Speakers

Hirokazu Mori is Group Chief Strategy Officer at Warpspace and CEO at Warpspace USA. He has been working as a space business consultant for national and international governments and large companies in the space sector and has also been serving as a board member, director, and advisor for several national and international companies and associations. He graduated at the top from the University of Edinburgh, reading theoretical astrophysics. He has received funding from the Royal Society of Edinburgh to conduct research in theoretical astrophysics at the University of Cambridge (a modified theory of general relativity that can be tested with directly observed gravitational wave signals).

Dan Adams is a recognized leader in the space community. As President of KSAT Inc, the US-based subsidiary of the Norwegian ground station service provider, Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT), Dan has helped lead a revolution in commercial ground solutions at scale – enabling the small sat LEO economy. Through Dan’s leadership, KSAT has delivered first-of-kind capabilities for US government missions, including operational Optical Ground communications solutions and coming-soon Lunar comms capacity. Before KSAT, Dan worked at United Launch Alliance (ULA), where he led Civil Space and Small Satellite launch business development. Dan has an undergraduate degree in Business Management from the University of Wyoming and a Master of Science in Systems Engineering from Colorado State University.

Dr. Victor Aguero, co-Founder of Cambrian Works, serves as CEO and CTO for the company, and has over 40 years of Space Industry experience as a researcher and contractor working across Civilian, Defense, and Intelligence sectors. Cambrian Works is a startup focused on transforming space connectivity in the networking and edge-computing domains and in terms of generalized manipulation and attachment to normalize space system interoperability and interconnectivity. Prior to co-founding Cambrian he spent 23 years at SRI International leading development of new technologies and architecting new space system concepts.  He holds multiple patents and has published in journals across a variety of disciplines.  He has worked on a multitude of missions, constellation developments, and novel space programs varying from Space Sciences for NASA to developments for DoD and IC community entities. His last 15 years have focused on constellation communications and physical mobility and manipulation for space systems preparing for the dynamic, inter-connected eco-system that Space is becoming.

Eric Anderson is President of And One Technologies and a startup investor, director and advisor across multiple business areas. He emphasizes delivery of data and services via new technologies, channels and business models including facilitating government access and use of emerging commercial space products and services. Eric contributed to dozens of space systems, missions and programs as Chief Technologist for Space at Moog, at CSA Engineering, where he served several years as President, and at JPL. He earned degrees in Aeronautics and Astronautics at MIT.

Dr. Brian Barritt is CTO at Aalyria where he supports the software infrastructure for orchestrating networks across land, sea, air, and space that they spun out from Google. Prior to joining Aalyria, he established a new industry consortium for 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks and supported open source connectivity at Meta. Brian was a Senior Staff Software Engineer at Google where he worked for 7 years as the founding engineer of the Temporospatial SDN infrastructure that powered several terrestrial, high-attitude, and satellite networks. Brian has 20 years of experience in advanced wireless networks. Prior to his tenure at Google he led engineering programs at Cisco and space communications programs at NASA.

Patrick is the managing director at Beyond Earth Ventures, a space tech and terrestrial deep tech venture fund. He has been in venture for many years including at the Prosus Group, one of the largest VC firms in the world, investing and mentoring across industries and continents in machine learning, synthetic biology, space technology, and more — from Series A to E rounds and deals up to $1B+. He brings over 20 years of experience as an operator and data science leader, and more than a decade working with major finance and tech companies. He also has deep space tech experience — from academic research using infrared spectroscopy to study comets, to involvement with the XPRIZE and the International Space University. Patrick is a mentor to several space and tech accelerators, including Blue Origin, Amazon Web Services (AWS) Space, and Space-H at Starburst. Beyond tech, Patrick served as VP at Northern Trust Bank and has experience at Moody’s Analytics, Fannie Mae, Bank of America, and others. His background spans equities, bonds, and risk capital on Wall Street and across major institutions. He is a frequent speaker and contributor at U.S. space and technology events, and his academic journey includes master’s and PhD programs at the University of California, Berkeley, Haas School of Business, and The Wharton School of Business.

Dr. Bryan Benedict serves as Senior Director of Innovation and Satellite Programs at SES Space & Defense. 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.

