Category

Working groups

GSOA is structured to ensure that the interests of its members are represented across all continents through regional coordination. Each group within the association operates on a consensus-based, output-driven model, and is led by a Chair and two Co-Chairs. Members have the opportunity to participate in various groups, including Working Groups, Regional Groups, Task Forces, and Councils. These groups bring together top experts to address the policy and regulatory needs of the industry, as well as advancements in technology and other emerging issues that may affect the sector.

ITU-R Working Group

The ITU-R Group promotes efficient use of existing spectrum, preparing for upcoming World Radio Conferences (WRCs), and conducting technical studies on satellite compatibility with other services, while coordinating industry positions on spectrum regulations across ITU-R bodies.

Chair: Kim Baum, Eutelsat

Co-Chair: Patrick Van Niftrik, SES

Co-Chair: Alvaro De Vega, Hispasat

Regulatory & Services Working Group

The RegServ Group addresses  key issues like licensing, market access, cybersecurity, and regulatory frameworks and development policies on connectivity ensuring a unified industry response and alignment across GSOA and regional groups.

Chair: Cecil Ameil, SES

Co-Chair: Mohaned Juwad, Intelsat

Co-Chair: Donna Murphy, Viasat

Standards Working Group

The Standards Group coordinates GSOA member positions on critical 3GPP Study and Work Items, fosters satellite-terrestrial network integration, collaborates with key industry bodies, and ensures alignment with other GSOA groups to advance NTN-TN integration and the evolution of 5G and 6G.

Chair: Munira Jaffar, Echostar

Co-Chair: Shabbaz Ali, Sateliot

Co-Chair: Manook Sogomonian, Intelsat

Technology Working Group

The TWG focuses on advancing satellite ground segment tech, developing performance recommendations, test procedures for FPAs and ESAs, and product qualification with SOMAP to enhance QoS and minimise interference.

Chair: Colin Robinson, GVF MRA

Co-Chair: Gavin Cox, Global Invacom Group

Co-Chair: Jeremy Turpin, ALL.SPACE

Regional Groups

In addition to Working Groups, GSOA has more focused Regional Groups covering  Africa, Americas, APAC, CIS, Europe and MENA These groups are dedicated to addressing the unique regulatory challenges and opportunities within their respective regions, while working towards common goals. They foster collaboration with key stakeholders, including governments, regulatory bodies, and industry leaders. Their key activities include advancing the industry agenda, engaging policymakers in-country or regionally to help shape favourable policy frameworks, responding to national and regional consultations, hosting regional workshops, developing strategic partnerships, and delivering tailored training programs.

Africa

Co-Leads: Kevin Eisenhauer, Intelsat

Co-Leads: Temitope Yoosuf, Nigcomsat

Co-Leads: Amr Ashour, Eutelsat

 

AMERICAS

Co-Leads: TBC

Co-Leads: Gabriela Lago, Echostar

Co-Leads: Ryan Johnson, Viasat

 

APAC

Co-Leads: Alex Orange, Omnispace

Co-Leads: Marta Fuente, Eutelsat

Co-Leads: Tommy Chee, SES

 

CIS

Co-Leads: Sitara Mehdiyeva, Azercosmos​

Co-Leads: Andrey Kirillovich, Intersputnik​

Co-Leads: Ivan Zaitsev, Amazon

 

EUROPE

Co-Leads: Cecil Ameil, SES

Co-Leads: Esther Riobo, Hispasat

Co-Leads: Fabrice Barbedette, Eutelsat

 

MENA

Co-Leads: Mohaned Juwad, Intelsat

Co-Leads: Michael Essam, Nilesat

Co-Leads: Zeina Mokaddem, Viasat

Sustainability Task Force

The STF group advances sustainability efforts in space by developing studies, monitoring legislative initiatives, engaging with key organisations and policy makers and  participating in events. The group produced a Sustainability Code of Conduct endorsed by the GSOA members to ensure responsible use of space resources.

Chair: Mario Neri, Telesat

Associate Members Council

The Council assesses Associate Member’s concerns, ensuring GSOA initiatives align with industry trends and priorities across the value-chain. It fosters collaboration, monitors emerging technologies, and provides feedback to the Board, ensuring member input shapes decision-making and the direction of GSOA’s activities.

Chair: Robert Carpentier, Thales Alenia Space

Co-Chair: Andrew Faiola, Astroscale

Co-Chair: William Birch, Catapult