{"id":728,"date":"2026-05-01T14:06:56","date_gmt":"2026-05-01T14:06:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/space-connect\/?page_id=728"},"modified":"2026-05-05T14:20:27","modified_gmt":"2026-05-05T14:20:27","slug":"2026-e-4","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/space-connect\/2026-e-4\/","title":{"rendered":"E4 – Beyond the Horizon: The Future of Space Communications\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n
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\r\n Episode 4 <\/div>\r\n \r\n

\r\n Beyond the Horizon: Framing the Future of Space Communications\u00a0<\/strong><\/strong> <\/h2>\r\n \r\n

\r\n 19 May 2026
15:00 – 16:30 CEST – Online participation <\/p>\r\n \r\n \r\n

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Space technology and application have never evolved this quickly before, bringing the horizon of possibility closer and closer. \u00a0Join us for a look at the research shaping the next wave\u00a0\u00a0of space communications and policy. In this special episode, members of ITU’s Academic Advisory Body present some of the most forward-looking\u00a0questions and concepts they\u2019re exploring to prepare the path for the ongoing development of space. \u00a0Their\u00a0Space Thematic Group, which is tackling topics\u00a0with direct implications for spectrum management, standardization, and global connectivity, including creation of a Solar System Internet, the definition of Coordinated Lunar Time, quantum-secure space communications, and the use of AI to expand the reach of Earth observation data.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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This future-facing Space Connect\u00a0episode, moderated by Patricia Cooper, will feature Dr.\u00a0Scott Pace, facilitator of the AAB Space Thematic Group, alongside group members Dr.\u00a0Tanja Masson-Zwaan and Dr. Guifei Jing, who will discuss their findings, the challenges ahead, and how\u00a0these questions will affect\u00a0regulators, industry, and policymakers worldwide as the space sector continues to evolve.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Agenda \u2013 Episode 4<\/h2>\n<\/div> \n
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15:00 – 15:05<\/div><\/div>
Introduction<\/strong><\/div>
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Presentation of the session and the panelists by the Moderator<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

\"\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200bPatricia
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\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200bPatricia Cooper<\/h3>

ITU<\/p><\/div>

<div class="ituContainer">\n\nPatricia Cooper is a leading expert on satellite communications, regulation and space policy, and is the founder of the space consultancy, Constellation Advisory, LLC, where she advises smart space and satellite ventures and international projects.\n\n<\/div>\n<div class="ituContainer">\n\nFor six years, Cooper led Government Affairs for the Starlink satellite broadband constellation project at Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX), where she secured Federal Communications Commission authorization for a record 12,000 satellites, and market access in more than 30 countries. She advocated for updates to spectrum, telecom competition and space safety regulations in the US and around the globe to support the coming generation of satellite networks. Today, Starlink serves over 2 million users worldwide with a constellation of over 6,000 satellites in over 70 countries.\n\n<\/div>\n<div class="ituContainer">\n\nPrior to SpaceX, Patricia was an executive at geostationary satellite fleet operator Intelsat and as for nearly 7 years, President of the Satellite Industry Association (SIA), the leading trade organization representing U.S. satellite operators, manufacturers and service providers. At SIA, Patricia advocated in regulatory and national security arenas, for fair trade and competition rules internationally, and spearheaded a successful bipartisan, bi-cameral legislative initiative to reform satellite export control legislation.\u00a0Previously, Patricia had served in both the U.S. Federal Communications Commission and the Department of Commerce, and led international outreach at two start-ups, CoreExpress, an Internet fiber infrastructure play and PanAmSat Corporation, a disruptor in the early satellite services market.\n\n<\/div>\n<div class="ituContainer">\n\nPatricia holds a Master\u2019s Degree with Distinction in International Economics from the John Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies and a Bachelor\u2019s Degrees in Political Science and German from Kansas State University (summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa).\n\n<\/div>\n\u00a0\n\n\u00a0<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n
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15:05 \u2013 16:00<\/div><\/div>
Interactive panel discussion<\/div>
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16:00 \u2013 16:25<\/div><\/div>
Audience Q&A session<\/div>
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16:25 \u2013 16:30<\/div><\/div>
Wrap-Up and session close<\/strong><\/div>
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Speakers<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>
\"\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200bPatricia
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\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200bPatricia Cooper<\/h3>

