Satellite Stories

World Rally Championship P4: Celebrating A Global Audience Nov 26, 2024

Rally fans, drivers and engineers reflect on the future of the SES & WRC partnership; and where the World Rally Championship sport is heading next.

Featuring:

Gregoire Munster, M-Sport World Rally Team

Adrien Fourmaux, M-Sport World Rally Team

Sebastien Ogier, Toyota Gazoo Racing

Rich Millener, M-Sport World Rally team principal

Julia Reznik, director at SES Sports and Events, project management and

sales operation

Philip Manner, WRC Promoter

Presented by Kristina Smith-Meyer, senior creative with SES.

Find out more about SES’s dedicated sports and events services: https://www.ses.com/find-service/sports-organisations

World Rally Championship P3: Behind The Wheel Nov 19, 2024

An insider's understanding into the world of rally car racing, the detail that goes into building the best cars for their sport, plus the balance that is needed for creating optimum performance versus providing the best in-car viewing options for fans watching via broadcast streams.

Featuring Rich Millener, M-Sport World Rally team principal.

Presented by Kristina Smith-Meyer, senior creative with SES.

Find out more about SES’s dedicated sports and events services: https://www.ses.com/find-service/sports-organisations

World Rally Championship P2: Transforming Ideas to Reality Nov 12, 2024

In the cold forests of Finland, to the hot sandy deserts of Kenya - WRC broadcasters and promoters explain how they turn fast paced motorsport racing in remote locations into entertainment enjoyed by millions of viewers watching from home. Together we explore how and why SES satellites offer the most flexible solutions.

Featuring:

Florian Ruth, head of production at WRC TV

Marko Viitanen, managing director at NEP Finland

Stefan Koc, live director at NEP Finland

Julia Reznik, director at SES Sports and Events (project management and

sales operation)

World Rally Championship P1: Understanding Our Partners Nov 05, 2024

How SES helps niche sports broadcast in the remotest of areas, and build long lasting partnerships to ensure reliability and growth.

Where the relationship with WRC began, the challenges they needed help with and how SES could help with the complexity of broadcasting motorsports to a global audience.

Featuring:

Philipp Menner, WRC Promoter

Shmulik Itzaki, sales director at SES Sports and Events

Jona Siebel, managing director of WRC

Presented by Kristina Smith-Meyer, senior creative with SES.

Find out more about SES’s dedicated sports and events services: https://www.ses.com/find-service/sports-organisations

Astra 1P: Enhancing TV Experiences over 19.2 degrees East Sep 24, 2024

Launched in June from Cape Canaveral, ASTRA 1P is the most powerful wide-beam satellite to ever orbit at 19.2 degrees East. It will ensure superior reliability while delivering unparalleled image quality for broadcasters and content owners across some of SES’s largest TV markets in Germany, Spain, and France. Today, we hear from our partners and SES colleagues how and why we’re ready for our next generation of Astra satellites.

This episode of Satellite Stories features:

Steve Bisenius,VP Solutions Engineering, Media

Fabrizio Croce, Senior Manager, Payload Operations

Michele Gosetti, Head of Sports & Events

Andre Prahl, Chief Distribution Officer, RTL Deutschland

Stefan Kunz, VP Content Platforms & Operations, SkyDeutschland

Read more about Astra 1P’s launch here: https://www.ses.com/newsroom/enhancing-tv-experiences-over-192-degrees-east

The series is presented by Kristina Smith-Meyer, Manager, Content Creative & Development, SES Global Marketing Communications.

Network Resilience Sep 03, 2024

When the stakes are high in a connection-critical world, we discover how Satellite has become a backbone of our ‘always-on’ era. And why O3b mPOWER is the first and only satellite system to offer hybrid resilience.

This episode of Satellite Stories features Brady Spenrath, SES Portfolio and Segment Marketing Manager. The series is presented by Kristina Smith-Meyer, Manager, Content Creative & Development, SES Global Marketing Communications.

Day In The Life: Spacecraft Operations, Meet Michael Aug 06, 2024

Curious about the exciting world of an SESer? Today we follow Michael Dalheimer through a typical day as a senior spacecraft operations manager. We discover his daily responsibilities, his favourite career moments, and the path that led him to his current role.

The series is presented by Kristina Smith-Meyer, Manager, Content Creative & Development, SES Global Marketing Communications.

Start your story with SES: ses.com/company/careers

Day In The Life: Spectrum Management, Meet Saemi Jul 23, 2024

Having interned at SES, Saemi discovered her passion for the regulatory side of engineering. So when the time came to transition into a full-time role, becoming a spectrum engineer proved to be the ideal fit. But what does spectrum management involve? Saemi Tanaka Aceves takes us through her day and offers insight into one of the most fascinating departments in our company.

The series is presented by Kristina Smith-Meyer, Manager, Content Creative & Development, SES Global Marketing Communications.

Start your story with SES: ses.com/company/careers

Day In The Life: Software Engineer, Meet Chara Jul 16, 2024

From writing satellite procedures to testing user interfaces used by operators to monitor the status and performance of our O3bmPOWER communications system; Chara Lagou’s role is essential in ensuring the connectivity our customers rely on - whether on land, in the air, or at sea. The surveyor-turned-software engineer takes us through her daily tasks and gives us an insight into what happens behind the scenes in the Space Software Systems team.

The series is presented by Kristina Smith-Meyer, Manager, Content Creative & Development, SES Global Marketing Communications.

Start your story with SES: ses.com/company/careers

Orbit Mythbusting: LEO, MEO and GEO Apr 15, 2024

SES is one of the very few companies focussed on all orbit connectivity. On this episode of Satellite Stories, we compare LEO, MEO and GEO orbits in terms of latency, coverage and data congestion.

Taking advantage of all orbits helps governments choose the best connectivity, the highest throughput and the lowest latency for their application needs. Michael Geist (VP of Product Management, SES Space and Defense) explains how.

Presented by Kristina Smith-Meyer, senior creative with SES.

Find out more about SES Government Services: ses.com/find-service/government

To watch our SES Lightboard Video series, click here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXxm68KSt3Zcw5Sj4qSGrp-eiv5FoXH00

Find out more about SES Space & Defense: sessd.com/

EAGLE-1: Introducing Quantum Key Distribution Mar 18, 2024

An introduction to Europe's first satellite Quantum Key Distribution system.

