In this podcast, Luke Wyles, programme head for Analysys Mason’s Space Ground Segment research programme, and Christopher Baugh, Partner, discuss the importance of control architecture for flat-panel antennas (FPAs). Their discussion covers the positioning of analogue, digital and hybrid beamforming technologies in the FPA market, addressing the inherent trade-offs in performance, product development and commercial suitability. They also explore the technical requirements needed for these terminals to serve satellite communications (satcom) networks today, and also into the future. Finally, they examined the barriers impeding the development of fully digital solutions today, and the long-term cost perspective of the technology.