While the satellite industry is characterized by dynamic innovation, it has steadily matured into a healthy, market-driven model of customers, value generators, and supporting suppliers. Even while the satellite market remains strong, satellite employers are caught squarely in the aerospace talent management paradigm. When a product line is retired and no immediate follow-on opportunities are available, engineers are laid off to reduce cost. Early career talent is often the first to go, and many move to non-satellite companies that place value on retaining and growing talent. Satellite industry groups have underscored this critical weakness and are entreating companies to increase programs to attract and retain university graduates, adjacent technology trades, and separating military personnel. As the "cloud moves into the vacuum" (Vance, 2015, p. 1) and demands for data services increase, maintaining a well-stratified satellite workforce is essential to U.S. competitiveness in this vital market.