Featuring Theirry Draus (VP Business Development) and Alexandre Wodarczyk (Senior Manager Business Development) both with the EU Programmes, SES Techcom team.

Presented by Kristina Smith-Meyer, senior creative with SES.

To find out more about EAGLE-1, read here: https://www.ses.com/newsroom/eagle-1-advancing-europes-leadership-quantum-communications

To watch our SES Lightboard Video series, click here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXxm68KSt3Zcw5Sj4qSGrp-eiv5FoXH00

Mercy Ships & SES: Delivering healthcare where it’s most needed Jan 31, 2024

Meet our partner, Mercy Ships, offering free life-saving medical services and training to those living in developing countries, with the help of our SES Signature Maritime Solution and thousands of volunteers aboard their hospital ships.

Satellite Stories is presented by Kristina Smith-Meyer, SES Senior Creative.

This episode features Jonathan Dyson, Director of Enterprise Infrastructure at Mercy Ships; and Greg Martin, VP of Maritime Product Management for SES.

Find out more about SES’s sustainable development work here: ses.com/about-us/environmental-social-and-governance and SES's Cruise offering here: https://www.ses.com/find-service/cruise

O3b mPOWER in the Galapagos Islands (Part 3): Aim for the Moon Dec 31, 2023

Plaza Luna Suites is a boutique hotel run by Dalila Efigenia Vargas Castillo and her family. A place her mother built from scratch when they first moved the islands in the 1950s.

Dalila, much like her mum, aims for the moon when it comes to customer service. And having a reliable internet connection is essential to running her business in every way.

From ordering supplies, to responding to reservation enquiries, or booking guests excursions… “Without the internet,” she says, “I do not have a business, simple.”

So what difference will an improved service like SES’s O3b mPOWER and CNT Ecuador’s partnership make to people like Dalila? Satellite Stories host Kristina Smith-Meyer visits to find out.

To find out more about SES and CNT Ecuador’s partnership, visit https://www.ses.com/o3b-mpower/o3b-mpower-stories/where-conservation-meets-connection

O3b mPOWER in the Galapagos Islands (Part 2): Deep Dive Dec 30, 2023

Head several metres under the Pacific Ocean off the island of Santa Cruz and you’ll find hammerhead sharks, eagle rays, dolphins and plenty more. But above sea, sitting at her desk in her dive school, Alice Bartlett needs a solid internet connection via satellites in space to keep her business afloat.

These days tourists want to book in advance, sort paperwork and licensing before they set off on the holiday of a lifetime. Plus, in the world of TripAdvisor reviews and social media - Academy Bay Diving has to stay competitive online as much as it does on the street. Then, of course - there’s the implication of safety. If something was to go wrong out at sea, satellite connection will be the first port of call for help.

Satellite Stories host Kristina Smith-Meyer visits Alice and her team of divers in the Galapagos Islands to explore the impact O3b mPOWER will have on everyday businesses and lives.

To find out more about the SES and CNT Ecuador’s partnership, visit https://www.ses.com/o3b-mpower/o3b-mpower-stories/where-conservation-meets-connection

O3b mPOWER in the Galapagos Islands (Part 1): Where Conservation Meets Connection Dec 29, 2023

From conservation to tourism, why having a reliable connection is vital to the Galapagos Islands.

Satellite Stories host, Kristina Smith-Meyer, meets with long-term SES partners CNT to find out how satellite connectivity is making the difference for Ecuardorians.

O3b mPOWER is set to double the speed of connection on islands like Santa Cruz. It’s a growth curve Vianna Maino, minister of telecommunications for Ecuador calls a “must” if the country wishes to keep up with the rest of the world.

To find out more about SES and CNT Ecuador’s partnership, visit https://www.ses.com/o3b-mpower/o3b-mpower-stories/where-conservation-meets-connection

Introducing WRC-23: Part Three Oct 30, 2023

This November, at the World Radiocommunication Conference in Dubai, the International Telecommunication Union will address several Agenda Items that will have a direct impact not only on SES’s ITU satellite filings and day-to-day operations, but also on its spectrum allocations and existing satellite service deployments at large.

In this episode of Satellite Stories, Karl Johan Jonsson from the Spectrum Management & Development team at SES talks us through the regulatory mechanisms like the 'EPFD limits' (equivalent power-flux density), that promote harmonious operations of the thousands of satellite systems out at space.

Interested to know more about WRC-23? https://www.ses.com/news/events/itu-world-radiocommunication-conference-2023-wrc-23

Presented by Kristina Smith-Meyer, SES Senior Creative.

Introducing WRC-23: Part Two Oct 30, 2023

This November, at the World Radiocommunication Conference in Dubai, the International Telecommunication Union will address several Agenda Items that will have a direct impact not only on SES’s ITU satellite filings and day-to-day operations, but also on its spectrum allocations and existing satellite service deployments at large.

In this episode of Satellite Stories, Benoit Rougier and Samuel Blondeau from the Spectrum Management & Development team at SES discuss how operating satellites in higher orbits as data relay links can offer space stations, earth observation and small satellite systems in lower orbits an alternative path to download data to the ground, providing options for higher resolution, lower latency and resiliency.

Interested to know more about WRC-23? https://www.ses.com/news/events/itu-world-radiocommunication-conference-2023-wrc-23

Presented by Kristina Smith-Meyer, SES Senior Creative.

Introducing WRC-23: Part One Oct 30, 2023

This November, at the World Radiocommunication Conference in Dubai, the International Telecommunication Union will address several Agenda Items that will have a direct impact not only on SES’s ITU satellite filings and day-to-day operations, but also on its spectrum allocations and existing satellite service deployments at large.

You may be wondering - what are some of these agenda items? And what will be the impact for satellite services? Anna Marklund, WRC Lead within the Spectrum Management and Development team at SES joins Satellite Stories podcast to discuss these topics in more detail.

Interested to know more about WRC-23? https://www.ses.com/news/events/itu-world-radiocommunication-conference-2023-wrc-23

Presented by Kristina Smith-Meyer, SES Senior Creative.

