This Award recognizes satellite industry pioneers for significant achievements

In March, Space & Satellite Professionals International (SSPI) inducted Paul Gaske, executive vice president and general manager of Hughes’ North America division into its Space & Satellite Hall of Fame. Gaske was recognized for his invaluable contributions as a visionary who helped transform life for the better through space and satellite technology.

In a particularly poignant ceremony, Gaske was presented his award by Pradman Kaul, president of Hughes, who is also a member of the Hall of Fame, inducted in 2009. The two leaders have been together at Hughes as colleagues and friends for more than 40 years.

In his remarks, Kaul noted that successfully rolling out HughesNet® as a consumer service required decades of innovation and leadership by Gaske.

In his acceptance remarks, Gaske said, “I have been lucky to work with many SSPI Hall of Fame members throughout my career and their achievements have always inspired me.” He recalled joining what was then Digital Communications Corporation (DCC) in 1977, shortly after coming out of the University of Maryland’s graduate school. He progressed from being a new employee intrigued by the idea of satellite communications into product management, marketing, and international business. He then led the consumer products and services group which launched HughesNet. Today, with more than 1.5 million consumer and business subscribers, HughesNet is the largest satellite Internet service in the world.

Gaske humbly recapped milestones in his career at Hughes, as well as thanked many colleagues by name. He closed by recognizing his wife Ellen who has been by his side throughout his storied career, offering encouragement, advice, and support.

Members of SSPI’s Hall of Fame are considered pioneers in communications, aerospace, scientific research, or the development and delivery of space and satellite applications for business, institutions and government. Induction is based on a record of significant achievement with lasting value.

This was the 19th Hall of Fame induction.