From Bent-Pipe Transponders to AI-Driven, Multi-Orbit, Software-Defined and Quantum-Ready Networks Executive Summary Satellite communications are undergoing a major architectural transformation, evolving from fixed, hardware-centric relay systems into dynamic, software-defined, and multi-orbit networked infrastructures. This shift is being driven by the rapid deployment of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations, advances in onboard processing, the integration of…