Vodafone Cook Islands (Part 5): Everyday Connectivity Oct 17, 2023

Over the last decade, Vodafone and SES have taken the Cook Islands from high-frequency radio to high-speed broadband using the SES MEO satellite network. The next phase in the partnership deploys the advanced satellite constellation O3b mPOWER to provide fast and reliable 4G+ connectivity to the remotest part of the archipelago.

In the final episode of our five-part series, our host Kristina Smith-Meyer meets Kiwis-turned-Cook-Islanders Sam and Raniera as they explain how big a role the internet plays in their daily lives; for work, for education, for pleasure and for sharing their passions which include outrigger canoeing!

Featuring:

Mac Mokoroa, Minister of Education for the Cook Islands

Sam and Raniera Ellison. To learn about the Cook Islands Canoeing Association, visit them on Facebook: facebook.com/CookIslandsCanoeing/

To find out more about our latest MEO constellation, visit ses.com/o3b-mpower/o3b-mpower-stories/taking-nation-forward

Vodafone Cook Islands (Part 4): Culture and Connection Oct 10, 2023

Over the last decade, Vodafone and SES have taken the Cook Islands from high-frequency radio to high-speed broadband using the SES MEO satellite network. The next phase in the partnership deploys the advanced satellite constellation O3b mPOWER to provide fast and reliable 4G+ connectivity to the remotest part of the archipelago.

In the fourth episode of our five-part series, our host Kristina Smith-Meyer meets Julie Taripo. A journalist producing local documentaries which capture the cultural stories of island life. Julie shows us how access to better connectivity has allowed her content to be viewed and shared across the world.

Featuring: Julie Taripo, video journalist, Rarotonga.

Enjoy watching Julie’s videos on her Moments in Time Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/julietariposhedden

To find out more about our latest MEO constellation, visit ses.com/o3b-mpower/o3b-mpower-stories/taking-nation-forward

Vodafone Cook Islands (Part 3): Progress Through E-Education Oct 03, 2023

Over the last decade, Vodafone and SES have taken the Cook Islands from high-frequency radio to high-speed broadband using the SES MEO satellite network. The next phase in the partnership deploys the advanced satellite constellation O3b mPOWER to provide fast and reliable 4G+ connectivity to the remotest part of the archipelago.

In the third of a five-part podcast series, our host Kristina Smith-Meyer visits the teachers and pupils at a school on the island of Atiu.

Featuring:

Nana Roberts, deputy principal at Apii Enuamanu School in Atiu

Mac Mokoroa, Minister of Education for the Cook Islands

To find out more, visit ses.com/o3b-mpower/o3b-mpower-stories/taking-nation-forward

Vodafone Cook Islands (Part 2): Closing The Digital Divide Sep 26, 2023

Over the last decade, Vodafone and SES have taken the Cook Islands from high-frequency radio to high-speed broadband using the SES MEO satellite network. The next phase in the partnership deploys the advanced satellite constellation O3b mPOWER to provide fast and reliable 4G+ connectivity to the remotest part of the archipelago.

In the second of five podcast episodes, we learnt about the impact O3b mPOWER’s rollout will have, and how engineers in the Cook Islands are preparing for its arrival on Atiu.

Featuring:

Anthony Stribling, customer service manager (APAC region), SES

Robert McFadzien, CTO, Vodafone Cook Islands

To find out more, visit ses.com/o3b-mpower/o3b-mpower-stories/taking-nation-forward

Vodafone Cook Islands (Part 1): Taking A Nation Forward Sep 19, 2023

Over the last decade, Vodafone and SES have taken the Cook Islands from high-frequency radio to high-speed broadband using the SES MEO satellite network. The next phase in the partnership deploys the advanced satellite constellation O3b mPOWER to provide fast and reliable 4G+ connectivity to the remotest part of the archipelago.

In the first of five podcast episodes, Satellite Stories host Kristina Smith-Meyer explores how and why the partnership between VCI and SES first began.

Featuring:

Phillip Henderson, CEO of Vodafone Cook Islands

Alan Cheng, sales manager (Pacific), SES

To find out more, visit ses.com/o3b-mpower/o3b-mpower-stories/taking-nation-forward

AFPTV Live: Partnerships that build growth Sep 04, 2023

What happened when the world’s oldest news agency wanted to grow its capacity for live content via satellite distribution? How does satellite technology aid content producers looking to share thousands of live feeds per month with their customers? And how can a news agency keep up with a competitive and hungry market?

On this episode of Satellite Stories we explore why the partnership between AFP and SES formed back in 2017, how ‘SES 360’ became the backbone in developing an online platform called AFPTV Live and where the partnership is heading next.

Satellite Stories podcast is presented by SES senior creative, Kristina Smith-Meyer.

To find out more, visit ses.com/case-studies

The rise of women’s sports, esports and personalised broadcast experiences Jul 25, 2023

Julia Reznik, Deputy Head of Sports & Events at SES Satellites joins Satellite Stories to discuss how SES helps its partners provide services for the different types of sport customers; from those wanting traditional sports coverage versus the increased demand for women’s sports coverage, esports and personalised broadcast experiences.

Satellite Stories podcast is presented by SES Senior Creative, Kristina Smith-Meyer.

To find out more, visit ses.com/case-studies

Antarctica Revisited: Stories from the South Pole May 09, 2023

In December 2022, SES Vice President of Solutions Engineering, Gez Draycott, joined record-breaking polar explorer Robert Swan OBE in Antarctica for a second time.

This time he was part of a seven-person expedition to the South Pole.

Gez returns to our podcast to talk us through his mission, and explain how it’s changed him.

Read more about the journey he’s been on via the SES blog: https://www.ses.com/blog/gez-draycott-return-antarctica

Satellite Stories podcast is presented by SES Senior Creative, Kristina Smith-Meyer.

If you’d like to find out more about the technology and causes we’re supporting with our Corporate Social Responsibility team - you can read more on our ESG page.

O3b mPOWER: Behind the scenes of our first launch Apr 25, 2023

Built by Boeing, launched by SpaceX on a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station - our second-generation MEO system will enable customers across the globe to benefit from the highest, most flexible, guaranteed throughput.