Prior to his current position Dr. Benedict served as the Product Line Manager for Commercial and Civil Hosted Payloads at Intelsat General Corporation, Director of Hosted Payloads at Intelsat, Director of Engineering for Satellite Bus & Launch Service Acquisitions at PanAmSat and was a System Engineering Manager at Hughes for the BSS601HP product line.

Dr. Benedict started his career as a chemical engineer in the petroleum industry – inventing and patenting several catalysts still used for stabilization of jet fuels.  Dr. Benedict earned his Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin in 1986, where he conducted research on the stabilization of high energy materials within crystalline lattices.

Dr. Benedict has been awarded a number of patents throughout his career – the latest for delivery of microsatellites to orbit piggybacking on the nadir deck of geosynchronous communication satellites.

Robert Benton has over 25 years of broad experience in the full range of legal and policy issues facing entities in the satellite and media sectors as well as advocacy, lobbying and coalition building. Robert built a successful practice representing satellite companies with multiple practitioners at a leading Washington D.C. law firm. This included providing counsel to satellite service providers on the acquisition and launch of satellite assets from procurement to in-orbit leasing post-launch, and repositioning to new orbital locations. He is a proven leader focusing on collaborative and supportive management to help colleagues embrace change, increase efficiency and exceed expectations. He is an experienced public speaker and public service advocate, helping grow and expand pro bono work and personnel training assets. During his career, Mr. Benton served as general counsel to a satellite consultancy group; a sports, entertainment and media company; an investment fund formed to purchase and grow companies for later exit or sale; and multiple non-profit organizations.

Sunny is a Co-Founder of Quindar, where he builds modern ground software to make satellite operations more accessible, automated, and sustainable. Trained as an astrodynamicist at the University of Michigan, he has experience flying telecommunications and Earth-observation missions. At Quindar, Sunny focuses on building a platform that abstracts the complexity of space operations, so satellite teams can spend less time on plumbing and more time on what makes their mission and what makes their beer taste better.

Curt Blake is Senior Of Counsel in the Seattle office of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, where he is a member of the corporate practice. Curt is an attorney and senior executive with more than 25 years of experience leading organizations in high-growth industries—and over 10 years as CEO of Spaceflight, Inc.—at the forefront of the NewSpace revolution. He has extensive expertise in strategic planning, financial analysis, legal strategy, M&A, and space commercialization, with deep knowledge about the unique challenges of NewSpace growth and the roadmap to success in the that ecosystem. He has forged relationships with key commercial, civilian, and defense-related customers. Milestones include opening the Indian PSLV to U.S. commercial customers, the first dedicated rideshare Falcon 9 launch vehicle mission deploying a then-record 64 satellites, and launching the first non-governmental mission to the moon (SpaceIL), as well as developing, launching, and orbiting several flavors of Sherpa, the Spaceflight OTV.



Dr. Marco Brancati holds a degree in Electronic Engineering with a focus on Telecommunications and Radars from the University of Naples Federico II. He began his career at Selenia Industrie, where he dealt with System Analysis activities for the Electronic Defense Division prior to moving to the Telespazio Group in 1990. His past experience includes: subsystem project manager for the Italsat F1 and SAX satellite missions, Program Manager for the Operations Engineering and O&M activities relevant to Iridium and Astrolink programs, Key Account Manager for European Commission and Eumetsat, and Head of Telespazio Studies Unit, within the Studies and Innovative Projects Business Unit. He was also responsible for Telespazio Institutional Programs (Sicral 1B and Athena-FIDUS among the others), and he served as the Head of Marketing & Commercial Planning. In 2008 Marco was appointed Vice President of Telespazio Network & Connectivity Business Line, responsible for the development of all TLC and TV programs and products in the company. In 2011 he was appointed Senior Vice President of Network & Connectivity Business Unit at the Group level. In the same year he completed his Executive Leadership Program at London Imperial College. On October 2016 Marco was appointed Chief Technology & Innovation Officer for Telespazio Group, in charge of Innovation and Technology Governance. In June 2021, such role was enriched with the responsibility for Information Technology and Sustainability. In addition to what above, in June 2023 he also became responsible for Research Funding and Digital Engineering for the whole Telespazio Group, as SVP of Research, Digital and Innovation Unit. From 2022 he is Vice President of Space Exploration Commission within “Ordine degli Ingegneri” organization in Roma. He was recently elected as Corresponding Member on Engineering Sciences to the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA). He is member of “Il Quadrato della Radio”, an association of national experts in the Telecommunications field. At the end of 2024 appointed as Technical Director of newly created Leonardo Space Division.

