⭐ Attendee Spotlight: Dr. Vani Murthy Vellanki

Dr. Vani Murthy Vellanki
RF Engineer, AST SpaceMobile

Vani is an RF Engineer at AST SpaceMobile, where she focuses on the design, testing, and optimization of satellite communication systems that enable connectivity directly between satellites and standard mobile phones. As part of the AST SpaceMobile team, she contributed to a key breakthrough in this area — the successful development and execution of one of the first-ever phone calls over satellite using a standard, unmodified mobile device.

She has also been closely involved in advancing the emerging SatRAN (Satellite Radio Access Network) concept, helping to explore and define its potential to set new standards for the future of satellite-to-mobile communication. Vani is passionate about applying engineering precision and innovation to expand global connectivity and help bridge the digital divide.

She was recently named a 2025 Via Satellite Rising Star.

🚀What first drew you to attend SATShow?

I was drawn to attend SATShow because it represents the future of connectivity and as an RF Engineer, that’s what excites me most. It’s a place where technical experts, innovators, and decision makers come together to shape how satellites will continue transforming global communications. For me, it’s not just a conference, it’s an opportunity to learn, contribute, and be inspired by the technologies that will define the next era of space-based networks.

🤝What do you find most valuable about SATShow?

What I find most valuable about SATShow is the chance to connect with people across every part of the industry from RF and systems engineers to policy leaders and innovators. The conversations go beyond technology, they’re about how we can collaborate to make satellite communications more efficient, sustainable, and accessible. It’s rare to find an event that bridges technical depth with such a broad strategic perspective.

🔭What are you most excited about for this year’s show?

I’m most excited about the opportunity to see how the next generation of satellite technologies is reshaping connectivity. With advances in RF systems, software-defined payloads, and integrated networks, SATShow 2026 will be a great place to explore how these innovations are being translated into real-world solutions. I’m looking forward to learning from industry leaders, sharing perspectives with peers, and finding new ways to contribute to the future of global communications.

💡What are you most looking forward to as a first-time attendee at SATShow?

This will be my first time attending SATShow, and I’m really looking forward to experiencing it firsthand. I’ve heard so much about the energy, innovation, and collaboration that define the event, and I can’t wait to be part of those conversations.

My advice for other first-time attendees is to dive in, talk to people, explore different sessions, and soak up as much as you can. The best part of this industry is how open and passionate the community is. I’m especially excited to connect with others who share the same curiosity and drive to innovate in satellite communications. For me, SATShow is not only a place to learn about the latest technologies but also a chance to understand where I can contribute and grow as part of this dynamic, forward-looking community.

✨ Heading to SATShow 2026? Be sure to say hi to Vani and connect with her on LinkedIn – she’s a true Rising Star making waves in the space industry!