Founder and CEO
ThrustMe
Ane Aanesland, Founder and CEO, ThrustMe Ane Aanesland is a Norwegian deep-tech entrepreneur with deep roots in scientific research. She is the co-founder, president, and CEO of ThrustMe, an industrial space startup providing streamlined solutions to maneuver satellites in space. In 2020, ThrustMe became the first company to successfully demonstrate an iodine-propelled electric propulsion system in space and now deliver products to clients worldwide.Ane
Chief Technology Officer
Cambrian Works
Dr. Victor Aguero, Chief Technology Officer, Cambrian Works Dr. Victor Aguero is now serving at Chief Technology Officer for Cambrian Works, a new startup focused on developing the commercial potential in space. Until mid-2020, Dr. Aguero served as a Senior Principal Research Engineer at SRI International, where for nearly 23 years he worked as a space technology developer and architect. His primary areas of interest are space systems and advanced technology related to small satellites, satellite constellations, and space missions.
President
And One Technologies
Dr. Eric Anderson, President, And One Technologies Eric Anderson is President of And One Technologies and an angel investor in emerging space and IoT. He has contributed to dozens of space products, missions, and programs within small and large companies, government and academia. He currently supports technology and business aspects of several space, near-space, and air system developments with an emphasis on the delivery of data and services via new technologies, channels, and business models.
Senior Manager Business Development, Marketing & Sales
RUAG International
Leigh Anderson, Senior Manager Business Development, Marketing & Sales, RUAG International Leigh Anderson currently works for RUAG Space USA, Inc. as a Senior Business Development Manager as part of the international space company’s Marketing and Sales team. Leigh brings contributions to the space industry through an unyielding commitment to ideating and shaping the strategic voice and presentation of advanced technology pursuits. Her due diligence in research and translation of what makes an engineering solution novel, has directly contributed to ideas that resonate.
Director, New and Emerging Markets
Spaceflight Inc.
James Antifaev, Director, New and Emerging Markets, Spaceflight Inc. James Antifaev leads activities in new and emerging markets for Spaceflight, particularly focused on missions beyond LEO (MEO, GEO, and cislunar) as well as new applications of Spaceflight’s Sherpa Orbital Transfer Vehicle. Prior to Spaceflight, James held roles in product management at Loon, Alphabet’s stratospheric balloon venture, as well as product, business development, and engineering roles at Maxar, MDA, and the European Space Agency.
President and Founder
Northern Sky Research (NSR)
Chris Baugh, President and Founder, Northern Sky Research (NSR) Mr. Baugh serves as the President and Founder of Northern Sky Research (NSR), which he created in 2000 to provide independent, actionable market research and consulting services to the satellite industry. Mr. Baugh directs all NSR multi-client research reports and single-client consulting projects and manages a global team of analysts that stand at the forefront of satellite industry expertise.
CTO
RS21
Kameron Baumgardner, CTO, RS21 Kameron serves as Chief Technology Officer at RS21 and is the executive lead for all data modernization, software engineering, and machine learning capabilities in the firm. Kameron directs each project at RS21 by providing guidance, coordination, and oversight across our multi-disciplinary functional teams of software developers, data engineers, designers, and data scientists. His unique multidisciplinary background allows him to coordinate the production of RS21’s signature data-driven, interactive decision support tools that lead to tangible solutions.
Senior Director of Innovation & Spacecraft Programs
SES Government Solutions
Dr. Bryan Benedict, Senior Director of Innovation & Spacecraft Programs, SES Government Solutions Dr. Bryan Benedict serves as Senior Director of Innovation & Spacecraft Programs at SES Government Solutions. During his career he has worked extensively within both the DoD and US Civil Agencies to socialize the advantages of hosting imaging payloads on commercial spacecraft. Additionally, Dr. Benedict has been a key advocate in the commercial industry for the use of space robotics for both recovery and life extension of geosynchronous satellites.
CEO
SpaceLink
Dave Bettinger, CEO, SpaceLink David Bettinger is a business and technology visionary with 30 years of experience in system engineering, focused on innovative satellite communications. He is a strategic thinker with a track record of capturing opportunities, cultivating partnerships, and transforming startup ventures into a competitive position. Before joining SpaceLink, Mr. Bettinger was VP of the Communications Systems and Advanced Development Group at OneWeb.
Chief Strategy Officer
HawkEye 360
Kari Bingen, Chief Strategy Officer, HawkEye 360 Former Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence & Security. Kari is the Chief Strategy Officer at HawkEye 360, the first commercial company to use formation-flying satellites to create a new class of radio frequency (RF) data and analytics. She is guiding the company through an evolving space landscape and growing market for RF data and analytics, and focused on how such capabilities can support national security users and a wide array of industries.
Executive Vice President, Engineering Solutions
Redwire
Adam Biskner, Executive Vice President, Engineering Solutions, Redwire
President and CEO
Spaceflight Inc.
Curt Blake, President and CEO, Spaceflight Inc. Curt Blake is president of Spaceflight’s launch services group and previously served as senior vice president and general counsel. Curt has led efforts to expand Spaceflight’s global network of launch service providers while building relationships with key commercial-, civilian- and defense-related customers. Over the last several years, Curt oversaw the company’s growth from its early commercial rideshare launches on the Antares and Soyuz vehicles to become the industry’s rideshare leader and the world’s first commercial spaceline.
CSO and Co-Founder
Leaf Space
Giovanni Pandolfi Bortoletto, CSO and Co-Founder, Leaf Space Co-founder of Leaf Space, where he currently holds the position Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) and business development. In particular, he managed the definition of the architecture of the Ground Segment as-Service solutions Leaf Line and Leaf Key and Leaf Track services and he headed the network operations for the support of various satellite and cubesat missions managed both by space agencies (ESA, ISRO, DLR) and by several international trading companies.
Partner
DCVC - Data Collective Venture Capital
Dr. Chris Boshuizen, Partner, DCVC - Data Collective Venture Capital Dr. Chris Boshuizen is an Australian astronaut, scientist, entrepreneur, investor, and musician. Currently a Partner at DCVC, a deep tech investment company in San Francisco where he focuses on funding cutting edge space companies, Boshuizen completed his PhD in physics at The University of Sydney before accepting a position at the NASA Ames Research Center in California.
CEO
Kleos Space
Andy Bowyer, CEO, Kleos Space Andy Bowyer is CEO of Kleos Space, a Luxembourg based space-powered RF Geolocation data-as-a-service company. Andy co-founded Kleos in 2017, taking the company through an IPO in August 2018 to fund the build out and launch of the 1st cluster of four satellites flying in formation. The second cluster was launched on June 30 and the third is scheduled for April 2022.
Founder and Managing Partner
Clarke Belt 2.0
Mark Brady, Founder and Managing Partner, Clarke Belt 2.0 Entrepreneur and investor with decades of international executive experience with Satellite, PayTV, and Consumer Electronics industries. Successfully conducted business in dozens of countries. Clients and project implementation for companies that included: Airspan, ARSAT, AT&T, GloboSat, Glowlink, Lucent, Motorola, NahuelSat, RuralWeb , SuperCanal , Tdh SA, Telesat , among others. Currently Founder and President – Advantage IT International Inc.
