The Future of Space Communications | SES Payload Engineer Miquel Albiol

Miquel Albiol takes us deep into payload innovation at SES, from digital beamforming technology enabling LEO-to-MIO data relay to the challenges of flying 5G base stations in space. He discusses how RF system requirements evolve across orbital regimes, the importance of engineers focusing on ultimate customer value, and exciting developments in optical communications, AI on-board processing, and software-defined satellites. This episode offers a technical deep-dive into the future of space communications.

Key Topics Covered

• Digital beamforming breakthrough: Enabling LEO-to-MIO data relay for customer data

• 5G in space: The challenge of flying 5G base stations on every satellite

• RF evolution: How getting closer to Earth shifts focus from amplification to spectrum management

• Optical communications: Introducing hundreds of gigabits per second data transport in space

• Career advice: Don't focus excessively on standards - challenge them when they don't serve customer value

Memorable Quotes

"Last week we performed the first contact of LEO-MIO data relay. Our customer data is flying on board the LEO satellite and downloading through MIO to ground. That's possible thanks to digital beamforming technology."

"The best engineers never lose focus of the ultimate objective: providing good service and maximizing value to your customers. Always challenge the requirements thinking about the ultimate objective."

"Don't focus too much on meeting standards and following the rules. Use standards if they benefit you and the customer. In traditional space, meeting standards was maxima. If I had challenged that more, I would have delivered better products faster."

About the Guest

Miquel Albiol leads Space Systems and Payload Development at SES, where he's pushing the boundaries of what's possible in space communications. His expertise spans RF systems, digital beamforming, optical communications, and software-defined satellites. Miquel is passionate about challenging traditional aerospace standards when they don't serve ultimate customer objectives. He finds his happy place along the Mediterranean coast - Spain, France, Italy, or Greece - and enjoys Spanish music, particularly Arrutina.