Episode Moderator<\/p>

ITU<\/p><\/div>

<div class="ituContainer">\n\nPatricia Cooper is a leading expert on satellite communications, regulation and space policy, and is the founder of the space consultancy, Constellation Advisory, LLC, where she advises smart space and satellite ventures and international projects.\n\n<\/div>\n<div class="ituContainer">\n\nFor six years, Cooper led Government Affairs for the Starlink satellite broadband constellation project at Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX), where she secured Federal Communications Commission authorization for a record 12,000 satellites, and market access in more than 30 countries. She advocated for updates to spectrum, telecom competition and space safety regulations in the US and around the globe to support the coming generation of satellite networks. Today, Starlink serves over 2 million users worldwide with a constellation of over 6,000 satellites in over 70 countries.\n\n<\/div>\n<div class="ituContainer">\n\nPrior to SpaceX, Patricia was an executive at geostationary satellite fleet operator Intelsat and as for nearly 7 years, President of the Satellite Industry Association (SIA), the leading trade organization representing U.S. satellite operators, manufacturers and service providers. At SIA, Patricia advocated in regulatory and national security arenas, for fair trade and competition rules internationally, and spearheaded a successful bipartisan, bi-cameral legislative initiative to reform satellite export control legislation.\u00a0Previously, Patricia had served in both the U.S. Federal Communications Commission and the Department of Commerce, and led international outreach at two start-ups, CoreExpress, an Internet fiber infrastructure play and PanAmSat Corporation, a disruptor in the early satellite services market.\n\n<\/div>\n<div class="ituContainer">\n\nPatricia holds a Master\u2019s Degree with Distinction in International Economics from the John Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies and a Bachelor\u2019s Degrees in Political Science and German from Kansas State University (summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa).\n\n<\/div>\n\u00a0\n\n\u00a0<\/div><\/div>
\"Scott
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Scott Pace<\/h3>

Panelist<\/p>

Director of the Space Policy Institute<\/p>

Professor of the Practice of International Affairs<\/p>

George Washington University<\/p><\/div>

Dr. Scott Pace is the Director of the Space Policy Institute and a Professor of the Practice of International Affairs at George Washington University\u2019s Elliott School of International Affairs. In addition, he formerly served as the Director of the International Institute of Science and Technology Policy as well as the Master of Arts program in International Science and Technology Policy. Dr. Pace is also a member of the faculty of the Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration. His research interests include civil, commercial, and national security space policy, and the management of technical innovation.\n\nDr. Pace rejoined the faculty of the Elliott School in January 2021 after serving as Deputy Assistant to the President and Executive Secretary of the National Space Council from 2017-2020. From 2005-2008, he served as the Associate Administrator for Program Analysis and Evaluation at NASA. Prior to NASA, Dr. Pace was the Assistant Director for Space and Aeronautics in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). From 1993-2000, Dr. Pace worked for the RAND Corporation's Science and Technology Policy Institute (STPI). From 1990 to 1993, Dr. Pace served as the Deputy Director and Acting Director of the Office of Space Commerce, in the Office of the Deputy Secretary of the Department of Commerce. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics from Harvey Mudd College in 1980; Master\u2019s degrees in Aeronautics & Astronautics and Technology & Policy from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1982; and a Doctorate in Policy Analysis from the RAND Graduate School in 1989.\n\nDr. Pace received the Order of the Rising Sun with Gold and Silver Stars from the Government of Japan in 2021, the Office of the Secretary of Defense Group Achievement Award in 2020, the NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal in 2008, the US Department of State\u2019s Group Superior Honor Award (GPS Interagency Team) in 2005, and the NASA Group Achievement Award (Columbia Accident Rapid Reaction Team) in 2004. He has been a member of the US Delegation to the World Radiocommunication Conferences in 1997, 2000, 2003, and 2007.\n\nHe was also a member of the US Delegation to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Telecommunications Working Group, 1997-2000. More recently, he has served as a member of the U.S. Delegation to the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space in 2009, 2011-17, and 2022-2024. Dr. Pace was a member of the NOAA Advisory Committee on Commercial Remote Sensing (ACCRES) from 2012-2017 and was the Vice-Chair. Dr. Pace is a former member of the Board of Trustees, Universities Space Research Association, a Member of the International Academy of Astronautics, an Associate Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, and a Fellow of the American Astronautical Society.\n\n\u200e \u200e \u200e<\/div><\/div>
\"Tanja
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Tanja Masson-Zwaan<\/h3>