Senior Advisor
Acorn Growth Companies
Jim Bridenstine, Senior Advisor, Acorn Growth Companies Jim Bridenstine is a Senior Advisor at Acorn Growth Companies, an Oklahoma City based private equity company that invests exclusively in aerospace, defense, and intelligence. Before joining Acorn, Jim served as the 13th Administrator of NASA, where he was responsible for managing NASA’s 70,000-person workforce and $23 billion annual budget. Under his leadership, NASA reestablished an American human spaceflight program, which was lost after the retirement of the Space Shuttles in 2011.
Space Portfolio Director
Defense Innovation Unit - DIU
Brig Gen. Steve Butow, Space Portfolio Director, Defense Innovation Unit - DIU Steve “Bucky” Butow is the Director of the Space Portfolio at the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU). He joined the team in 2015 as an early plank owner when DIU was known as the Defense Innovation Unit Experimental (DIUx) and helped establish the organization’s operating locations in Silicon Valley; Boston, Massachusetts; and Austin, Texas. Prior to joining DIU, Butow was the Vice Chief of the Joint Staff, California Military Department with responsibilities including cybersecurity, incident awareness and innovation.
Head of Business Development - Line of Business Satellite Systems
Telespazio
Andrea Cardellicchio, Head of Business Development - Line of Business Satellite Systems, Telespazio In Telespazio, Andrea is currently Head of Commercial Development in the Satellite Systems and Operations Line of Business. He is also in charge of the Space Domain Awareness Integrated Project Team. His focus is on new missions concepts and the commercial space sector. From 2014 to 2016, Andrea was based in Washington and responsible for International Sales of teleport and hosting services within Telespazio North America subsidiary.
President
Kratos Space, Training and Cybersecurity
Phil Carrai , President, Kratos Space, Training and Cybersecurity Phil Carrai is President of the Space, Training and Cybersecurity division of Kratos Defense and Security Solutions, Inc, where he is responsible for all aspects of business operations, sales, mergers and acquisitions. Kratos Defense is an approximately $650 million public company focusing in Aerospace and Defense products and services. Kratos Space, Training and Cybersecurity provides products for satellite signal processing, testing, communications, cybersecurity, in addition to training and simulation products and services.
Director of Business Development and Sales
Surrey Satellite Technology
Andrew Cawthorne, Director of Business Development and Sales, Surrey Satellite Technology Following his Master’s degree in Astronautics and Space Engineering at Cranfield University, Andrew went to the European Space Agency in The Netherlands as a systems engineer. As part of the Aurora program, Andrew was involved in a number of diverse projects, from the definition of a human mission to Mars to precursor work for the ExoMars rover.
Founder and CEO
LeoLabs
Dr. Dan Ceperley, Founder and CEO, LeoLabs Dan cofounded LeoLabs to accelerate the new commercial economy in LEO, protect satellite assets, and preserve the space environment. LeoLabs is the first commercial data source for tracking satellites and mapping LEO. Prior to co-founding LeoLabs Dan was a Program Director at SRI International where he supervised the Allen Telescope Array and developed advanced radar imaging technologies.
CEO and Founder
Bryce Space and Technology
Carissa Christensen, CEO and Founder, Bryce Space and Technology Carissa Christensen is the Chief Executive Officer and founder of BryceTech companies in the US and the UK. She previously co-founded defense company The Tauri Group, acquired by LMI in 2019, and quantum computing software company QxBranch, acquired by Rigetti Computing in 2019. She is an active tech investor who serves on several early-stage boards. Ms.
Associate Director, Civil and Environmental Space
Raytheon Space Systems
Shawn Cochran, Associate Director, Civil and Environmental Space, Raytheon Space Systems Mr. Shawn Cochran is a Senior Manager for Civil and Environmental Space in Raytheon’s Space Systems organization. Space Systems manufactures the VIIRS instrument for the NASA/NOAA Joint Polar Satellite System. Prior to joining Space Systems, Mr. Cochran was the Chief Scientist for the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) Common Ground System (CGS) and the head of the Mission Data Services program.
Founder and Managing Partner
Promus Ventures
Mike Collett, Founder and Managing Partner, Promus Ventures Mike Collett is Founder and Managing Partner of Promus Ventures in Chicago. Mike previously was Founder and Managing Partner of Masters Capital Nanotechnology Fund and also on the Technology Equity team with Masters Capital, a hedge fund. Mike was Vice President at Merrill Lynch in the M&A Group as well as an Associate in M&A Division with Duff & Phelps.
Chairman and CTO
Orbital Insight
Dr. James Crawford, Chairman and CTO, Orbital Insight After leading software research and development for over two decades, Jimi is the founder & CTO of Orbital Insight. Orbital Insight helps business and policy decision-makers understand economic and societal trends through geospatial analytics. His corporate focus is to develop artificial intelligence, machine learning, and computer vision, creating a new source of market data for diverse industries.
Senior Advisor
NOAA - National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration
Brooks Cressman, Senior Advisor, NOAA - National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration Brooks Cressman is the senior advisor at NOAA’s Commerce Remote Sensing Regulatory Affairs (CRSRA) office. In this role, he provides the Licensing, Compliance, and Policy officers with technical and regulatory expertise and represents the office at various forums. His remote sensing areas of focus are cybersecurity, SAR, and persistent imaging. Mr. Cressman is a senior project engineer at the Aerospace Corporation.
Sr. Director Protected Communications Missions
Lockheed Martin Space Systems
Erik Daehler, Sr. Director Protected Communications Missions, Lockheed Martin Space Systems Erik Daehler is the Senior Director of Protected Communications Satellite Missions for the Lockheed Martin Corporation. In this capacity, he is responsible for the development, deployment and operations of strategic and tactical communications satellites for the United States Government, allies, coalition partners and commercial customers. He brings 20 years of aerospace and defense experience to the mission.
Executive Chairman
Viasat
Mark Dankberg, Executive Chairman, Viasat Mark Dankberg co-founded ViaSat Inc. in 1986, and has held the position of Executive Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer since inception. Under his leadership, ViaSat has consistently been recognized as one of America’s fastest growing technology companies. Mark is an acknowledged industry expert in communications technology, satellite, aerospace and defense, and is the leading visionary for a new generation of high-capacity satellite systems that are poised to deliver worldwide broadband coverage by 2021.
Chief Architect Officer
U.S. Space Force and Air Force
Preston C. Dunlap, Chief Architect Officer, U.S. Space Force and Air Force Mr. Preston C. Dunlap is the first Chief Architect Officer of the Space Force and Air Force and oversees the architecture of the Department’s nearly $70 billion of research, development, and acquisition programs. He creates partnerships across the Defense and Intelligence Communities to transform technology development and acquisition so the Department not only designs, develops, and buys the right mix of future capability but does so more rapidly and with the power of agility and interoperability.
Vice President, Commercial Programs
Stellar Solutions
Melissa Farrell, Vice President, Commercial Programs , Stellar Solutions Ms. Farrell is the Vice President of Commercial Programs at Stellar Solutions, responsible for developing and managing Stellar commercial sector business. Stellar provides expertise in technical expertise and project management to both New Space and legacy Space customers and stakeholders. Melissa has over 30 years’ experience supporting multinational satellite programs in roles ranging from System Engineer to Program management, and currently provides due diligence, strategic assessment, program management, and technical consulting expertise for select projects supporting Space System Service providers and Manufacturers and the investment communities.
