As the dust settles from another unforgettable World Space Business Week in Paris, it’s clear that this year’s event was more than just a summit; it was a bold statement of where the global space and satellite industry is heading.

With over 1,600 senior executives, policymakers and innovators converging across five dynamic days, WSBW 2025 demonstrated a market that is accelerating rapidly, driven by sovereign strategies, groundbreaking tech, and ever-growing demand for secure, scalable connectivity.

The Industry’s New Pulse: Sovereignty, Speed & Software

From Day 1, the tone was set: agility and resilience are no longer optional; they’re essential. As governments double down on sovereign constellations and secure infrastructure, the distinction between commercial and defence has continued to blur. The ESA’s push for strategic acceleration, growing GCC investment, and Europe’s alignment of defence and space policy reflect this global momentum.

But it’s not just strategy that’s shifting. The infrastructure itself is transforming. Ground systems are now virtualised, software-defined “nervous systems”. On-board processing and AI-driven autonomy are making satellites smarter, and next-gen platforms like meoSphere, SES’s new MEO network, are embracing software-led design, with interoperability and flexibility at their core.

Constellations, Capital & Consolidation

Constellations are no longer just about coverage. They’re about AI enablement, edge processing, and seamless device integration. With Direct-to-Device (D2D) predicted to reach 300 million users by 2030, this is a market ready to explode.

However, capital is becoming more selective. While the sector continues to attract investment, only those with clear revenue pathways and dual-use relevance are thriving. M&A remains the dominant exit route, while IPO activity cautiously re-emerges.

Disruption in manufacturing was another major theme – from micro-factories to software-defined payloads. Yet, industry consensus leans toward consolidation, particularly in light of surging sovereign demand and strategic procurement cycles.

Regional Growth, Local Resilience

WSBW 2025 also spotlighted the shift from global dominance to regional self-determination. Operators across Asia, Africa, LATAM and the GCC are no longer just infrastructure players; they’re evolving into full-service providers. These shifts are underpinned by strong local partnerships, sovereign policies, and clear economic intent.

The rise of Africa’s space ambitions – including EO, capacity building, and ground infrastructure – was a standout storyline. Likewise, LATAM’s demand for defence and commercial sales leadership underlines the need for local talent and long-term commitment.

Talent Takeaways

At neuco, attending WSBW isn’t just about observing; it’s about connecting and identifying both immediate and future-facing talent needs. Key hiring trends and opportunities we observed include:

• Leadership churn across major operators, creating fresh opportunities in C-level and commercial roles
• Start-up scaling, especially in software-defined networks, EO, and cloud-based ground systems, fuelling demand for senior technical and growth leaders
• Defence-driven sales growth in LATAM, Africa and Asia, with a strong appetite for localised expertise and multilingual commercial talent
• Funding-led hiring, particularly within NewSpace, where companies are recruiting ahead of product rollouts and VC milestones

Despite structural shifts across the sector, the appetite for talent remains strong – especially for those who can bridge commercial acumen with technical understanding or navigate cross-border regulatory and partnership ecosystems.

WSBW has also reaffirmed the global challenge around senior succession. With many executive roles staying open for extended periods, organisations increasingly recognise the value of specialist search partners in accelerating time-to-hire and uncovering passive talent.

Looking Ahead

If one thing’s certain post-WSBW 2025, it’s that the space industry is no longer just about launch and infrastructure. It’s about platforms, partnerships, and people.

As sovereign ambitions grow, funding evolves, and innovation accelerates, so too does the need for adaptable, visionary leaders who can translate bold strategy into sustainable execution.

At neuco, we’re proud to support that journey.

Whether you’re scaling a start-up, reshaping a legacy player, or building sovereign capabilities, we’re here to help you find the talent to make it happen.

Looking to build your leadership team?
Let’s talk – the right talent is out there, and neuco knows where to find it.
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