Delivering the next generation of cloud-native, multi-orbit ground systems

As on-orbit capabilities grow more advanced, ground systems are undergoing a transformation of their own. 

Ground network specialist ST Engineering iDirect, with headquarters in Herndon, Virginia, is investing in new approaches to interoperability, cloud-native infrastructure and AI-driven network management.

Hear from Don Claussen, chief executive of ST Engineering iDirect, about how these changes are reshaping the ground segment and what the industry should expect in 2026.

You’ve said the space industry works around proprietary hardware, long refresh cycles and clearly defined service niches. How does that need to change in the coming year?

DC: The previous way of doing business — proprietary systems, siloed programs and slow refresh cycles — is no longer sustainable; particularly to remain competitive. The industry must evolve, and it must do so now. The future belongs to those who embrace what I refer to as “Collective Alignment.” It’s a mandate. We need standards to create interoperable systems and multi-orbit frameworks that unify satellite and terrestrial networks. Fragmentation is a liability, and the organizations that cling to it will be left behind. We must unify as a standards-driven ecosystem, positioning ourselves to collaborate strategically with the industry’s newest players rather than risk being marginalized.

What kind of technology breakthroughs have you seen in the past year that made you think this level of interoperability is possible?

DC: 5G NTN (non-terrestrial network) and AI are two key areas where we have demonstrated incredible progress. We proved that a non-3GPP satellite network can operate seamlessly with a 5G Core by appearing fully 3GPP-compliant using our Satellite Interworking Gateway Function. This technical milestone ensures that satellite operators and service providers can continue to use satellite waveforms. It also validates our hybrid 5G NTN strategy. 

We also collaborated to integrate 5G gNodeB software into its cloud-native Intuition ground system. These steps lay the groundwork for native 5G NTN solutions that are optimized for seamless interoperability and global standards. 

We piqued a lot of interest with successful demonstrations of our AI-driven analytics platform which validated the ability to give operators real-time insight into network behavior. While this is only the tip of the iceberg, customers and partners see how new capabilities to predict and prevent issues in real time represent a fundamental change in how they manage their networks. 

We’ve heard all year about sovereignty. How is that debate shaping the discussion?

DC: Sovereign space capabilities are no longer only the purview of larger economies and world powers. Connectivity is a driving force in global security and in society. Nations are moving decisively to secure control over their communications infrastructure, and this shift is reshaping the requirements of satellite communications. But sovereignty doesn’t mean isolation. The future lies in a balanced approach: combining domestic development, commercial procurement and coalition partnerships. New systems and technology are enabling nations to build sovereign capabilities that are tailored, resilient and interoperable with allies. This is how you achieve sovereignty without sacrificing collaboration — and it’s critical to ensure long-term security and adaptability.

What should we expect in 2026?

DC: For ST Engineering iDirect, 2026 will be a year of delivery. In the last few years, we publicly announced our new cloud native, multi-orbit ground system, Intuition and its as-a-service version Intuition Unbound. Almost all of our customers are at a crossroads where they need to adapt to stay viable and to scale to meet new demands. Intuition is the answer that takes our customers from their current deployments into the future. We’re bringing our AI-driven analytics platform to full operational maturity. We’re expanding network management capabilities with a unified “single pane of glass” that accommodates our customers’ networks as they evolve. Our integration with 5G NTN will accelerate, driving greenfield deployments and multi-orbit operations across commercial, government and sovereign markets. This is a defining moment of transformation, and we’re not here to follow — we’re here to lead. Success will belong to those who seize the opportunity, break down barriers and drive the industry toward a unified, interoperable future. The time to act is now.