CTO and co-founder
Kayhan Space
Araz Feyzi, CTO and co-founder, Kayhan Space
Managing Director
Portland Advisors
Nick Flitterman, Managing Director, Portland Advisors Nick has over 20 years experience acting in senior advisory and lending roles across the spectrum of communications, technology and satellite sectors. A debt banker by background, he previously held senior roles at the Royal Bank of Scotland, PricewaterhouseCoopers and HSBC. Nick and his Portland team specialize in advising early-stage businesses to structure and raise debt funding to help finance their communications infrastructure needs.
Senior Vice President
Arianespace
Dr. Marino Fragnito, Senior Vice President, Arianespace Marino Fragnito has joined Arianespace in March 2016 to manage the Vega Business Unit. Since February 2018 he is also in charge of the overall Vega sales, marketing & business development activities in Arianespace and in November 2020 he has been appointed Senior Vice President and member of the Arianespace Executive Committee. In this capacity, he manages the overall Vega activities and controls its associated Profit & Loss.
CEO
Ingenu
Alvaro Gazzolo, CEO, Ingenu Alvaro Gazzolo, CEO of Ingenu has decades (30 years) of International Sales, Business Development and M&A experience in “C” Level positions in growing and leading successful Technology companies, Pay-TV companies, Global Satellite businesses, IoT Platforms, Software companies and AI Platforms. Mr. Gazzolo (Corporate Senior Vice President and Member of the Executive Team at PanAmSat, a listed company, NASDAQ:PAS) developed the Latin American and European markets for the first private satellite operator (PanAmSat) in 1989.
President
Mynaric USA
Tina Ghataore, President, Mynaric USA Tina is Mynaric’s Chief Commercial Officer, as well as the President of Mynaric USA. An aerospace industry veteran with 20 years’ experience in airborne and satellite communication and connectivity, Tina’s career has taken in senior roles at Yahsat, Panasonic Avionics, and The Boeing Company. Tina has additionally helped shape connectivity strategies at Airbus and Thales, as well as at new space satellite start-ups.
International Sales Director
Satellogic
Luciano Giesso, International Sales Director, Satellogic Luciano Giesso serves as International Sales Director at Satellogic. He is a multinational executive with more than 20 years’ experience in technology & services. He’s Argentinian and has lived in the United States at different times during his career. Mr. Giesso has led multi-country teams of 100+ employees in many countries occupying several management and sales positions in technology companies, including a 14-year tenure in IBM.
Managing Partner
In-Q-Tel
Tom Gillespie, Managing Partner, In-Q-Tel Tom Gillespie serves as a Partner on In-Q-Tel’s Investment Team and as Investment Lead for In-Q-Tel’s Field Technologies Practice, where he is responsible for identifying technologies that address challenges faced by the Intelligence Community. He is the Investment Team partner associated with IQT’s commercial space initiative, CosmiQ Works, and he has led a number of IQT’s investments in commercial space ventures, including launch vehicles, small satellite constellations, and space situational awareness.
VP of Spacecraft Development & Manufacturing
Planet
Chester Gillmore, VP of Spacecraft Development & Manufacturing, Planet Chester Gillmore, part of the early team at Planet, is Vice President of Spacecraft Development & Manufacturing, where he is responsible for overseeing all of Planet’s satellite design and manufacturing operations. This includes the design, prototyping, qualification, and launch of history’s largest fleet of Earth observation satellites. Planet’s factories have flexible concurrent assembly, integration, test, & qualification lines that can produce well over 20 satellites a week.
President
Comtech Satellite Network Technologies
Daniel Gizinski, President, Comtech Satellite Network Technologies Daniel Gizinski was named President of Comtech Satellite Networks Technologies, Inc. (a U.S. Corporation) on January 3, 2022. Previously he held various senior management positions at Comtech, including Vice President of Product and Strategy for Comtech Systems Inc. Prior to joining Comtech in 2019, Daniel held program management and leadership roles at General Electric, Sierra Nevada Corporation, and L3Harris Technologies.
Chief Executive Officer
ManSat Group
Katherine Gizinski, Chief Executive Officer, ManSat Group Katherine is the Chief Executive Officer for the ManSat Group. ManSat is the world’s largest commercial provider of satellite spectrum and offers bespoke consultancy services in spectrum regulatory matters. Before joining ManSat, Katherine worked with U.S. defense contractors to bring commercial satellite and terrestrial communication technologies to austere environments in support of military, diplomatic, first responder, and commercial initiatives.
Office of the Corporate Chief Engineer
The Aerospace Corporation
Lori W. Gordon, Office of the Corporate Chief Engineer, The Aerospace Corporation Lori W. Gordon is a senior project engineer and technology strategist at The Aerospace Corporation specializing in cyber and physical infrastructure protection. In the course of her career she has led efforts to coordinate national strategies and initiatives to enhance the resilience of U.S. critical infrastructure, mitigate national security and civil space enterprise risk, and accelerate technology innovation in complex systems.
Principal Analyst
Northern Sky Research - NSR
Brad Grady, Principal Analyst, Northern Sky Research - NSR Mr. Grady has been involved in the Satellite Communications industry since 2005, joining NSR in 2010. He is NSR’s Energy market subject matter expert, and a core member of NSR’s mobility research practice for both civil and government markets. He regularly provides his insights and analysis to NSR’s single-client consulting practice and is also a regular contributor to leading industry publications and forums.
Co-founder & COO
Loft Orbital
Alexander Greenberg, Co-founder & COO, Loft Orbital Alex Greenberg is the co-founder and COO of Loft Orbital, where he oversees business operations. He also helps direct overall company strategy. Prior to starting Loft, Alex was a Director of Business Development at Spire, where he helped the company secure their first two government contracts. Alex began his career at Avascent, a boutique management and strategy consulting firm focused on the aerospace and defense industries.
Chief Commercial Officer (CCO)
Isar Aerospace
Stella Guillen, Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), Isar Aerospace Stella Guillen has joined the Isar Aerospace team in May 2021 as the Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) responsible for all Strategy, Business Development, Sales and Marketing activities. For the past 4 years, Stella served as VP of Sales & Marketing for Arianespace, Inc. managing all aspects of Arianespace’s launch services sales and marketing activities for US and Canadian clients.
General Manager, Aviation
Spire
Dr. Shay Har-Noy, General Manager, Aviation, Spire Dr. Shay Har-Noy (Shy) is Spire’s General Manager of Aviation, responsible for leading the business that is making air travel and shipments safer, more cost effective, and more efficient. Shay most recently served as a leader on the Uber Maps product team and as Uber Boulder site lead. Previously, he was VP and GM of Maxar/DigitalGlobe’s Platform business — their high growth effort to get DigitalGlobe’s 15 year digital library in the cloud and available for processing.
President and CEO
Virgin Orbit
Dan Hart, President and CEO, Virgin Orbit Over the course of his career, Dan has served in senior leadership roles across a wide range of aerospace programs, spanning human spaceflight, satellite development, launch, and missile defense, and running through all phases of the aerospace product life cycle, from research and development through design, production, and spaceflight operations. Dan currently serves as President and CEO for Virgin Orbit, Richard Branson’s pioneering commercial space firm, which launches small satellites into space from a rocket carried under the wing of a modified Boeing 747.
