The satellite industry is becoming more software defined, getting a lot closer to the typical software company one would expect to see in Silicon Valley. Jeff Hill, Conference Chair of Satellite 2019 discusses how the industry is going through significant change, integrating software technologies to improve efficiencies in our industry like machine learning, making satellites cheaper, faster and creating multiple launch options. The satellite industry is becoming as quick and agile as the software industry. Hill discusses how the changes are being driven by people, the inquisitive millennials, the changing geographic contribution to the industry with the rise of strong satellite industries in Europe and Asia. Last, but not least is the explosion in satellite based applications where, in terms of verticals we’re also seeing a lot more diverse end users. Smart agriculture, mining, exploration and insurance are just a few of the industries that are recognizing how important satellite based applications are to their growth and success.