Recognizing Excellence and Innovation
By recognizing those organizations, products and people who bring excellence at the forefront of the connectivity and satellite communications, as well as Earth observation sectors, Novaspace seeks to celebrate the year’s extraordinary accomplishments and highlight those contributing positively to the space and satellite sectors.
A panel of industry experts are tasked with shortlisting and assessing stakeholders and projects based on several qualitative – and quantitative criteria, i.e. innovation, strategic decisions, market impact, financial and commercial indicators. The awards are presented to space companies that have distinguished themselves during the year and look to celebrate outstanding achievements of their business, management and contribution to the sector.
With the occasion of the 2024 edition of the World Space Business Week, Novaspace honored ten companies for their decisive contributions towards the space and satellite industries over the previous 12 months
2024 Winners
Excellence in Satellite Communications Awards
Excellence in Space-Based Connectivity
Strategic Transaction Award (M&A)
“Receiving the WSBW award is a significant recognition of Yahsat and Bayanat’s commitment to advancing SpaceTech and AI technologies. Our merger with Bayanat to create Space42, underscores our commitment to seamlessly integrate satellite communications, geospatial intelligence, and AI capabilities, in line with the UAE’s Space Strategy 2030 and AI Strategy 2031. Through our combined world-class capabilities and expertise, we are positioned to meet the rapidly evolving needs of the global SpaceTech sector and deliver greater value to our customers, stakeholders, and the communities we serve. We are proud to lead in this critical sector and remain dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what satellite technology can deliver to transform industries and communities worldwide.”
Ali Al Hashemi, GCEO of Yahsat
“Receiving the Strategic Transaction of the Year Award is a powerful affirmation of Bayanat and Yahsat’s bold vision in transforming the space sector. Our groundbreaking merger to form Space42 aligns perfectly with the UAE leadership’s ambition to position our nation as a global powerhouse in space and AI, fueling a dynamic, knowledge-based economy. The launch of the UAE’s first SAR satellite, Foresight-1, marks a significant leap in our Earth Observation program, showcasing how our united strengths are set to revolutionize global standards. This recognition propels us to push the boundaries of innovation, leaving a lasting impact on global decision-making powered by Space & AI.”
Hasan Al Hosani, MD of Bayanat
Universal Broadband Award
“Thank you for recognising Avanti and IHS as the winners of the Universal Broadband Award.
The mission to provide cost-effective, reliable, and sustainable internet solutions is more than a professional endeavor; it is a mission we each carry personally at Avanti. Access to the internet is not a luxury, it is a necessity. It opens doors to education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and global connectivity. For too long, the remote and hard-to-reach regions of Africa have been left in the dark, disconnected from the boundless potential connectivity brings.
This award marks a significant milestone for both Avanti and IHS, but it is also a reminder of what we still must achieve. It motivates us to continue to push boundaries and challenge limitations, so that every individual, regardless of their location, has the opportunity to be a part of the digital age.”
Kyle Whitehill, CEO, Avanti Communications
“We are deeply honored to receive the World Space Business Week Universal Broadband Award, recognizing our commitment to innovation and social responsibility in expanding global connectivity. As one of the largest independent tower companies globally, IHS Towers is dedicated to helping bridge the digital divide, particularly in Nigeria, where we operate more than 16,000 towers.
Our partnership with Avanti Communications has been pivotal in bringing broadband connectivity as well as delivering sustainable, reliable, and cost-effective solutions to rural areas. Together, we are striving to help transform lives by enabling digital inclusion, job creation, and driving socio-economic development across underserved and unserved communities.”
Mohamad Darwish: Executive Vice President, IHS Nigeria CEO
Global Satellite Business Award
“On behalf of SES, I am honored to accept this award which acknowledges the integrated multi-orbit innovation we are spearheading and the value we are delivering to our customers. This achievement is only possible thanks to our team’s dedication to understanding customer needs and our global partnerships across the industry. Pending approval, we believe the proposed SES-Intelsat acquisition will enable the combined company to become an even more competitive multi-orbit operator with the ability to offer better solutions in high-value markets.”