General Manager
Amazon Web Services - AWS
Shayn Hawthorne, General Manager, Amazon Web Services - AWS Mr. Shayn Hawthorne works in the AWS Region Services Division as the Colorado Lead, Space Technical Lead, and General Manager of the AWS Ground Station service. In this role, Shayn works backward with commercial and Government space customers around the world. Shayn is focused on developing services and features that disrupt how space and intelligence operations are conducted and enabling space customers to share, fuse and leverage space data to improve their missions and products.
Senior Analyst
Quilty Analytics
Caleb Henry, Senior Analyst, Quilty Analytics Caleb Henry is a Senior Analyst at Quilty Analytics, a boutique research firm covering the satellite and space industry. He previously worked for SpaceNews and Via Satellite. Caleb earned a bachelor’s degree in political science along with a minor in astronomy from Grove City College.
CEO
Cognitive Space
Scott Herman, CEO, Cognitive Space Scott Herman is the CEO of Cognitive Space – a startup focusing on AI-driven satellite operations and mission planning. Scott is a passionate New Space, Small Satellite, Remote Sensing, ML/AI/CV Analytics, Agile Development, Lean Startup, and Cloud Computing evangelist. Scott is deeply involved in strategic planning, business development, product management, and software development. But at any given moment Scott is also supporting program management, production operations, concept incubation, community outreach & evangelism, industry mentorship, customer service, and investment activities.
Co-founder and CEO
Kayhan Space
Dr. Siamak Hesar, Co-founder and CEO, Kayhan Space Dr. Siamak Hesar is the co-founder and CEO of Kayhan Space. He holds a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering Sciences from the University of Colorado, Boulder. He has supported NASA missions in the past, including the OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample return mission. Prior to Kayhan Space, Siamak worked as Chief Scientist at SpaceNav, where he led several software development efforts focused on SSA, collision risk assessment and mitigation.
SVP - Global Launch Services
Rocket Lab
Lars Hoffman, SVP - Global Launch Services, Rocket Lab As Senior Vice President, Lars is responsible for Rocket Lab’s global business and government affairs. With more than 30 years of experience in national security and aerospace, Lars brings a deep knowledge of the global space industry and U.S. Government space requirements. Before joining Rocket Lab, Lars was an executive at SpaceX, from 2014 to 2018.
Managing Director
Morgan Stanley
Phil Ingle, Managing Director, Morgan Stanley PPhillip (Phil) is a Managing Director in Morgan Stanley’s Investment Banking Division. He joined Morgan Stanley in 2002 as an Analyst in the firm’s Melbourne, Australia, office. In 2004, he relocated to the New York office where he joined the Global Industrials Group. Phil specializes in the coverage of Aerospace & Defense, Security and General Industrial companies and has worked on a variety of M&A and capital markets transactions for clients across these industries.
Senior Associate
Hogan Lovells
George John, Senior Associate, Hogan Lovells George John ensures regulations do not disrupt innovation and investment for established and emerging technologies particularly in the aerospace, telecommunications, sports, medical, and mobility industries. Technologies empowering satellite connectivity, smartphone downloads, the monitoring of ball trajectory and speed or athlete biometrics at sporting events, real-time telehealth applications, and drone deliveries encounter U.S. and international regulation. Operators of these and similar platforms regularly rely on George to navigate related legal, policy, and technical challenges.
Founder and CEO
Astrocast
Fabien Jordan, Founder and CEO, Astrocast Fabien Jordan is Founder and CEO of Astrocast, a leading Satellite IoT service that enables asset tracking and two-way communications in remote areas of the world. Jordan is widely recognized for his work on SwissCube, the longest operating nanosatellite. He also worked as Technical Manager at the Space Exploration Institute in Neuchâtel, where he contributed to the design of two scientific instruments of the ESA ExoMars Rover Mission.
Partner
Hogan Lovells
Steve Kaufman, Partner, Hogan Lovells A corporate partner and satellite practice co-head, Steve Kaufman uses industry knowledge and versatility to negotiate and close many types of deals globally. For 18 of his 30 years at the firm, Steve served as outside general counsel for satellite clients, leading strategic joint ventures, “bet-the-company” contracts, financings, and M&A. What Steve does best: understanding complex business issues and translating them into legal documents.
Founder, Chairman and CEO
Astra
Chris Kemp, Founder, Chairman and CEO, Astra As Founder, Chairman and CEO, Chris leads the overall company strategy and direction for Astra. Chris previously served as CTO of NASA and founded OpenStack, an open-source cloud computing infrastructure software project that is one of the three most active open source projects in the world. At NASA, he partnered with Google and Microsoft and helped create Google Moon and Mars (online maps that allow you to explore the planets) and worked with the White House to develop the cloud computing strategy for the government.
CEO
Salamander Space Corporation
Dr. Fred Kennedy, CEO, Salamander Space Corporation Dr. Kennedy most recently served as the inaugural Director of the Space Development Agency (SDA), a U.S. Department of Defense agency responsible for developing threat-driven space architectures to sustain the U.S.’s technological advantage in space. Prior to that, he led the Tactical Technology Office (TTO) of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). Before joining DARPA, Dr.
Chief of the Satellite Division
FCC - Federal Communications Commission
Karl Kensinger, Chief of the Satellite Division, FCC - Federal Communications Commission Karl A. Kensinger is the Chief of the Satellite Division of the Federal Communications Commission’s International Bureau. Mr. Kensinger’s experience and expertise covers a broad range of satellite policy and licensing matters, including licensing of small satellites and satellite constellations, international coordination of satellite networks, radio spectrum policy, and transfers of FCC licenses. He has been a primary FCC point of contact on orbital debris matters since 1995.
Chief Executive Officer
Millennium Space Systems
Jason Kim, Chief Executive Officer, Millennium Space Systems Jason Kim became chief executive officer of Millennium Space Systems, a non-fully integrated Boeing subsidiary based in El Segundo, California, in December 2020. Millennium Space Systems provides alternative, relevant and affordable solutions to today’s aerospace challenges. The company designs space flight systems and develops space mission and system solutions for the U.S. Intelligence Community, Department of Defense and National Aeronautics and Space Administration, as well as commercial customers.
Systems Director
The Aerospace Corporation
Dr. Josef Koller, Systems Director, The Aerospace Corporation Dr. Josef Koller is a Systems Director for the Center for Space Policy and Strategy, serving as a senior analyst and team leader on topics that cut across policy, technology, and economics. Prior to joining Aerospace, Dr. Koller served as a Senior Advisor to the Office of the Secretary of Defense for Space Policy where he directly supported key national and international strategy efforts for space-related U.S.
President
PhotoSat
Andrea Krupa, President, PhotoSat Prior to joining PhotoSat, Andrea enjoyed an exciting career as an instructor for Outward Bound, where she gained certification as a guide through the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides. In 2013, she pursued graduate studies and completed an MA in Counselling Psychology. In 2015, Andrea brought her skills in people management, communication, and analysis to PhotoSat.