On the 16th December 2022, at 5:48 pm local time the first two O3b mPOWER satellites were successfully launched into space in Florida.

In this episode we go behind the scenes on the day of the launch, and hear the excitement and anticipation of SES colleagues and customers.

To read or watch more about the new SES constellation, click here: ses.com/o3b-mpower

Thank you to SpaceX for the actuality. To watch SpaceX launch the SES O3b mPOWER mission in full visit the SpaceX YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WAQD83ElZY

Satellite Stories podcast is presented by SES senior creative, Kristina Smith-Meyer.

O3b mPOWER: Before launch, a reminder of why space is cool… Mar 14, 2023

We stumbled upon the American Space Museum in downtown Titusville by chance. With hundreds of artifacts donated by individuals, astronauts, space workers and NASA - it was pretty clear that if you’re a space enthusiast…then THIS is the place to be!

So in the days before the O3b mPOWER satellites were launched we headed inside and sat down with one of the museum’s members of staff to remind ourselves just exactly how cool space really is!

Thank you to our guest Mark Marquette, Community Liaison & Astronomy for the American Space Museum and US Walk of Fame in Titusville, Florida.

You can visit spacewalkoffame.org to find out more about the museum.

Thank you to SpaceX for the actuality. To watch SpaceX launch the SES O3b mPOWER mission in full visit the SpaceX YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WAQD83ElZY

And to read or watch more about the new SES constellation, click here: ses.com/o3b-mpower

Satellite Stories podcast is presented by SES Senior Creative, Kristina Smith-Meyer.

All Elite Wrestling Part 4: What live sports broadcasting means to the fans Jan 12, 2023

When one of the world’s most watched wrestling promoters contacted SES to help build their global audience - our instant response was ‘hell yeah’!

Distribution, sat trucks, IP, fibre, full redundancy…just a handful of the solutions that we can provide our live sports and events partners such as NFL, ESPN or…AEW.

On the final episode of our four part series, we hear from those sitting ringside in Arthur Ashe stadium as well as the fans watching at home.

Plus, we find out what it takes for a brand new company to distribute across 130 countries worldwide within four years, and ensure their content is delivered reliably.

With thanks to our guests:

Tony Khan, president and CEO of AEW

Shane Emerson, head of global programming and partnerships at AEW

The professional wrestling tag team 'The Acclaimed', Anthony Bowens and Max Caster

Jamal Tate and Corey Riley

Copyright for all live match actuality belongs to All Elite Wrestling.

Satellite Stories podcast is presented by SES senior creative, Kristina Smith-Meyer.

For more about what SES does, visit SES.com

All Elite Wrestling Part 3: What live sports broadcasting means to the talent Jan 11, 2023

When one of the world’s most watched wrestling promoters contacted SES to help build their global audience - our instant response was ‘hell yeah’!

Distribution, sat trucks, IP, fibre, full redundancy…just a handful of the solutions that we can provide our live sports and events partners such as NFL, ESPN or…AEW.

In the third of four episodes, we meet some of the wrestlers on AEW’s roster and the man behind talent development.

We learn what it takes to be a successful pro - not just on stage, but also on camera.

And why satellite television is the epicentre of their industry; from inspiring children to become future stars, to entertaining grandmas watching on the other side of the world!

With thanks to our guests:

Pat Buck, VP of talent development at AEW

Kris Statlander, wrestler

Ricky Starks, wrestler

Copyright for all live match actuality belongs to All Elite Wrestling.

Satellite Stories podcast is presented by SES senior creative, Kristina Smith-Meyer.

For more about what SES does, visit SES.com

All Elite Wrestling Part 2: How SES makes live sports broadcasts come to life Jan 10, 2023

When one of the world’s most watched wrestling promoters contacted SES to help build their global audience - our instant response was ‘hell yeah’!

Distribution, sat trucks, IP, fibre, full redundancy…just a handful of the solutions that we can provide our live sports and events partners such as NFL, ESPN or…AEW.

In this second of four episodes, we go behind-the-scenes to hear the why and how a tennis stadium in Queens was transformed into a Grand Slam All Elite Wrestling event watched by thousands across the world.

With thanks to our guests:

David Fruitman, transmission manager for AEW

Greg Werner, executive in charge of production at AEW

Kyle Clouse, DVB engineer for sports and events at SES

Derek Ortman, Sports and Events Operator for sports and events at SES

Copyright for all live match actuality belongs to All Elite Wrestling.

Satellite Stories podcast is presented by SES senior creative, Kristina Smith-Meyer.

For more about what SES does, visit SES.com

All Elite Wrestling Part 1: Why SES invests in live sports broadcast partnerships Jan 09, 2023

When one of the world’s most watched wrestling promoters contacted SES to help build their global audience - our instant response was ‘hell yeah’!

Distribution, sat trucks, IP, fibre, full redundancy…just a handful of the solutions that we can provide our live sports and events partners such as NFL, ESPN or…AEW.

In this first of four episodes, we go behind-the-scenes to hear the why and how a tennis stadium in Queens was transformed into a Grand Slam All Elite Wrestling event watched by thousands across the world.

With thanks to our guests:

Susanna Mandel-Mantello, VP of strategic accounts in sports and events at SES

Chris Harrington, senior VP of business strategy for AEW

Sonjay Dutt, VP of production and creative coordination at AEW

Copyright for all live match actuality belongs to All Elite Wrestling.

Satellite Stories podcast is presented by SES senior creative, Kristina Smith-Meyer.

For more about what SES does, visit SES.com

Antarctica Revisited: Trek To The South Pole #ChallengeAccepted Dec 21, 2022

“When Robert first went to the South Pole, back in 1985, believe it or not there were actually more people that had been to the moon than had actually been to the South Pole!”

Gez Draycott, Vice President of Sales Engineering at SES returns to the Satellite Stories podcast with a follow up of the latest twists and turns working with explorer Robert Swan.

