Understanding satellite technology

Today’s guest is Rebecca Cowen-Hirsch, senior vice president, Government Strategy & Policy, US Government Business Unit, Inmarsat.

Probably the key word to understand the topic is the word “Insatiable.”  The demand for wireless connections today is certainly insatiable.  This means checking for messages at a baseball game and it

means having access to a cell phone if you are tasked with assisting in a disaster.  The second scenario is where Inmarsat fits in.

It originated in communications devices for non- terrestrial applications.  Years ago, this was an issue on ocean going vessels.  As a result the company developed INternational capability, with MARitime focus by using SATellites.  The name INMARSAT was born.

An argument can be made that federal information professionals are among the most international in the world.  They are responsible for not only embassies (the easy part) but also for military and disaster efforts that can be some of the most remote areas of the world.  If you add a security component to this endeavor, then setting up secure satellite communication for govies all over the world is a daunting task.

During the interview, Cowen-Hirsch discuses “comms on the move,” first responders, Global Xpress –  and the third satellite constellation Inmarsat is expected to launch on August 28, 2015.

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