VP of Strategic Sales
Ramon Space
Lisa Kuo, VP of Strategic Sales, Ramon Space Lisa Kuo serves as VP of Strategic Sales at Ramon.Space, a leader in space resilient computing. Lisa is a space enthusiast, with more than 20 years of experience in architecting, managing and helping customers realize innovative space technology in their roadmaps for both government and commercial space sectors. She was most recently Director of Connectivity Technical Sales at Panasonic Avionics Corp.
NG Fellow
Northrop Grumman
Professor Andrew Kwas, NG Fellow, Northrop Grumman Andy has 41 years with NGC/TRW working in advanced space programs specializing in space, advanced manufacturing, astrophysics projects and in-space manufacturing. As a NG Fellow, he supports NGC’s key space customers including NASA, AFRL, NRO, DARPA, Army/SMDC, Space RCO, USMC, and the Navy. He is considered one of the prominent additive manufacturing (AM) experts in the country and has produced numerous papers in AM, as well as advanced satellite technology, in-space manufacturing using advanced additive manufacturing techniques, unique logistics solutions, and miniaturization of spacecraft components.
Senior Corporate Counsel
BAE Systems
Janna Lewis, Senior Corporate Counsel , BAE Systems Janna is a senior attorney and technology strategist focused on national defense, intelligence, and commercial space sectors. She has unique, cross-sector expertise in guiding programs and technology development for U.S. government and commercial initiatives, including engagements directed to launch services, satellite communications, unmanned vehicles, C5ISR sensors and network architectures, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. Prior to joining BAE Systems, Janna was with Northrop Grumman, where she facilitated innovation and strategic collaborations for their Missions Systems Sector to advance defense and intelligence capabilities.
Managing Director
Astroscale
Ron Lopez, Managing Director, Astroscale Ron joined Astroscale as Managing Director in April 2019 to lead the company’s business operations in the United States. Ron brings over 25 years of government and industry experience, encompassing systems engineering, program management, sales and marketing, technology/research and development management, and strategy formulation. Ron started his career as an Intelligence Officer in the United States Air Force, serving as the focal point for Space Situational Awareness capability development at Air Force Space Command’s Space Control Division.
VP, Strategy & Business Development
L3Harris Technologies
Tim Lynch, VP, Strategy & Business Development, L3Harris Technologies Tim Lynch is vice president of the Multi-Domain Architecture Group within the Space and Airborne Systems segment of L3Harris Technologies. Space and Airborne Systems covers an extensive portfolio of solutions in intelligence, surveillance, small satellites, electronic warfare, avionics (including carriage and release systems), wireless solutions and C4I systems. Prior to his current position, Lynch was a chief mission architect of L3Harris.
Chief Growth Officer
Airbus US Space & Defense
Russ Matijevich, Chief Growth Officer, Airbus US Space & Defense Russ “Mr Wizard” Matijevich is the Chief Growth Officer for Airbus US Space & Defense, Inc. He is the senior executive leading Airbus US efforts in strategy, business development, government relations, strategic communications, and marketing in support of all Airbus US lines of business. Russ is a retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel with over 30 years of space, satellite, and aeronautics/aviation experience.
Senior Manager of Rideshare Sales
SpaceX
Jarrod McLachlan, Senior Manager of Rideshare Sales, SpaceX Jarrod is a Senior Sales Manager at SpaceX responsible for sales and commercial business development efforts for SpaceX’s small satellite rideshare customers. In this role, he focuses on deepening the relationship between SpaceX and the worldwide small satellite community. SpaceX’s SmallSat Rideshare Program provides small satellite operators with competitive pricing, increased flight opportunities, flexibility, turnkey service and—most importantly—a ride to space on the world’s most advanced and proven launch vehicles.
Co-Founder and CEO
Lynk
Charles Miller, Co-Founder and CEO, Lynk Charles Miller is co-founder and CEO of Lynk. He is a serial space entrepreneur with 30 years of experience in the space industry. Charles has been the founder or co-founder of multiple private ventures and organizations. In addition, he is a national leader in creating and developing public-private partnerships in commercial space to serve public needs.
President, Government System
Viasat Government Systems
Craig Miller, President, Government System, Viasat Government Systems Craig Miller joined Viasat in 1995 and currently leads Viasat’s Government Systems, with over $1B/year in sales. Craig has over 25 years’ experience in technology, business, and strategic leadership in the communications, defense and network security space. Previous to his current role, Craig was the CTO for Viasat’s Government Systems, where he was responsible for establishing and communicating the technical vision and roadmap for a diverse range of products and services: including our government satellite communications portfolio, tactical networks, encryption products, cyber/network security products, cyber security services, as well as our Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance product portfolio.
Chairman and CTO
ThinKom Solutions
Bill Milroy, Chairman and CTO, ThinKom Solutions Prior to co-founding ThinKom (www.thinkom.com), William (Bill) Milroy held the position of Senior Engineering Fellow within Raytheon’s Electronic Systems (ES) Segment. During his tenure, he managed and lead the RF antenna design, development, and production of a wide range of Phased-Array/ESA implementations for both radar and communication applications. He co-founded ThinKom Solutions in 2000, where he currently holds the titles of Chairman and CTO.
Co-Founder and CEO
Kepler Communications
Mina Mitry, Co-Founder and CEO, Kepler Communications Mina Mitry is Co-Founder and CEO of Kepler Communications, a company seeking to lay the foundation for the “Internet outside Earth”. Kepler is presently building its business by offering connectivity on Earth, using satellites it manufactures and operates in-house. In the future, Kepler will begin to relay traffic for customers in space, connecting satellites to each other or to the ground in real-time.
Chief Operating Officer
Hedron (aka Analytical Space)
Katherine Monson, Chief Operating Officer, Hedron (aka Analytical Space) Katherine Monson is the Chief Operating Officer for Hedron. Hedron is an aerospace company that is building a hybrid RF and Optical relay network. This dynamic communications infrastructure enables the growing space industry to provide low-latency data to commercial and government end users here on earth. Prior to joining Hedron, Katherine served as the CEO of KSAT Inc.
President and CEO
Optimal Satcom
Ahsun Murad, President and CEO, Optimal Satcom Ahsun Murad is the President and CEO of Optimal Satcom, which he co-founded as a spin-off from Lockheed Martin and Comsat in 2002. Over the last 18 years since its founding, Optimal Satcom has grown to support a large segment of the satellite industry with products and customized solutions that help its customers run their business – over 15 satellite operators, 20 of the largest satellite service providers, and major US Government DoD and civilian agencies use Optimal Satcom products and systems today.
Partner
PJT Partners
Jim Murray, Partner, PJT Partners 26 years experience in Investment Banking and Strategy Consulting Coordinates firm relationships in mobile technology, wireless, industrial tech, and aerospace industries Has led advisory teams on public and private company mergers, leveraged buyouts, special committee assignments, hostile takeover and activist defense, and corporate restructurings Received an AB in Government, magna cum laude, from Harvard College and studied International Relations and Economics at the London School of Economics 2021 space transaction highlights include Viasat-Inmarsat, the Astra and Blacksky SPAC mergers, the Orbcomm LBO, Intelsat’s Ch.