Owen serves as the VP of Solutions Development at Scientific Systems, where he oversee new concept and solutions development of AI-powered autonomous systems in the space and maritime domains. A former nuclear submarine officer, he was employed for several years a spacecraft engineer at Space Systems/Loral in Palo Alto and also a researcher at NASA Ames. He later served as Program Manager at DARPA/TTO, where is directed MiTEx and created the fractionated satellite architecture and associated System F6 program. He has been the author of multiple space-related reports for Congress, including leading the original study on Space Traffic Management. He holds a MS and PhD in Aero/Astro from Stanford.

Patrick Butler is the Executive Vice President of Engineering & Programs at Sidus Space where he is responsible for leading the company’s engineering organization and program execution, as well as overseeing the 24-hour on-orbit operations of Sidus’s satellite constellation and the management and growth of the company’s product lines. Prior to joining Sidus Space, Patrick was the Director of Launch Execution for Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket where he was responsible for launch and recovery mission planning and external regulatory coordination, in addition to operations management of the launch pad and the launch team’s training and certification program. Previous roles at Blue included management of the New Glenn Supply Chain at Blue Origin’s Orbital Launch Site. Prior to joining Blue, Patrick worked for Bell Helicopter’s Innovation Team supporting the development of new unmanned aerial vehicles. Patrick began his career as a helicopter pilot in the U.S. Marine Corps flying the UH-1Y Huey for over ten years. He held a series of major leadership roles including the Logistics Department Head during a combat deployment to Helmand Province, Afghanistan and Operations Officer for the Marine Aviation Training System Site in Hawaii where he led the operations of all aircraft simulator systems for Marine Aircraft Group 24. Patrick holds a bachelor’s degree in systems engineering from the United States Naval Academy and two master’s degrees in Aeronautics/Astronautics and Business Administration from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Alan Campbell is a Principal Space Specialist Solutions Architect at Amazon Web Services (AWS). His focus is on empowering customers with innovative new Cloud-based scalable solutions for the Aerospace & Satellite segment. Alan specializes in Data Analytics and AI / ML enabling key insights in Satellite Communications, Earth Observation, and IoT platforms. Prior to joining AWS, Alan directed the Panasonic Avionics Satellite Engineering team, delivering premium QoE to Inflight passengers. He led a major Cloud & Data migration of 100+ applications resulting in $50M cost savings and SLA improvements. Alan’s experience ranges from a Fellowship award at CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, to authoring a book on Embedded Systems at Texas Instruments. He is a Founding Member of the Satcom WAVE consortium, and holds multiple Cloud certifications, satellite credentials and patents.

Ian Canning is President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Eutelsat Network Solutions. In this role, Ian is responsible for furthering the company’s vision of providing global satellite connectivity, innovative solutions and exceptional support focused on meeting the mission requirements of the U.S. government. Ian brings a wealth of multinational leadership experience and a proven track record in driving strategic growth, operational excellence and commercial success within the global satellite communications (SATCOM) and telecommunications industries. Ian initially joined TrustComm, a predecessor to Eutelsat Network Solutions, as chief operating officer in 2012, playing a key role in its growth from a small service provider to a leading player in the industry. He was instrumental in TrustComm’s successful acquisition by OneWeb and its subsequent transformation into OneWeb Technologies. His leadership later was pivotal in the company’s merger with Eutelsat America Corp, where he assumed the role of president and CEO of EACOWT in January 2025. Ian led the company’s transformation into Eutelsat Network Solutions, the U.S. proxy to Eutelsat in September 2025. Previously, Ian led global product innovation and marketing at Stratos Global Corp., where he was responsible for the company’s global product and marketing portfolio. At Iridium Satellite LLC, he led sales for Europe and the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and leveraged personal relationships to establish key partnerships for the business. Prior to that, he held leadership positions driving commercial initiatives, sales and business development within global leaders Inmarsat, Nortel and Motorola. Ian holds a master’s degree in business administration from Greenwich School of Management in London.