He announces that SES will be sponsoring him to head back to Antarctica for Robert’s next expedition - but this time they’ll be pushing the boundary further physically and technically than any of SES’s other ESG feats to date: #ChallengeAccepted

Listen back to our earlier episodes, when we supported Robert and the 2041 ClimateForce expedition in March 2022:

https://www.ses.com/podcasts/live-streaming-antarctica-part-1-why

https://www.ses.com/podcasts/live-streaming-antarctica-part-2-how

And to follow Gez’s progress visit instagram.com/gez_antarctica and www.gdraycott.co.uk

Satellite Stories podcast is presented by SES Senior Creative, Kristina Smith-Meyer.

If you’d like to find out more about the technology and causes we’re supporting with our Corporate Social Responsibility team - you can read more on our ESG page.

Extraordinary Musical Experiences: Tomorrowland & Cercle Dec 06, 2022

Music has the power to bring us all together to share our stories. That’s why SES was delighted to be an official partner of the Cercle Festival 2022!

And that’s not the only musical production house we’ve supported - over the last five years SES has supported Tomorrowland, dubbed as the most global electronic festival on earth.

In this episode of Satellite Stories, hear how our technical team made these partnerships happy and why together with our industry partners, we do the extraordinary in space to deliver amazing experiences everywhere on earth.

Thanks to our guest Elodie Maurer, SES marketing manager for O3b mPOWER.

To find out more about our Occasional Use services, visit SES.com

For Tomorrowland’s digital offering, check out tomorrowland.com/en/digital

Head to Cercle.io to watch Cercle’s videos, including the performance we’ve highlighted with Ry X in Brazil.

Satellite Stories podcast is presented by SES Senior Creative, Kristina Smith-Meyer.

Strategy and Market Intelligence: Emerging Trends Across The Industry Nov 16, 2022

Nihar Shah discusses how the global pandemic and the war in Ukraine have influenced trends within the satellite industry.

From space innovation, cloud dominance, the emergence of 5G to technology tackling climate change; the SES Vice President of Strategy and Market Intelligence offers a deeper insight into where next when it comes to satellite possibilities.

Satellite Stories podcast is presented by SES Senior Creative, Kristina Smith-Meyer.

For more about what we do, visit SES.com

L192: SES Customer Innovation Team Oct 31, 2022

‘Build the new’ is one of the many phrases Nick Thompson uses to define L192’s mission. This exciting team based out of our Washington DC base specialise in collaborating with idea generators, technology innovators and market leaders.

Together, SES combines expertise in network technology, automation, cloud and productization with customers to create prototypes, test, launch and monetize new, disruptive services.

Nick, responsible for Product Delivery at SES Networks, shares why and what the team gets up to.

Satellite Stories podcast is presented by SES Senior Creative, Kristina Smith-Meyer.

To find out more visit the “Sparking Innovation with L192” webpage on ses.com (under Insights section). On this webpage you can watch the roundtable films and read more on L192, its mission and why it matters to our customers and partners.

SES Roundtable: Lessons learnt from the COVID-19 pandemic Sep 12, 2022

When the world came to a halt early 2020 due to the global pandemic, there were two big changes for the satellite industry:

Number one - the cruise and aviation industries came crashing to a halt. We were concerned for our customers. Knowing it could take years to rebuild economically, we wondered whether they’d survive such devastating consequences financially?

And number two - with more people working and staying at home than ever before, there was a surge in demands for more capacity, as well as faster and more reliable connectivity.

But it wasn’t all bad news. For some - the pandemic offered a chance to take stock, to pause, to refill, to renew and refresh. Like our aviation customers who used the opportunity to update satellite technology on their grounded aircraft.

On this episode of Satellite Stories we share a handful of the headlines captured during our recent Roundtable event, filmed in Luxembourg with market specialists based at our head office.

What impact has the pandemic had on all segments in the satellite industry? And how has SES had to adapt to continue to serve customers’ changing needs?

You can watch the films in full on our website. Visit ses.com/insights to find out more.

Satellite Stories podcast is presented by SES Senior Creative, Kristina Smith-Meyer.

Guest speakers include Bishwajit Gogoi, Deepu Pillai, Piia Kupari and Elisabeth Eberhardt.

Live streaming in Antarctica: Part Two - How May 03, 2022

Connecting Antarctica to the world: This time we share what happened next. How SES's technical solution made dreams become reality as we supported the 2041 ClimateForce expedition in March 2022.

Gez Draycott, Vice President of Sales Engineering at SES talks us through how he enabled capacity to connect in such a remote place, what impact the trip to Antarctica had on him personally, and how this project may shape our company’s future in the way it reports carbon emissions moving forwards.

Satellite Stories podcast is presented by SES Senior Creative, Kristina Smith-Meyer.

If you’d like to find out more about the technology and causes we’re hoping to support with our Corporate Social Responsibility team - you can read more at ses.com/about-us/environmental-social-and-governance

And to see some of the videos and photos from Gez’s time in Antarctica: instagram.com/gez_antarctica/

Live streaming in Antarctica: Part One - Why Mar 15, 2022

When record-breaking polar explorer Robert Swan asked whether SES could help live-stream from his next expedition across Antarctica - frankly, we jumped at the opportunity to play our part.

SES's Senior Manager Amber Ledgerwood shares how she and her team work to support social and environmental initiatives. Robert Swan’s ‘2041 Mission’ included.

In this fascinating episode, Amber and Robert discuss how they’re hoping the project will unfold - live - on board the expedition vessel in March 2022.

Plus, we hear why and how SES takes our environmental, social and corporate governance objectives seriously.

Satellite Stories podcast is presented by SES's Senior Creative, Kristina Smith-Meyer.

If you’d like to find out more about the technology and causes we’re hoping to support with our Corporate Social Responsibility team - you can read more at ses.com/about-us/environmental-social-and-governance

MEO, GEO, LEO: What’s what? Mar 08, 2022

GEO, MEO and LEO... What is what exactly when it comes to the world of multi-orbits? And why is SES choosing to invest its future in multiple orbits, not just one of them?

“It’s naive to now think that one solution will serve all markets equally.”

Stewart Sanders, Executive Vice President of Technology, talks tech of where it all started in Lower Earth Orbit; to where SES’s future is headed with Medium Earth Orbit, and O3b mPOWER.

Satellite Stories podcast is presented by SES Senior Creative, Kristina Smith-Meyer.

