7 September – Adapting to orbit: radio amateurs and the future of satellite communication by Patrick Wood, 2E0IFB

| August 19, 2026

The presentation

This webinar briefly traces amateur radio satellite communication from the early OSCAR missions to today’s CubeSats, with a practical example of a FUNcube-1 telemetry ground station, building satellite trackers and antenna rotators. It looks ahead to future FUNcube developments, FUNcube+ and missions such as Jovian-1, whilst also considering how radio amateurs are now using geostationary satellites like QO-100. Alongside the growing importance of satellite communication in everyday life, the talk asks how radio amateurs can adapt their skills and equipment for a rapidly changing communications world.

About the presenter

Patrick Wood BEng CEng FIET FRAeS retired in 2025 after a 38-year career in the aerospace, defence, and space sectors, with over 30 years dedicated to the space sector. He has worked in some of the most iconic space companies in the UK and Europe, including CEO of Surrey Satellite Technology Limited, SVP and GM Space Systems UK at Airbus Defence and Space with roles in programmes, engineering and AIT, and as the UK Head of Space at Lockheed Martin Space.

His most notable role was leading the UK Skynet 5 MilSatCom programme, overseeing the delivery in orbit of the first three satellites of the four-satellite GEO constellation, and being responsible for the prime system, space, and ground infrastructure deliveries..

Patrick is a keen radio amateur and operates as 2E0IFB. He is a member of the RSGB Board of Directors and a member of AMSAT-UK. He is a Fellow of both the IET and RAeS and a Fellow of the UKSpace Trade Association. Additionally, he is a regular volunteer steward at Bletchley Park and a volunteer at the RSGB National Radio Centre, also based at Bletchley Park.

Watch live

Tonight@8 webinars are live-streamed on our YouTube channel and special BATC channel, allowing you to watch the presentations and ask questions online.

Find out more

Category: Tonight @ 8 - archive main list by year