Massimo Comparini has been Managing Director of Leonardo’s Space Division since February 2025.

Massimo Comparini has extensive experience and long track record in the space industry, from technology to services, as well as in the field of Earth observation, geospatial domain, space exploration and space connectivity.

In 2024, he was appointed Managing Director of Leonardo’s Space Business Unit and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Thales Alenia Space.

From 2020 to 2024, he served as Deputy CEO and Senior Executive Vice President for Observation, Exploration, and Navigation at Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), and as CEO of Thales Alenia Space Italia. In 2016, he was appointed Director of Telespazio Line of Business Geo Information, CEO of eGeos, a company owned by ASI (20%) and Telespazio (80%), an international leader in Earth Observation and Geospatial Information, and Chairman of both GAF and EarthLab Luxembourg.

In 2013, he was appointed CTO of Telespazio, a joint venture between Leonardo (67%) and Thales (33%). He holds a degree in Electronic Engineering, Remote Sensing, and Radar Systems from Sapienza University of Rome, and a degree in Strategy from the Graduate School of Business at Stanford University (USA). He began his career in 1983 at the former Selenia Spazio (later Alenia Spazio), where he held various managerial positions, including Chief Technical Officer (CTO).

He is a member of the technical-scientific advisory board of the Center for Advanced Studies, Research, author of more than one hundreds publication and papers in the field of microwave technologies, space technologies, management of innovation.

He hold a number of academic chair at University of Perugia, Bologna and LUISS University and business school. He is honored with the title of Commander at the merit of the Italian Republic and with the star to the merit of labor.

Victoria Coleman is a Professor in the Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences Department at UC Berkeley and the Associate Provost for the Berkeley Space Center (BSC). The BSC is a new 36-acre innovation center at NASA Ames in the heart of Silicon Valley, where academia, private industry, and government will come together to identify, incubate, and launch tomorrow’s technological breakthroughs. The BSC project is a public-private partnership that focuses on connecting and leveraging the combined capabilities of government and academic research with private industry’s innovation, entrepreneurialism, and capital in a central location designed to foster collaboration across multiple disciplines. Prior to her appointment to UC Berkeley, she led Acubed, the Silicon Valley Innovation Center of Airbus Group, executing advanced projects and disruptive research in support of Airbus Commercial, Airbus Helicopter and Airbus Defense & Space. She was also responsible for U.S. and Canada research and technology partnerships with universities, national labs and industry consortia.

Prior to Airbus she served as the 37th Chief Scientist of the Department of the Air Force where she advised the Secretary of the Air Force, the Air Force Chief of Staff and the Chief of Space Operations on all science and technology aspects of the Department’s mission. In this position she was the Principal Science and Technology Representative of the Air Force to the civilian scientific and engineering community and to the public at large. Her signature achievement was bringing closer alignment between the science & technology community of the Air Force to the needs of the warfighter. In recognition of her service, she was decorated for Exceptional Civilian Service to the Department of the Air Force, the highest honor that can be bestowed on a civilian.

Prior to the Air Force she served as the 22nd Director of DARPA. Dr. Coleman has more than 35 years of experience in computer science and technology, including as both an academic leader and industry executive. Before DARPA, she served as the Chief Executive Officer of Atlas AI P.B.C, a Silicon Valley start-up that brings world-class artificial intelligence solutions to sustainable development. Prior to running her startup, she held senior executive positions in multiple Fortune 500 companies and nonprofits, including the Wikimedia Foundation, Technicolor, Yahoo, Nokia, Hewlett-Packard, Samsung and Intel. A Computer Scientist by training, she began her career as Computer Science faculty in the University of London in the UK. Her extensive volunteer government service includes 5 years on the Defense Science Board and a decade or more on DARPA advisory groups.