Panelist<\/p>

Assistant Professor<\/p>

Deputy Director of the International Institute of Air and Space Law<\/p>

Leiden University<\/p><\/div>

Dr Tanja Masson-Zwaan is Assistant Professor and Deputy Director of the International Institute of Air and Space Law at Leiden University. She\u00a0is President Emerita of the International Institute of Space Law (IISL) and a former Vice President of the International Astronautical Federation (IAF). She co-authored \u2018Introduction to Space Law\u2019 (5th ed., Kluwer 2025) and chairs the Board of Editors of Kluwer\u2019s journal Air and Space Law. Her PhD dissertation \u2018Widening the Horizons of Outer Space Law\u2019 was published in the Meijers Series of Leiden Law School.\n\nTanja advises the Dutch Government and other institutions on space law issues and was co-founder of the Hague International Space Resources Governance Working Group. The Dutch Government appointed her as an arbitrator for space-related disputes at the Permanent Court of Arbitration.\n\nShe is an elected full member of professional associations such as IISL, the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) and the International Law Association (ILA). She was a Member of the Founding Boards of the European Centre for Space Law (ECSL) and of Women in Aerospace-Europe, and is an Honorary Board Member of Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC).\n\nTanja received several awards and is a Member of Honour of the Netherlands Space Society (NVR). In 2020 she received a Royal decoration as \u2018Officer in the Order of Orange Nassau\u2019 for her work in space law.<\/div><\/div>
\"Guifei
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Guifei Jing<\/h3>

Panelist<\/p>

Professor for LBS\/EOS applications<\/p>

Beihang University<\/p><\/div>

Prof. Guifei Jing is currently Professor for LBS\/EOS applications at Beihang University. In 1991 and 1994, he obtained a Bachelor's and Master's degree from Peking University respectively. In 2004, he received a Ph.D. from Beijing Normal University. From 1994 to 1997, he was a teaching assistant and lecturer at the Institute of Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems at Peking University. From 1997 to 2017, he served as an assistant Chief, Chief, and Deputy Director at High-tech Department and National Remote Sensing Center of the Ministry of Science and Technology. From 2017 on, he was a Researcher at Beihang University and served as the Dean of Beidou Silk Road School during 2017-2019. Now he is a professor at School of Space and Earth Sciences of Beihang University and serves as the Deputy Director of Regional Center of Space Science and Technology Education in Asia and the Pacific (China) (Affiliated to the United Nations).\r\n\r\nHe served as Deputy leader of Beidou System International Cooperation Expert Group, and member of Group on Earth Observation (GEO) Planning Board (PB). He was one of\u00a0 the creators of Xihe System\uff08\u7fb2\u548c\u7cfb\u7edf), a seamless indoor and outdoor positioning system of Ministry of Science and Technology of China, and main personnel involved in creating navigation and location service discipline in China.<\/div><\/div><\/div>
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