Michael Gertsman is president and co-founder of Square Peg Communications, where he is responsible for business strategy and product direction, and for overseeing product marketing and sales.
Square Peg is a market leader in developing and implementing test solutions for complex satellite communications networks, designing advanced SATCOM technology infrastructure and providing systems engineering expertise.
The company has been collaborating for 30 years with space agencies, satellite operators, SATCOM equipment manufacturers, integrators, service providers and others to help them turn their bold ideas into reality.
Michael holds a Master’s degree in Systems and Computer Engineering from Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada.
Mr. Gertsman, would you share a bit about your background, and about Square Peg Communications’ role in satellite communications?
Michael Gertsman
Absolutely. I’ve spent more than 30 years immersed in the world of satellite-based modems and baseband systems, including hardware, software and DSP design. At Square Peg, we set out to solve the challenges for complex satellite communications systems.
Thirty years ago that was SATCOM for aviation safety services. Almost 25 years ago we were demonstrating live in-flight television, 20 years ago it was software defined SATCOM test equipment and 15 years ago it was data relay from LEO satellites.
Today it is very wideband systems, multi-orbit networks, and new solutions like 5G NTN or direct-to-device (D2D). Our goal from the beginning was to build a company that doesn’t just keep up with the technology, but helps shape how it is brought to market. This work includes designing advanced SATCOM technology infrastructure and providing systems engineering expertise, along with providing test and simulation solutions for companies that are the leaders in using transformative technologies.
Since forming Square Peg, we’ve had the privilege of working with organizations such as Inmarsat, the European Space Agency, Honeywell and many others on future connectivity solutions.
Square Peg Communications has a strong reputation in advanced testing capabilities. Why is rigorous testing such a critical piece when it comes to emerging technologies like 5G NTN and D2D?
Michael Gertsman
Testing is always critical, but particularly so for emerging technologies. 5G NTN and D2D themselves are transformative; however, without thorough testing, they can’t deliver on their promise. These technologies involve complex interactions between terrestrial and non-terrestrial systems, often across multiple orbits and with full mobility.
Performance in real-world situations, where propagation conditions can vary, users can move, and satellite handovers may occur frequently, is hard to verify without a lab test environment. Our systems allow companies to verify and validate performance under exactly those kinds of conditions, long before deployment, which ultimately saves time, cost and risk.
Please give the readers an example...
Michael Gertsman
As an illustration, consider the case of a new space company that wants to launch a LEO-based D2D system.First, they need to verify their concept, and often demonstrate it to some initial investors. After developing their link budget and some prototype radios, they can mock up the satellite link in the lab, using the RLS-2100, and prove the concept with real hardware.
Next they may get a satellite or two on-orbit, which gives them the ability to prove that it works in the real world. But they may only see their satellite once or twice a day over their facilities, and maybe in the middle of the night, so test opportunities are limited.
Clearly this isn’t enough to develop a robust and reliable service. So, our D2D customers use the RLS-2100 in their lab so that they can test thousands of calls or text messages. With a properly automated test setup, 24/7/365 testing becomes feasible, facilitating long term stability and load testing in addition to validation of specific scenarios or corner cases.
The result is an optimized and robust communications system prior to launch of commercial service. The lab test bench remains valuable post launch as it allows reported problems to be reproduced and solutions found.
What are some of the unique challenges in testing for D2D communications, and how is Square Peg approaching those?
Michael Gertsman
D2D is one of the most exciting new advancements in connectivity, but it also presents a range of technical challenges—from synchronizing ground and space assets to adapting standards and technology for devices originally designed for mobile networks.
Our RLS-2100 has become the go-to testing solution for innovators working on direct-to-device and 5G NTN applications, not only because of its powerful link emulation capabilities, but also because of our focus on integrating as many elements of a full testbed into a single, fully synchronized, solution.
Users leverage the RLS-2100 to simulate the full complexity of real-world conditions—with hardware-in-the-loop testing—all within a controlled lab environment. We’re focused on making lab testing for operators as realistic and reliable as field or in-orbit testing, but much more cost effective, which is absolutely critical in this new space economy.
The result is faster iteration, reduced deployment risk and better-performing systems—even before they leave the ground.
Square Peg also offers advanced satellite technology infrastructure and systems engineering. How do those capabilities complement your testing solutions?
Michael Gertsman
Much what we do on the testing side builds on our deep systems engineering expertise, allowing us to design and build the tools that make it possible to implement realistic, reliable test scenarios.
Similarly, our test tools are often considered the gold brick standard for particular satellite networks, and our customers trust us to deploy the same core technology, suitably adapted to high availability operational systems, into operational networks.
We also come at everything we do from the perspective of our long involvement in the development and deployment of satellite networks for aeronautical safety services. The majority of long haul flights today use our equipment on the ground, and often our software in the air, for critical satellite communication links between the aircraft and air traffic control.
We realize how important reliable connectivity is to our customers, and our customer’s customers, and we know that performance is dominated by the weakest link in the chain, so we apply the same level of expertise and creativity to infrastructure development as we do to test. It’s all about enabling our partners to turn their ideas into reality.
Your team has collaborated with some of the biggest names in the industry. What do these partnerships mean for Square Peg, and how have they influenced your approach?
Michael Gertsman
Those collaborations have shaped who we are. Working with such a diverse set of partners, from space agencies to satellite operators to equipment manufacturers and integrators—from space agencies to satellite operators to equipment manufacturers and integrators, including D2D leaders such as Skylo and others—has pushed us to build flexible, interoperable, and future-proof systems.
It’s also taught us how to bridge the gap between conceptual design and operational reality, and how nimble design and attention to quality are not-mutually exclusive. We’re proud of the trust these partners place in us, and we see every collaboration as a chance to learn, innovate, and raise the bar.
Looking ahead, what are you most excited about in the future of satellite communications—and where do you see the greatest opportunities for innovation?
Michael Gertsman
The convergence of space and terrestrial networks, the promise of ubiquitous global coverage, and the innovation happening around D2D and very high bandwidth satellite networks is all incredibly exciting.
For us, the opportunity lies in continuing to be the partner of choice for companies pushing the envelope. If we can help make these bold ideas real—and reliable—then we’re doing our job.
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