Our history and partners

SatProf

SatProf, Inc. was founded in 2005 by satellite ground system engineering industry veterans to meet the need for accessible training for satellite communications technical professionals. Our advanced web-based e-learning materials feature interactive animations based on numerical simulation algorithms. Students equipped only with Internet terminals now have access to realistic simulations of the behavior of real-world equipment. Our interactive, 3-D, animated tutorials enable a better grasp of technical concepts and permit the student to practice hands-on skills such as dish pointing, polarization alignment, and uplink signal lineup. SatProf training content and service support the GVF Training program, the SBQ (Space Business Qualified) program, as well as many other organizations and companies.

GSOA (and GVF)

GSOA is a global CEO-driven association representing the satellite industry. GSOA is the only global non-profit association of the entire satellite ecosystem that brings members together and serves as the premier platform for worldwide collaboration. As the only CEO-driven satellite association in the world, GSOA takes the lead in addressing global challenges, seizing opportunities, and providing a unified voice for the satellite industry.

GSOA is widely recognized as the representative body for satellite operators by international, regional, and national entities, including regulators, policymakers, standards-setting organizations like 3GPP, as well as international organizations such as the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and the World Economic Forum (WEF).

For information about the GSOA, its activities, and upcoming events, please visit gsoasatellite.com.

The Global VSAT Forum (GVF), founded in 1999, was a non-profit association dedicated to promoting and supporting the world-wide satellite communications industry. In July 2023, GVF joined forces with the Global Satellite Operators Association (GSOA), which is now the only global non-profit association of the entire satellite ecosystem.

The GVF Training program

In 2001, at the request of its membership, the GVF launched a new training program with the objective of building a global force of qualified VSAT installation technicians available in local areas to support expansion of VSAT networks. The program began with a handful of classes led by volunteer instructors, but from 2006 accelerated rapidly due to the partnership with SatProf, Inc., who provided the interactive, online learning content and took on the administration of the program on behalf of GVF. In 2010 the training content was refocused on interference prevention skills, as a key element in GVF’s initiatives serving the industry’s drive to combat unintentional interference. Today, the GVF Training program continues in association with GSOA. We have already reached well over 24,000 students all around the world and the program has grown to dozens of courses and many separate certifications, covering not only VSAT installation but marine terminal operation and installation, teleport and news gathering uplinking, mobile terminal operation, numerous general theory topics, and equipment-specific training. For more information, visit the Technical Training page.

SSPI

Space and Satellite Professionals International (SSPI) is the largest, most international, and cross-disciplinary network in the space and satellite industry. From new talent entering the workforce to senior leaders shaping global strategy, our members span startups, scale-ups, and established companies powering today’s space economy. SSPI exists to serve them—because the world depends on what they do. For more information, visit sspi.org.

The Space Business Qualified (SBQ) program

In 2023, SatProf, in collaboration with SSPI and GSOA, launched the Space Business Qualified (SBQ) program, a set of new online courses and certification testing in space and satellite fundamentals They provide a comprehensive understanding of the business of space today and tomorrow. Together, SatProf, SSPI, and GSPA have contributed over 80 years of experience to the SBQ series. For more information, visit the Business Training page.