linked to Thales Alenia Space’s space accelerator program in Turin, Italy and Toulouse, France. The award is presented to intrapreneurs and startups who are looking to develop responsible solutions for sustainable space and life on Earth. The award supports these initiatives and intends to elevate and implement their strategies.
“We are grateful for this award. The progress we’ve made is a result of the vision and commitment to build affordable and sustainable space infrastructures. We will continue our mission to enhance space accessibility and innovating in the in-orbit assembly and repair services”
Jose Alonso, Space Villages Founder
The Annual Awards for Excellence will continue Friday, September 20 recognizing outstanding achievements in Earth Observation and concluding with the much-anticipated Finspace startup pitch competition.