If you’d like to find out more about the technology and industries we’re hoping to support with O3b mPOWER - you can download our insight paper for free at ses.com/o3b-mpower

Cloud: Close-Up with Microsoft Azure Feb 21, 2022

This is a special podcast episode offering a taste of SES’s latest behind-the-scenes video series - Close-Up.

SES has partnered with Microsoft Azure to ensure secure, reliable delivery of Azure services into any market. But how does this relationship work practically? And how can customers in all segments benefit from the growth and expansion of cloud services offered by SES?

Featuring: JP Hemingway, CSPO for SES. Ewald Schrap, Principal Program Managers with the Azure Global team at Microsoft. Lynn MacDonald, Microsoft Azure Space Lead for Australia and Japan.

Satellite Stories podcast is presented by SES Senior Creative, Kristina Smith-Meyer.

Sign up here to access the full "Close-Up with Microsoft" video series.

A trip to Greenland: Navigating The Arctic Waters Jan 10, 2022

Unless you’re familiar with Greenland’s waters, it’s generally difficult to navigate through its arctic conditions. The climate, influence of the weather, vastness of the sea area and the ever-changing ice conditions mean that all shipping vessels – from fishing boats to cargo ships – need an experienced pilot onboard.

In this episode of Satellite Stories we meet arctic navigator Søren Nuka Olsvig, to learn about the importance of real-time information via reliable internet connection at sea.

Join Kristina Smith-Meyer, SES Senior Creative, in discovering the SES partnership with Tusass Greenland. For more about what we do, visit SES.com

A trip to Greenland: Distance Learning and Online Education Jan 03, 2022

There are limited schooling options and no interconnecting roads between settlements in Greenland. Many students rely on boats, planes or helicopters to access high-schools and universities.

The power of digital inclusion opens doors to online teaching and distance learning platforms previously unavailable in parts of Greenland.

Anders Ogaard is a teacher at the Institute for Learning in Nuuk. He reveals the impact connectivity is having on his pupils’ lives - near and far, and on the wider opportunities the internet can offer Greenlandic culture.

Join Kristina Smith-Meyer, SES's Senior Creative, in discovering the world of e-education in Greenland. For more about what we do, visit SES.com

A trip to Greenland: Sharing Art & Culture With The World Dec 27, 2021

Greenland is a country full of entrepreneurs and artists, all relying on uninterrupted internet connectivity, including Liv Jensen - founder and designer at www.InukDesign.one

Liv offers us an insight into how she works with production and shipping companies around the world via her website and social media platforms to sell her artwork.

Join Kristina Smith-Meyer, SES's Senior Creative, in discovering Liv's story. For more about what we do, visit SES.com

By the way, the music you hear on this episode is Rasmus Berthelsen’s hymn ‘Guuterput Qutsinnermiu’ (Our God In Heaven). As sung by the Avaat Choir.

A trip to Greenland: Connecting The Unconnected with Tusass Dec 20, 2021

Greenland is the world’s largest island yet least densely populated... but how do you connect remote settlements like Tasiilaq and Ittoqqortoormiit to the wider world? And what impact does being connected have on the country’s education, economy and health care sector?

Join Kristina Smith-Meyer on a trip to the country’s capital, Nuuk to discover more about SES’s partnership with Tusass - Greenland’s sole telecommunications provider.

For more about what we do, visit SES.com

Ultra HD: Mastering The Detail Nov 09, 2021

When it comes to knowing your UHD from your HDR, are you struggling to see the wood from the trees? Then fear not because today we’re talking Ultra High Definition, High Dynamic Range AND - ironically - trees. No, really we are…

Through the eyes of cinematographers, colourists and camera experts we’ll learn how a super pixel count can make a real difference. Both in the cinema and in our homes; watching the latest movie or that all-important live sport fixture.

To paint a picture of why mastering the detail matters we follow the story of a violin being made - from the Bavarian Alps to the performance floor.

Satellite Stories is presented by SES Senior Creative, Kristina Smith-Meyer.

For more about what we do, visit SES.com

SES-17: Uncovering the secrets behind DTP and KA-HTS Sep 06, 2021

It’s almost here! SES-17 is a very-high-throughput all-electric geostationary satellite, and is all set for launch in just a matter of months.

Designed and manufactured by Thales Alenia Space, the satellite will operate in conjunction with SES's other Medium Earth Orbit and geostationary satellites.

It's mission is to provide connectivity services across the Americas and the north-Atlantic. But what will that mean for customers and future partners? Whether on land, at sea or in the air?

Chief Technology Officer, Ruy Pinto and VP of Technology Programmes Management, Paul van Gelder reveal some of the secrets behind SES-17 project.

Satellite Stories is presented by Kristina Smith-Meyer. For more about what we do, visit SES.com

Close-Up with SES: A Preview Jun 07, 2021

This is special episode offering a taster of SES’s latest exclusive video series: Close-Up. The pace of change in the satellite industry over the last decade has dwarfed anything in the three decades that preceded it. Just about everything has changed, from the nature of satellites themselves and the applications they're used for, to the customers who require them and the value chain through which satellite communication is delivered to users on Earth. This time on Satellite Stories, Kristina Smith-Meyer hears from JP Hemingway, CEO of SES Networks and Nihar Shah, VP of Strategy & Market Intelligence. Sign up here to access the full "Close-Up with SES" video series.

KiwiSat: DTH in the Caribbean, Life after Irma Mar 22, 2021

When Hurricane Irma hit the Caribbean island of Saint Martin in September 2017, lives were lost, buildings were destroyed as well as families and businesses displaced. It cost the country more than $1.5bn in damages.

But what’s lesser known is the impact the hurricane had on local infrastructure. For some people, they were left without any internet or TV services for over 6 months. That meant no news updates to heed warning of important weather updates.

Andrew Wong, CEO of KiwiSat, wanted better for his customers. He wanted to create an affordable, high quality service that would be able to withstand the tropical storms of the Caribbean, Mexican and Latin America regions.

Right from the get-go, SES supported his vision to create a successful Direct-to-Home service called KiwiSat.