Director of Discovery & Assessments Office
National Geospatial Intelligence Agency NGA
Maria Muse-Duncan, Director of Discovery & Assessments Office, National Geospatial Intelligence Agency NGA
Founder and Managing Partner
Ubiquity Ventures
Sunil Nagaraj, Founder and Managing Partner, Ubiquity Ventures Sunil Nagaraj is the Founder and Managing Partner of Ubiquity Ventures, a seed-stage institutional venture capital firm with close to $100 million under management and a focus on “software beyond the screen”® startups. This includes B2B technology companies that utilize smart hardware or machine learning to solve business problems outside the reach of computers and smartphones.
Chief Commercial Officer (CCO)
NXTCOMM
Steve Newell, Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), NXTCOMM Stephen (Steve) Newell is Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) for NXT Communications Corporation (NXTCOMM), a Georgia-based provider of breakthrough broadband connectivity. In this role, he leads sales, business development and product marketing efforts for the company’s next-generation connectivity products. He was VP of Business Development for FLYHT Aerospace Solutions, Ltd., an Iridium provider of real-time insights into aircraft performance to improve aviation safety and efficiency.
Operating Partner
DCVC (Data Collective Venture Capital)
Matt O’Connell, Operating Partner , DCVC (Data Collective Venture Capital) Matt O’Connell is an Operating Partner with DCVC (Data Collective Venture Capital) (Palo Alto). He sits on the Board of one portfolio company, Capella, and is an observer to another, Fortem. Prior to joining DCVC, Matt was a Managing Partner at Seraphim, a London-based, publicly traded venture capital firm focused exclusively on space. From October 2015 to July 2016, he was CEO of OneWeb.
Business Development Lead
Surrey Satellite Technology - SSTL
Clive Oates, Business Development Lead, Surrey Satellite Technology - SSTL Clive Oates is the Business Development lead Five Eyes Nations for Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL), where he is responsible for SSTL’s business across earth observation, communications, navigation and lunar. Prior to joining SSTL, Clive spent over 20 years with Ericsson, holding executive roles in software engineering, technology solutions and business development – working in Sweden, Canada, The United Kingdom and South Africa.
Managing Director
Capstone Partners
Dr. Tess Oxenstierna, Managing Director, Capstone Partners Tess Oxenstierna, Managing Director at Capstone Partners, has over 30 years of experience in the aerospace and defense industry, government policy arena and financial services sector. Tess holds deep domain knowledge and transaction advisory skills, especially in the high growth markets of Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR), Air / Land / Sea / Space Systems, Electronic Warfare, Unmanned Autonomous Systems / Robotics.
Partner
Milbank LLP
Dara A. Panahy, Partner, Milbank LLP As leader of the firm’s Transportation and Space Group in Washington, D.C., Dara’s practice involves representation of satellite operators, aerospace manufacturers, launch services providers, communications companies, banks, private equity firms and hedge funds in debt and equity offerings, project, structured and vendor financings, mergers & acquisitions, financial restructurings and in negotiating commercial contracts. He also advises on regulatory, sanctions, anti-corruption, national security and export control matters.
Geospatial Data Scientist & Program Manager
Defense Innovation Unit - DIU
Dr. Nirav Patel, Geospatial Data Scientist & Program Manager, Defense Innovation Unit - DIU Dr. Nirav Patel is a Geospatial Data Scientist and Program Manager for both the Space and Artificial Intelligence Portfolios. In these roles, he utilizes his deep knowledge of remote sensing and geospatial sciences to evaluate technology and design new applications of commercial technology for the Department of Defense. Nirav leads the Peacetime Indications and Warning effort at the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) which fosters DoD/USG adoption of U.S
Founder & CEO
SpyGlass Group
Ken Peterman, Founder & CEO, SpyGlass Group Ken Peterman is Founder & CEO, SpyGlass Group, an innovative thought-leading organization that has helped shape aerospace and defense strategic trajectories in the tactical communications,mobile networking, cybersecurity, and satellite sectors since 2012. As a passionate, creative and forward leaning leader in the global aerospace and defense market, Ken serves on a variety of boards and advisory groups where he has been honored with multiple awards, including: TEN BEST INNOVATIVE BUSINESS LEADERS – BUSINESSMAN OF THE YEAR – GAME CHANGER AWARDEE and INDUSTRY TECH OUTLOOK, 2020 – BATTLESPACE MAGAZINE – 2018 VANGUARD MAGAZINE.
EVP Connectivity
Anuvu
Mike Pigott, EVP Connectivity, Anuvu Mike began his career practicing law representing numerous technology startups in the areas of venture capital and related financing, intellectual property, government regulation and mergers and acquisition. Mike then moved on to serve on the executive team for Row 44, an innovative startup delivering inflight connectivity and entertainment. In 2013, Mike managed the legal aspects of Row 44’s successful IPO via a SPAC transaction with Global Eagle Entertainment, and then moved on to take on various business roles on the management team of Global Eagle.
President
Quilty Analytics
Chris Quilty, President, Quilty Analytics Chris is the president of Quilty Analytics, an independent research and consulting firm that provides strategy, competitive benchmarking, financial analysis, and investment diligence on all aspects of the Satellite & Space industry. Prior to establishing Quilty Analytics in 2016, Chris served as a sell-side research analyst with Raymond James for 20 years, publishing hundreds of company-specific, macro, sector, and thematic research reports on the industrial, defense, space, wireless, and communications industries.
CEO
Avio
Dr. Giulio Ranzo, CEO, Avio Giulio is CEO of Avio SpA since October 2015. He is also a board member of Arianespace SA, Europropulsion SA and Regulus SA in France. In 2016 he founded In-Orbit SpA, and investment vehicle through which he co-invested with 50 Avio managers, acquiring a 4% share of Avio’s capital. In 2017 he listed Avio on the Milan Stock Exchange on the STAR segment with over 70% free float.
Senior VP, Space Business Unit
SAIC
David Ray, Senior VP, Space Business Unit, SAIC David Ray is senior vice president and lead for the Space Business Unit within the National Security & Space Sector for SAIC. In this role, he is responsible for leading the $1.3 billion Space Business Unit with customers spanning the intelligence, defense, and federal/civil agencies. Ray joined SAIC in 2021 with a wealth of experience in both managing and growing large technology businesses that serve government customers around the world.
Director of Strategy
L3Harris Technologies
Tommy Reed, Director of Strategy, L3Harris Technologies Thomas (Tommy) Reed is the director of strategy and technology for the Space Systems sector within the L3Harris Technologies Space and Airborne Systems segment. Space and Airborne Systems covers an extensive portfolio of solutions in intelligence, surveillance, small satellites, electronic warfare, avionics including carriage and release systems, wireless solutions and C4I systems. Reed assumed this position in 2021, reporting to the president of Space Systems.
Founder and CEO
RBC Signals
Christopher Richins, Founder and CEO, RBC Signals Christopher Richins is Founder and CEO of RBC Signals, a provider of global satellite communication “infrastructure as a service.” Richins began his career as an RF Communications Engineer at Boeing Sea Launch, where he supported multiple launch campaigns from the ship-based equatorial launch site. After business school, he completed an internship with SpaceX before joining Bain & Company as a management consultant.
