Societies can’t function without reliable access to space, SatCom is ‘dual use oxygen’: Viasat prez
Times of India
by TNNFebruary 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Global communications leader Viasat has highlighted the critical role of satellite communications (SatCom) in modern society, calling it a "dual use oxygen" essential for national security and economic stability. Ben Palmer, President of Viasat Commercial, emphasized during the DefSat 2026 conference in New Delhi that reliable access to space is not just a luxury but a necessity. Without resilient SatCom systems, Palmer warned, societies would face significant disruptions, from weather forecasting to early warning systems. He stressed the importance of assured connectivity across alternate orbits and radio frequency bands, as well as innovative solutions to ensure governments have robust communication capabilities.
Palmer pointed to recent advancements in unmanned systems and their growing role in modern conflict as evidence of SatCom's strategic value. He highlighted Viasat's work on compact terminals, some smaller than a coffee cup, designed to provide beyond-line-of-sight communications for tactical use. These innovations are crucial for maintaining operational flexibility and resilience in challenging environments.
India's strategic approach to space sovereignty was also commended by Palmer. He acknowledged the country's long-term vision as "wise" and "grand strategic," noting that India's resistance to market dominance helps maintain freedom of choice in international forums. Viasat, which recently integrated Inmarsat, continues to collaborate with Indian institutions like BSNL to build domestic capabilities, underscoring its commitment to supporting India's space ambitions.
The DefSat 2026 conference, attended by military leaders, policymakers, and industry partners, highlighted the rising centrality of space in national security. Subba Rao Pavuluri, president of SIA
Verticals
worldasia
Originally published on Times of India on 2/25/2026