This episode demonstrates the impact DTH providers can offer, as well as an insight into the mission behind launching SES-10, and SES’s world-renowned Elevate Training programme.

Satellite Stories podcast is presented by SES Senior Creative, Kristina Smith-Meyer.

For more about what we do, visit SES.com

DEA Aviation Part Two: Airborne Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance Feb 22, 2021

Mission possible: From ground to air, Satellite Stories meets the wider DEA Aviation team to understand how satellite communications is impacting the success of their missions - not just in customer satisfaction, but also schedule maintenance and overseeing the crew’s safety.

In the second part of this two-part series, Luke Sutton, Edward Grinrod and Sally Varley take us through DEA’s people and processes, from operations room to airport hangar.

Satellite Stories is presented by SES Senior Creative Specialist, Kristina Smith-Meyer.

For more about what we do, visit SES.com

DEA Aviation Part One: Airborne Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance Feb 01, 2021

How do HD real-time camera feeds support international border patrols in tackling crime, and life or death rescue missions?

This two-part series offers an insight into how SES satellite communications are being translated by our customer, DEA Aviation Ltd, based in Nottinghamshire UK.

Their clients include Frontex (the European Border and Coast Guard Agency), Ordnance Survey, arable farmer and many more.

John Sullivan and Dicky Patounas from the DEA management team explain why they rely upon SES for airborne ISR, conducting aerial surveys and providing specialised commercial air services.

Plus, the series shines a spotlight on the life and career of an aviator - and how several decades of working in the Royal Air Force still serves the DEA team today.

Satellite Stories is presented by SES Senior Creative Specialist, Kristina Smith-Meyer.

For more about what we do, visit SES.com

Steve Collar: Looking Ahead To SES Future Jan 04, 2021

With the launch of SES-17 and O3b mPOWER satellites in 2021, SES CEO Steve Collar looks ahead to what next for the company. Plus, a peek into how automated cloud insights are shaping up to be big development business in the aviation, cruise and government industries. Presented by Kristina Smith-Meyer, Senior Creative at SES. For more about what we do, visit SES.com

Steve Collar: Looking Back At SES Past And Present Dec 22, 2020

SES CEO, Steve Collar, recaps the company's 35 year history, the story of O3b's launch back in 2013 and his personal passion for working in such a dynamic industry.

Satellite Stories is presented by Kristina Smith-Meyer, Senior Creative at SES.

For more about what we do, visit SES.com

Making A Difference: UNICEF & the Fight COVID-19 TV channel Nov 02, 2020

What difference are you making with your resources and knowledge? Who and where are your strongest connections? These are the questions many of us have asked ourselves throughout 2020 and the global crisis… And for SES, ensuring our services and platforms are being used for greater good has been at the heart of what we do for several decades. This episode of Satellite Stories shares the how and why the Fight COVID-19 free to air satellite TV channel was launched and how our partners, including UNICEF, helped ensure proper and correct health information was broadcast to the communities who most needed it, and would have the greatest impact. Host, Kristina Smith-Meyer speaks to Paul Heber, chief communications officer at UNICEF Luxembourg. For more about what we do, visit SES.com

LuxStream Part II: The How and What Behind The Next Generation Ku-based Satellite Technology Oct 11, 2020

How a 12 inch tail-mounted antenna is enabling CEOs, rock stars and heads of state to continue connecting with their online business whilst flying 30,000 feet above ground…

From Minneapolis, to Connecticut, to Washington DC; Satellite Stories host Kristina Smith-Meyer goes behind the scenes with SES partner Collins Aerospace and studies the detail of Luxstream’s technical support. For more about what we do, visit SES.com.

LuxStream Part I: Inflight Connectivity For The Elite Traveller Aug 09, 2020

When Christopher Bing was 6 years old he built his own airport out of plywood and shoeboxes. Now a pilot for Raytheon Technologies, he spends his working days flying rockstars, athletes and CEOs across the globe. But customer service as a private pilot isn’t just about landing on-time and adequate luggage allowance. It's also about ensuring inflight connectivity is as seamless in the air as on the ground. SES partners, Collins Aerospace explain why LuxStream is needed in the private aviation industry; a service which enables the business jet to become an extension of passengers’ home and corporate networks, allowing them to access the same services, applications, and entertainment in the air as they do on the ground—wherever they fly. For more about what we do, visit SES.com

Ethiosat Part II: TV studio to living room - Ethiosat in practice Jun 30, 2020

Meet the Ethiopian television producers, presenters and viewers all benefiting from using the Ethiosat TV platform. Part two of this short series on Satellite Stories podcast explores how SES collaborated with local broadcasters and associations to provide high quality, HD content across Ethiopia. Presented by Kristina Smith-Meyer. For more about what we do, visit SES.com

Ethiosat Part I: Empowering Ethiopians with the HD quality and content they deserve May 27, 2020

For decades, Ethiopians only had access to unreliable and inconsistent quality television content. Now with a new specially created platform - Ethiosat is finally enabling local broadcasters to deliver locally produced and focused content, at HD quality to viewers nationwide.

In this episode of Satellite Stories, SES host Kristina Smith-Meyer travels to Addis Ababa to meet local broadcasters, members of the Ethiopian Broadcast Association, trainers empowering local satellite dish installers with the skills they need, and hear first-hand how ordinary Ethiopians are finding work on and off-screen. Listen in and find our how the Ethiosat platform was rolled out across the country.

For more about what we do, visit SES.com

O3b mPOWER: Cruise & Maritime Jan 17, 2020

Keeping cargo crew and cruise passengers connected has become a given, not a luxury. Whether considering the welfare of officers out at sea for months and months, or holidaymakers wanting to share their photos with friends and family back home - SES is committed to developing cutting-edge solutions for connectivity aboard. So why does SES think MEO is the right path for its maritime customers? And how will O3b mPOWER help the team up their game? Kristina Smith-Meyer hears from our VP of the maritime segment at SES, Gregory Martin.

O3b mPOWER: Technology Jan 16, 2020

What does O3b stand for? Why is SES investing in MEO over LEO? And what inspired the engineering and technical development behind SES’s upcoming project - O3b mPOWER? Stewart Sanders, Executive Vice President of Technology and O3b mPOWER Programme Manager, joins Kristina Smith-Meyer on another episode of Satellite Stories podcast.