Managing Director
GH Partners
Noel Rimalovski, Managing Director, GH Partners Noel Rimalovski is a Managing Director at GH Partners, an independent New York-based investment banking firm. Mr. Rimalovski leads the firm’s representation of mergers and acquisitions, corporate restructurings, debt financings, and strategic advisory services to domestic and international clients. At GH, Mr. Rimalovski specializes in the telecom, media, technology, space and defense sectors. Prior to joining GH, Mr.
President
Ursa Space Systems
Nicole Robinson, President, Ursa Space Systems Nicole Robinson is the President of Ursa Space Systems, a leading satellite intelligence and data analytics provider leveraging a global virtual constellation of +200 SAR, earth observation and RF satellites. In her role, she is responsible for taking the company from a start up to a scale up in accelerating the companies growth globally while optimizing operations.
Managing Partner
E2MC Ventures
Raphael Roettgen, Managing Partner, E2MC Ventures Raphael Roettgen, CFA, is the managing partner of E2MC Ventures, a space-focused venture capital firm. He also lectures on space entrepreneurship and finance at several universities including the International Space University and the Swiss Institute of Technology, hosts the Space Business Podcast, and is the author of “Hoch Hinaus”, an introductory book on space business. Previously, Raphael has held senior roles at global investment banks and hedge funds and was also a fintech entrepreneur in Brazil.
Founder and Chief Technology Officer
Wavestream a Gilat Subsidiary
Dr. Jim Rosenberg, Founder and Chief Technology Officer, Wavestream a Gilat Subsidiary Dr. Rosenberg is a co-founder of Wavestream Corporation, a leading manufacturer of SSPAs, BUCs, and transceivers for satellite communications. He serves as Wavestream’s Chief Technology Officer. He is co-inventor of the pseudomorphic High Electron Mobility Transistor (pHEMT), and of the Grid Amplifier, a chip-level spatial combiner capable of efficiently combining the outputs of hundreds of transistors in a single combining step.
Senior Vice President, Sales & Customers
PLD Space
Pablo Gallego Sanmiguel, Senior Vice President, Sales & Customers, PLD Space Pablo Gallego Sanmiguel is PLD Space Senior Vice President, Sales & Customers. Before joining PLD Space in 2019, he developed his professional career from California (United States) working as Mission Manager of Launching Services with SpaceX as well as providing aerospace consulting services. Previously, Pablo had participated actively in several other rocket launch operations, such as Ariane 4, Ariane 5, Soyuz, Dnepr, Vega, Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy.
Founder and CEO
Sateliot
Jaume Sanpera, Founder and CEO, Sateliot Currently, Jaume Sanpera is founder and CEO of Sateliot, the first satellite telecommunications operator that will provide global and continuous connectivity to all the elements that will make up the universe of the Internet of Things (IoT) under the 5G protocol. Previously he also founded and managed Eurona, a company that grew from 2M to 150M in sales in 6 years, which was listed at Spanish Mercado Alternativo Bursátil (MAB).
Managing Director
KippsDeSanto & Co
Karl Schmidt, Managing Director, KippsDeSanto & Co Mr. Schmidt is a Managing Director at KippsDeSanto & Co., recently acquired by Capital One’s commercial bank, and co-heads the Aerospace & Defense Group, where he focuses on sellside and buyside M&A advisory engagements and sourcing growth capital. Key areas of experience includes space, defense electronics, and armaments. Prior to joining KippsDeSanto & Co., Mr. Schmidt worked at a competing investment bank where he helped create a leading Aerospace·Defense·Government Services industry banking group.
CTO and Head of Engineering and Operations
Momentus
Rob Schwarz, CTO and Head of Engineering and Operations, Momentus Rob Schwarz is the Chief Technology Officer at Momentus, and is responsible for the vision and technical direction of the full line of Momentus products. Rob has a background in spacecraft systems engineering and management, product management, and innovation. Prior to joining Momentus, Rob spent 20 years at Space Systems Loral (now part of Maxar) and Orbital Sciences (now part of Northrop Grumman) working on various commercial and government space projects.
Partner
Hogan Lovells
Randy Segal, Partner, Hogan Lovells With 20 years of in-house general counsel experience, Randy Segal brings an individual perspective to every matter she handles, both as your outside counsel and as someone who has walked in your shoes. With a focus on satellite, wireless, drone, and technology transactions, Randy provides commercially practical solutions in industries where technological change is ever-present. Randy’s practice often involves multi-level chess games, where every move needs to be considered from a multitude of angles to be successful.
President and CEO
TransAstra Corp
Joel Sercel, President and CEO, TransAstra Corp Joel Sercel is a proven space technology pioneer and team leader with technical expertise spans space mission design, space propulsion, satellite design, architectural design, and systems engineering. He runs an agile company where young engineers are inspired and empowered to build, test, break, and bust through technical limits and mature innovations at breakneck speed. He is a six-time winner of the prestigious NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) program and has multiple patents issued and pending in the area of space resources and in space transportation technology.
Vice President International Division
Hughes Network Systems
Kartik Seshadri, Vice President International Division, Hughes Network Systems Kartik Seshadri, vice president at Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HUGHES), leads the company’s global service delivery of broadband products for international customers. In this capacity, he manages large networks for Hughes customers, bringing together end users, service operators and Hughes engineering teams to meet customers’ evolving needs in global communications and networking. Throughout his career, Mr.
President
Comtech Satellite Network Technologies
Dr. Vagan Shakhgildian, President, Comtech Satellite Network Technologies Vagan Shakhgildian was named President of the Commercial Group of Comtech Satellite Network Technologies in June 2021. He joined Comtech in March 2021, as part of the acquisition of Canada-based UHP Networks. As the CEO of UHP Networks, he led the company from a virtual start-up to a market leader in high-performance VSAT systems. Prior to that Dr.
President and CEO
KSAT - KONGSBERG SATELLITE SERVICES
Rolf Skatteboe, President and CEO, KSAT - KONGSBERG SATELLITE SERVICES Rolf Skatteboe is president and CEO of Kongsberg Satellite Services AS (KSAT). Rolf was one of the founders of KSAT and has been CEO since the start 2002. He worked with at the Norwegian Space Agency for 10 years. He was responsible for the development of the Svalbard ground station Rolf is MSc, Medical Physics and Biomedical engineering, Norwegian Institute of Technology, 1984 and MSc, GeoPhysics, University of Saskatchewan, Canada, 1994.
Head of Communications
KSAT - KONGSBERG SATELLITE SERVICES
Nina Soleng, Head of Communications, KSAT - KONGSBERG SATELLITE SERVICES Nina has more than 10 years of experience in the satellite industry, having held various positions while at KSAT. With a background from publishing and content marketing, she is currently responsible for the company´s communication across the business units. Representing KSAT, Nina travels to countries around the world speaking on panels and seminars, engaging government and commercial stakeholders.
VP of Space
Tomorrow.Io
Dr. John Springmann, VP of Space, Tomorrow.Io Dr. John Springmann is VP of Space at Tomorrow.io, where he is responsible for the development of its space program and radar products. He completed his Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Michigan and has played key roles in the development of space weather CubeSats, commercial remote sensing constellations, and general-purpose spacecraft. Previously, he was Chief Engineer at BlackSky Global (2014-2018), where he was responsible for the spacecraft development, operations, and overall constellation architecture.
