In the context of strategic geopolitics, Ville Meskus, Head of Defense Business Development at ReOrbit, discusses the power of satellite technology in defense strategy.
In an exclusive interview conducted by Harry McNeil, Mr. Meskas delves into ReOrbit’s contribution to international security, highlighting the importance of communication, lessons learned from global crises, and the evolving dynamics of space in modern warfare.
Harry McNeil (HM): Could you briefly describe your background and role at ReOrbit?
Ville Mescas (VM): I have been part of the ReOrbit team since 2022, serving as the Business Development Director for the Defense sector. Prior to ReOrbit, he worked at the European Space Agency with a focus on the development of the European space ecosystem in Italy. Currently, I represent Finnish industry on space issues in the NATO SpaceNet and am a board member of the Finnish Defense and Aerospace Industry Association PR.
Additionally, I am part of the Management Board of Finland’s Digital Defense Ecosystem. I am also very active in various NATO organizations, such as the NATO Industrial Advisory Group, as part of the Finnish delegation. For ReOrbit, the company builds satellites for government, civil security and defense purposes, with a particular focus on connecting agile SATCOM satellites.
Of course, what the war in Ukraine since February 24, 2022 has taught us is that space matters. This is currently attracting attention and many countries are becoming more aware. ReOrbit builds small SATCOM satellites designed to secure critical sovereign communications resources to military and civilian government agencies.
Therefore, even in a crisis, control of customized communication capabilities remains in the hands of the defense forces and private security personnel.
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HM: What are the lasting lessons from the Ukraine conflict for space defense planners?
VM: The Ukraine conflict highlights the role of communications in decision-making and execution of actions, and particularly highlights the need for efficient communications in dispersed combat forces. It also emphasizes the importance of joint capabilities and multi-domain operations (MDO) to strengthen defense and deterrence.
Space technology, particularly SATCOM, facilitates real-time communication between different defense domains, enabling faster decision-making and coordination.
HM: Which emerging technology areas in the defense sector of the space industry will have the biggest impact on the military landscape and geopolitics in the next five years?
VM: Resilience is key, especially in the face of evolving threats. Incorporating commercial capabilities like ReOrbit’s SATCOM satellites, hybrid networks provide multiple communication paths and enhance resiliency by ensuring availability even in difficult conditions.
NATO’s emphasis on multi-layer, multi-band, multi-orbit networks in the NATO SATCOM architecture reflects the importance of these technologies in enhancing defense capabilities. I believe this is an important technology that can help facilitate major change and the resilience of the system to unwanted change through numerous communication channels. It just expands communication capabilities, but basically it just provides additional capacity.
HM: How does satellite technology like ReOrbit contribute to the current geopolitical situation from a government defense strategy and national sovereignty perspective?
VM: Extend the concept of hybrid networks. Commercial capabilities like ReOrbit’s SATCOM satellites play a role in modern defense strategies, providing not only emergency options but also primary communications solutions. When you ask the Pentagon what communications SATCOM is for them, they say it’s not just a contingency or just a Plan B, it’s often their primary communications method.
By leveraging commercial space technology, governments can strengthen communications resilience and agility, thereby strengthening national sovereignty and defense capabilities. The modern, flexible software we are building for small satellites is less expensive, more reliable, and a critical resource for the military.
HM: What are the main challenges facing defense space technology in the coming year?
VM: Although the military is increasingly incorporating commercial capabilities, there is still much to learn. Procurement models, early engagement with companies, and operational practices will need to adapt. Additionally, cybersecurity remains a concern.
The implementation of dual-use technology using non-traditional suppliers rated as military grade must be taken seriously.
HM: Can you give us an example of a real-world application where satellite technology like ReOrbit has had a major impact on defense?
VM: Commercial space technology is helping bring about change for Ukrainians during a major crisis. SpaceX’s Starlink and remote sensing capabilities provide an information advantage and enable better decision-making. Additionally, improved communications resources are having a positive impact on scenarios such as coronavirus-related isolation, demonstrating that advanced communications technologies can benefit society more broadly.
