At Davos 2025, world leaders emphasized the urgent need for rebuilding trust—a call for greater transparency, collaboration, and accountability between governments, industries, and the public. In an era of geopolitical tension, misinformation, and environmental uncertainty, satellite technology is emerging as a key enabler of trust. By providing real-time, verifiable data on climate change, global security, disaster response, and digital connectivity, space-based solutions are helping to establish a shared understanding of reality—one that is backed by indisputable evidence.

In our latest Generation Space podcast, we explored this critical theme with Parth Trivedi, CEO of Skylo Technologies, and Andre Ronsoehr, Partner at Seraphim Space. Their insights highlight how satellite communications, Earth observation, and geospatial intelligence are reshaping industries, enhancing governance, and ensuring that truth remains accessible to all.

One of the biggest challenges to rebuilding trust is information inequality—the fact that billions of people still lack access to reliable digital infrastructure, leaving them disconnected from economic opportunities, education, healthcare, and global dialogue. Skylo Technologies is tackling this issue head-on by developing direct-to-device satellite connectivity, which allows ordinary smartphones and IoT devices to access satellite networks seamlessly. Parth Trivedi describes connectivity as a great equalizer, explaining that reliable access to information ensures that all people—regardless of location—can participate in the global economy.

Even in highly developed regions, 40% of landmass remains without reliable mobile coverage, including suburban areas, national parks, and remote communities. The ability to bridge these coverage gaps without expensive ground infrastructure is a game-changer, not only for closing the digital divide but also for enabling real-time crisis response, improving supply chain efficiency, and securing critical infrastructure. This seamless access to information is a fundamental step toward restoring confidence in global systems and ensuring that no region or population is left behind.

Beyond connectivity, satellite data is proving to be a powerful tool for global accountability. Historically, Earth observation capabilities were controlled by governments and defence agencies, but today, the private sector is democratizing access to real-time, high-resolution satellite imagery. This shift is reshaping global security and climate action, allowing decision-makers, businesses, and even the public to see the world as it truly is—without political bias or misinformation.

Andre describes this as a “single source of truth”—data that is reliable, verifiable, and accessible in real time. Satellite intelligence helps governments track military movements, detect unauthorized weapons development, and monitor human rights violations, ensuring greater transparency in geopolitical affairs. In disaster response and climate action, real-time satellite imagery enables better coordination, more effective emergency response, and proactive environmental monitoring. With private companies like Planet Labs and Spire providing continuous global coverage, the playing field is being levelled—powerful data is no longer confined to governments and intelligence agencies. This shift represents a major step toward a more open, accountable world.

As satellite technology expands, so too does the collaboration between governments and private industry. Historically, space infrastructure has been driven by state-led investment, but today, governments are turning to commercial space companies to rapidly deploy communication networks, Earth observation systems, and security-focused satellite constellations. Trivedi notes that regulatory engagement is accelerating: “In just the past six months, Skylo has participated in more rulemaking and policy discussions than in the last six years. Governments are actively seeking partnerships with industry to build the regulatory frameworks of the future.”

This collaboration is essential—not only to accelerate technological adoption but also to ensure that emerging innovations, such as AI-driven satellite analytics and direct-to-device communications, remain standardized, secure, and ethical. Regulatory engagement is also expanding beyond national borders. In response to climate change, security threats, and economic uncertainty, we are witnessing an unprecedented level of international cooperation in satellite technology. This cross-border collaboration is key to restoring public confidence, ensuring that space-based systems remain a trusted and neutral source of information.

As the world grapples with economic instability, geopolitical conflict, and the rise of AI-driven misinformation, the demand for trustworthy, real-time intelligence is more critical than ever. Satellite technology is positioned to play a transformative role in rebuilding trust, providing universal connectivity, verifiable ground truth, and stronger public-private collaboration. From ensuring reliable internet access in remote regions to enabling global security and climate monitoring, satellite data is shaping a more transparent, accountable world.

As Parth puts it, “The ability to observe, connect, and respond to the world in real time is a massive leap forward in how societies interact, govern, and adapt. We’re not just building technology—we’re building trust in the systems that shape our world.”

Listen to the full episode about how satellite technology is shaping a more transparent, accountable future here - Collaboration for the Intelligent Age: Rebuilding Trust with Parthsarathi Trivedi, CEO of Skylo