Co-Founder and CCO
Rocket Factory Augsburg
Jorn Spurmann, Co-Founder and CCO, Rocket Factory Augsburg Jorn Spurmann is the Chief Commercial Officer of Rocket Factory Augsburg AG and managing director of RFA Azores and RFA Portugal. As Rocket Factory’s co-founder he operationalized the company mid of 2018. Mr. Spurmann has a proven track record as head of sales, program and business unit manager in the space domain. Throughout his senior leadership roles, he has gained excellent knowledge of the institutional and commercial space business.
President and CEO
ST Engineering iDirect
Kevin Steen, President and CEO, ST Engineering iDirect Kevin Steen is president and chief executive officer of VT iDirect, a global leader in IP-based satellite communications. Steen joined VT iDirect in 2010 and has served as a key member of VT iDirect’s leadership team, where he has been responsible for charting the company’s strategic growth across sales, operations and business development. Steen has led a major effort across VT iDirect and its global partner base to advance the role of satellite technology in the end-to-end telecom network; identify new market opportunities for satellite communications, and collaborate with VT iDirect’s ecosystem to co-develop industry-leading technology.
Founder & Chairman
Mansat
Chris Stott, Founder & Chairman, Mansat Chris Stott serves as the Executive Chairman of ManSat. Chris cofounded ManSat in 1998 with his father, Bryan, and over the following 20 years grew the company as its President and CEO to become the largest commercial provider of satellite spectrum in the global space industry. Chris also serves as the Chair of IceSat, ManSat’s subsidiary company in Iceland.
CEO
Arrasar Partners
Dr. Paul Struhsaker, CEO, Arrasar Partners Experienced innovation and engineering executive across multiple industries including wireless networking (cellular and WiFi), consumer electronics, silicon platforms, and large-scale cloud client computing. Currently CTO of Carnegie Technologies. Other roles included SVP Software Engineering at Comcast NBC Universal, VP of Engineering at Cable Vision Systems, VP Silicon Platform at Motorola PCS, CTO of Dell’s Client Solutions Group, and CTO Broadband at Texas Instruments.
Chief Growth Officer
Redwire
Al Tadros, Chief Growth Officer, Redwire
CEO and Founder
Fleet Space Technologies
Flavia Tata Nardini, CEO and Founder, Fleet Space Technologies Educated in Italy and living in Adelaide, Tata is a co-founder and CEO of Fleet Space Technologies, an Adelaide-based space company focused on connecting the Internet of Things by deploying hundreds of low-cost nanosatellites around the world. Dubbed the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the ‘digital nervous system’ Fleet is creating will ultimately make it faster, simpler and less expensive to connect every device on Earth, transforming how businesses connect and gather vital information that can drive growth and change.
Chief Solutions Officer
Terran Orbital
Eric Truitt, Chief Solutions Officer, Terran Orbital Eric Truitt is the Chief Solutions Officer of Terran Orbital, a company fielding a constellation of low earth orbiting satellites to provide responsive, high-resolution synthetic aperture radar products and services for global commercial and government users. In his role, Truitt ensures Terran Orbital’s offerings meet and exceed the most critical needs of the company’s defense and commercial customers.
Technical Director
Space Development Agency
Dr. Frank Turner, Technical Director, Space Development Agency Dr. Frank Turner is the Technical Director for the Space Development Agency. He has extensive public and private sector experience in the management and direction of advanced technology research, development, test and evaluation of current and emerging military systems. Dr. Turner began his career as an officer in the United States Air Force, served as a Government Program Manager and certified acquisition professional, a senior leader in industry for both large and small companies, and as a senior analyst for both the Defense Threat Reduction Agency and Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency.
CEO
Ellipsis Drive
Rosalie van der Maas, CEO, Ellipsis Drive Rosalie van der Maas is co-founder and CEO of Ellipsis Drive. A plug and play solution for using, sharing, and selling spatial data. Before she started building her career in her twenties, Rosalie spent her time on the water as she climbed the ranks of the Dutch rowing league. Aside from a passion for sports with a finnish line, there was also a passion for art.
Chief Climate and Sustainability Officer
European Space Agency - ESA
Andrea Vena, Chief Climate and Sustainability Officer , European Space Agency - ESA Andrea Vena is the Chief Climate and Sustainability Officer of the European Space Agency – ESA. He has over than thirty years of experience in the space sector both in industrial and institutional areas. He’s married with three children. Graduated in Electronic Engineering, with a Master in Telecommunication Systems, he started his career in Italy as system engineer in Alenia Spazio, the space branch of Finmeccanica (today Leonardo), where he contributed to large space projects as the ESA Artemis Data Relay Satellite, and the ESA-NASA Cassini-Huygens mission, and then covered different managerial positions.
COO
Terran Orbital
Dr. Marco Villa, COO, Terran Orbital
Corporate Partner
Sheppard Mullin
Brian Weimer, Corporate Partner, Sheppard Mullin Brian Weimer is a corporate partner in the firm’s Washington, DC office and leader of the firm’s Communications Practice. Mr. Weimer is recognized by Chambers and has been repeatedly selected for inclusion in Best Lawyers in America for Communications Law. Mr. Weimer provides transactional and regulatory advice to clients in the telecommunications industry, with particular emphasis on satellite, wireless, and media companies.
Executive Vice President
Swedish Space Corporation - SSC
Dan White, Executive Vice President, Swedish Space Corporation - SSC Dan White is the Executive Vice President at SSC, (Swedish Space Corporation) responsible for Strategy and Innovation in the Satellite Management Services Division (SAMS). In this role, he is responsible for strategic planning of the Division ensuring all Business Areas are integrated into the Corporate strategy. Prior to joining SSC, he was the President of ComDev USA where he was responsible for the US government business manufacturing microwave space equipment.
Deputy Technology Executive Officer (TEO) for Space S&T
U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory
Dr. Andrew Williams, Deputy Technology Executive Officer (TEO) for Space S&T, U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory Dr. Andrew ‘Andy’ Williams is the Deputy Technology Executive Officer for Space at the Air Force Research Laboratory. His responsibilities include integrating and executing AFRL’s space science and technology (S&T) investment strategy and serving as the primary focal point for USSF to deliver game changing technology and new capabilities to the warfighter. In addition, he leads strategic S&T engagement and planning with partners throughout the Department of Defense, the Intelligence Community, NASA, industry, and academia.
CEO
Nanoracks
Dr. Amela Wilson, CEO, Nanoracks Dr. Amela Wilson serves as CEO of Nanoracks where she is focused on expanding growth of Nanoracks’ space systems and payload services while scaling the organization for prime commercial, civil, and defense programs. She oversees the development of key Nanoracks in-space programs, including crewed space stations and autonomous platforms. Specifically, she is overseeing the developing of Starlab, the first free-flying, continuously crewed commercial space station.
Program Director
Lockheed Martin Corporation
Chris Winslett, Program Director, Lockheed Martin Corporation Chris Winslett is currently the Program Director for Lockheed Martin’s SDA Transport Layer program. He is responsible for leading the design, development and build of 10 satellites to support the Space Development Agency (SDA) in creating the National Defense Space Architecture (NSDA). Before joining Lockheed, Chris was the Director of Programs and Acting CTO for OneWeb Satellites (OWS).