O3b mPOWER: Governments Jan 15, 2020

From analysing firefighters health data, to communicating on the front lines in conflict zones, to managing a complex election process in land-locked Burkino Faso. Satellites deliver the real time data essential to government operations. So, this time we look at how O3b is being used by governments across the world, and why SES’s new MEO offering, O3b mPOWER, will offer government customers even more flexibility - on private and public networks - when it comes to staying connected. Features Jack Deasy - former US diplomat and now VP of market segment solutions at SES; and John Atkinson - retired colonel with the US army, and now Director of Business Development at SES. Presented by Kristina Smith-Meyer.

O3b mPOWER: Oil Rigs & The Energy Sector Jan 14, 2020

LEO, MEO, GEO and soon O3b mPOWER… Continuing our mini series on O3b mPOWER, today we meet Morten Hansen, VP of Commercial Maritime & Energy Sales at SES. From Skyping on a ship in Brazil, to dangling from a helicopter basket above the Norwegian Sea…Morten’s conversation with Satellite Stories’ host Kristina Smith-Meyer looks at how O3b is used by maritime businesses today and an insight into working out at sea on oil rigs, drilling platforms and vessels.

O3b mPOWER: Cloud Based Partnerships Jan 13, 2020

From Microsoft to IBM Global Services to Amazon and Netflix…the importance of offering reliable and secure public and private cloud based services is something SES is continuing to build upon. On this episode of Satellite Stories, we discuss why global strategic partnerships are key for growing our cloud-based service offerings - and why more of the services end users are relying upon are based on this mysterious thing called ‘the cloud’. Kristina Smith-Meyer is joined by Sergy Mummert, Senior VP of Global Cloud and Strategic Partnerships at SES, based in the USA. For more about what we do, visit SES.com.

A little black box to wallpaper TV & Tokyo 2020 Olympics in 8k Dec 15, 2019

What's the future role of the TV in your living room? How big a difference does screen quality really make? And what's all the buzz about with regards to the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics being filmed in 8k? Martin Faehnrich, Panasonic's standardisation manager, explains where television tech has come from over the last two decades and offers an insight into where it's going. Plus, Satellite Stories podcast host Kristina Smith-Meyer hears how our screens won't just be something we watch programmes on in years to come - they could be an integrated part of the family smart home. For more about what SES does, visit SES.com

OU Flex Part II: Football, Copa America and Broadcasting in Brazil Nov 19, 2019

How do you make sure millions of football fans can watch their team play without having a golden ticket to the game?

On this episode of Satellite Stories, Kristina Smith-Meyer travels to Brazil to see SES's OU Flex being used first-hand by broadcasters - and end users - during the Copa America 2019. Join her in Sao Paulo at the Morumbi Stadium on the morning of the opening ceremony, and later - in a bar with hundreds of fans enjoying the Brazil v Bolivia game.

Featuring Jurandir Pitsch and Andreas Breuer from SES, Alex Pimintel from Casablanca Online and bar owner Walter Flavius. For more about what SES does, visit SES.com.

OU Flex Part I: VR Mountain Biking & Snow Volleyball in the Austrian Alps Sep 30, 2019

How do you live stream niche sports in the Austrian alps? How do broadcasters ensure breaking news can be reported in a remote location immediately with little preparation? One of the many services SES offers is OU Flex. On this episode of Satellite Stories, Kristina Smith-Meyer takes you on a mountain bike ride, hovercraft racing and a trip to the European Snow Volleyball Championships. So pop on your headphones to enjoy the journey! Featuring Steve Bisenius and Andreas Breuer from SES, and Paul Richardson from Sematron. For more about what SES does, visit SES.com.

Online Video Streaming and OTT's Future Aug 19, 2019

BBC iPlayer, Netflix, SkyGo, YouTube - a handful of online video services we're all likely to have used at some point in the last few months. These days, we no longer rely on viewing our favourite TV show live in our living room. As consumers, we now expect to be able to watch our favourite content -whenever and wherever we want. When we say OTT content distribution, linear TV channels and IP content... they're probably terms you’re not familiar with as an end user. So on this episode, Markus Placho - VP of products at SES video – runs us through why these types of services have reshaped the way SES works and the way our clients work with us over the last ten years. SES's Satellite Stories podcast is presented by Kristina Smith-Meyer. For more information on what we do, visit SES.com

The Future of In-Flight Entertainment Jul 22, 2019

Personalised passenger experience, watching films in 4k and closing the gap between life on the ground with life in the air... Just a few of the insights offered by Gustavo Nader, head of strategy for Thales InFlyt Experience. But what role does SES play when it comes to improving connectivity in the clouds, quite literally? How will AI benefit all passengers on board commercial airlines – not just those privileged to sit in first class? And how are airlines keeping up with bandwidth and demand for OTT content streaming capability? 'Satellite Stories' host Kristina Smith-Meyer speaks with Gustavo at this year’s iD19 event in Luxembourg. For more information on SES's upcoming industry days, visit SES.com

Market Research – Why It Matters To SES Jun 11, 2019

"Applying common sense to the number madness..." That's how Ricardo Topham, Senior Market & Business Analyst at SES describes his job.

It's a role which sees him travel all corners of the world - finding out what matters most to our customers and seeing first-hand how the solutions SES provide really make a difference.

From employing locals in remote communities in Africa to empowering entrepreneurs in the Caribbean, our host Kristina Smith-Meyer unveils the real-life stories of working at the world's largest satellite operator.

For more information about what it is we do, visit us at www.ses.com

The Story Behind ASTRA 1B Satellite May 20, 2019

Ever wondered how TV changed from SD to HD? And curious in how the number of channels has vastly increased over the years?

On episode 2 of Satellite Stories, we look into the history of one of SES's geostationary satellites - Astra 1B launched back in 1991. And we discover how the idea of co-location was pivotal in satellite history in expanding the industry's horizons and technical ability. Host Kristina Smith-Meyer meets Ray Sperber - one of the SES engineers behind co-location's initial concept.

Want more behind the scenes of what SES does? Visit youtube.com/ses

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