On this week’s episode of The Dawn of Autonomy, we kick off our “Public Safety” month, sponsored by Viasat. Our guests are Jerry Hancock, Director of Aviation Safety Solutions and Cybersecurity, and Kristen Mineck, Manager of Aviation Standards and Requirements at Viasat. Together, they explore how satellite connectivity is transforming diverse UAV operations across sectors and enabling organisations in the low-altitude economy with the tools to operate more efficiently, reliable and effectively in real-world environments. From disaster response and wildfire monitoring to border surveillance and search and rescue, public safety missions increasingly depend on beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations. In areas where terrestrial networks are inconsistent or unavailable, Viasat’s trusted L-band network provides the reliable command and control link that keeps UAVs connected and mission teams informed in real time as well as enabling operations beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS).
Hancock and Mineck share how Viasat’s aviation safety heritage, regulatory expertise, and global reach are helping public safety organizations implement UAV operations with assured connectivity and compliance. They also highlight how new BVLOS regulations in the United States, Canada, and Mexico are expanding opportunities for agencies to integrate advanced air mobility solutions. Tune in for an inside look at how resilient satellite communication is supporting safer, smarter, and more autonomous public safety missions worldwide.