John-Paul Hemingway, Chief Commercial Officer at SES
Regional Satellite Operator Award
“We are truly honored to receive this award and grateful to Novaspace for always providing an insightful platform such as World Space Business Week. SKY Perfect JSAT has been leading the satcom industry in Asia Pacific for 35 years, and we are now transforming ourselves into more than just a satellite telecommunication and broadcasting provider. With our initiatives and technologies including integrated non-terrestrial network systems, earth observation, active debris removal, and space situational awareness, we will continue to perform at our best to bring “Space for your Smile,” as our group mission says, to the lives of people, communities, and countries in the region.”
Yutaka Moriai, Executive Officer, Group President, Global Business Group, Space Business Unit
“We are grateful for this award. The progress we’ve made is a result of the vision and commitment to build affordable and sustainable space infrastructures. We will continue our mission to enhance space accessibility and innovating in the in-orbit assembly and repair services”
Jose Alonso, Space Villages Founder
2024 Winners
Excellence in Earth Observation Awards
The Pioneer Space Business Award
“We are honored to receive this Award of Excellence from Euroconsult. It stands as a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion of our entire team. This recognition fuels our long-standing commitment to contribute to the growth and the evolution of the space industry. Thank you for believing in D-Orbit and our vision.”
Luca Rossettini, CEO
The Newcomer Information Business Award
“It is a great honor for us to receive the ‘Newcomer EO Operator’ Award at the World Space Business Week. This accolade acknowledges our significant contribution to addressing numerous global challenges through Earth observation. Our mission has always been to solve Earth’s issues from a space-based perspective. We firmly believe that comprehensive insights derived from Earth observation can lead to global decision-making. By leveraging our advanced AI technology, we continuously provide valuable insights to our partners and customers. The economic and social significance of satellite imagery analytics is expanding as satellite data finds applications across various sectors, including defense, intelligence, economics, finance, weather, environment, and infrastructure. Our commitment to this cause remains steadfast, and we will persist in our efforts until our solutions are globally recognized and utilized to resolve the pressing issues facing our planet.”
Taegyun Jeon, President & CEO
The Leading EO Business Award
“BlackSky is honored to receive the Novaspace 2024 Leading Earth Observation Business Award at the World Space Business Week. This recognition is only possible with the collective passion and commitment displayed every day by the entire BlackSky team as we lead the Earth observation industry into a new era of dynamic, real-time, low latency monitoring. BlackSky delivers industry-leading speed, frequency and scale through innovative constellation design and a dedication to end-to-end AI-driven system automation. Our software-first approach has made space more accessible for nations seeking sovereign, space-based intelligence capabilities and is reshaping how customers see and understand the most important security and economic events in our world.”
Lyn Chassagne, SVP, Marketing & Customer Experience
The Sustainable Development & Business Award
“We are honored to receive the WSBW 2024 Sustainable Development & Business Award from Novaspace, whose leadership and insights help foster sustainability in the space sector. This award underscores the importance of global collaboration to develop the capabilities needed to tackle the pressing challenges facing our space environment.
NorthStar’s space-based SSA system is a breakthrough in Space Domain Awareness, detecting and tracking resident space objects (RSOs) across all near-Earth orbits and filling critical gaps left by current systems. Our steadfast investors, partners, collaborators and our dedicated team of subject matter experts work tirelessly to deliver best-in-class space situational awareness (SSA) capabilities to ensure safe and secure operations in space. By providing critical insights for mission planning and decision-making, we protect the future of space exploration and infrastructure.
On behalf of the NorthStar team, I express our deep gratitude for this recognition. As we innovate and strategize to shape the future of Space, we must be mindful of the next generation and the space sector they inherit.”
Srinivas Setty, General Manager of NorthStar Earth & Space S.à.r.l.