She is an elected member of the National Academy of Engineering. She was named by Forbes among 50 women over 50 driving global innovation, recognized as a thought leader shaping public discourse and policy in aerospace and emerging technologies. She was honored as a Silicon Valley Woman of Influence for visionary leadership and transformative contributions to technology, innovation, and national research policy. Dr Coleman holds three degrees in Computer Science: A BSc and an MSc from the University of Salford as well as a PhD from the University of Manchester in the UK. She lives in Menlo Park, CA with her husband, Derek, with whom she has three grown up children, two of them also PhDs and one of them a U.S. Army Officer.

Mike Collett is Founder and Managing Partner of Promus Ventures, a DeepTech venture capital firm with offices in the US and Europe, investing in AI, space, robotics and other DeepTech early-stage startups. Mike has been a venture capital investor in software and hardware for more than 20 years. Mike has served on numerous Boards of Directors, including Rocket Lab, Spire Global, ICEYE, Halter, Lunar Outpost, Chef Robotics, Gauss Surgical, Recycleye, and others. Prior to Promus Ventures, Mike was Founder and Managing Partner of Masters Capital Nanotechnology Fund, a venture capital firm. While working at Masters Capital, a hedge fund, Mike invested in early-stage DeepTech startups. Prior to venture capital, Mike was a Vice President in Merrill Lynch’s Mergers & Acquisitions group. Mike holds a BA in Math and BA in English from Vanderbilt University. He also holds a MBA in Finance from Washington University in St. Louis. Mike and his wife Paige have four children and live in Chicago.

Ms. Carol Craig is the Founder of Sidus Space, Inc., (NASDAQ: SIDU) and has served as Chief Executive Officer since the company’s inception. She is also the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Craig Technologies, an engineering and technology firm that has provided support to commercial and government customers since 1999. Carol holds a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science from Knox College and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Engineering from the University of Illinois. She earned a Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and is currently pursuing both a Ph.D. in Systems Engineering and an MBA with a concentration in Finance at the Florida Institute of Technology. A former U.S. Navy P-3 Orion Naval Flight Officer, Carol was among the first women eligible to fly in combat aircraft and was also one of the first female aviators to successfully complete the U.S. Navy’s Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) Training. Over the course of her career, she has served on more than 30 boards spanning education, aerospace and defense, and nonprofit organizations, underscoring her leadership and broad influence across both industry and community service.

James is the founder of Orbital Insight. Since 2013 the company has been pursuing the mission of processing geospatial data at petabyte scale to help commercial and government customers understand what we are doing on and to the Earth. Orbital Insight was, and is, a leader in showing how AI can be used to process satellite data at a global scale. In 2024 the company merged with Privateer Space – an innovative space company co-founded by Steve Wozniak. In addition to being the founder of Orbital Insight, James works as Chief Strategy Officer for the combined company. Previously he was SVP of Science and Engineering at the Climate Corporation through its $1B acquisition by Monsanto. Before his time at Climate he was CTO and Software Architect at Moon Express — a startup with the goal of putting the first commercial robot on the Moon. Previous to that, he was engineering Director of Google Book Search where he was in charge of Google’s project to scan, index, and make searchable the world’s books. He also led autonomy and robotics at NASA’s Ames Research Center. James holds PhD and Master’s degrees in Computer Science from the University of Texas at Austin, and a BA in Math and Computer Science from Rice University.

Daniele Dallari is the Sales & Customer Manager at PLD Space, where he leads the commercial strategy for orbital launch services and works closely with satellite manufacturers and operators to shape mission-ready launch solutions. With more than 15 years of international B2B sales experience and a strong technical background, he specialises in turning customer mission requirements into clear customer value focusing on launch readiness, reliability, and schedule confidence. Before joining PLD Space, Daniele was Sales Manager at Southern Launch, Australia’s privately operated spaceport provider. There, he gained direct experience in spaceport operations, launch campaign preparation, regulatory interfaces, and access-to-orbit design, while securing new launch customers and strengthening the company’s global commercial presence. Prior to that, he worked for the Government of South Australia on the Australian Space Park initiative, where he helped develop the strategy for a new space manufacturing hub in collaboration with Airbus Defence & Space and key industry partners.

Chris Daywalt is Vice President of Growth at Loft Federal, where he works with government customers, industry partners, and internal product teams to support the application of commercial spacecraft platforms to U.S. national security missions. His responsibilities include customer engagement, mission alignment, and growth strategy across Department of Defense and Intelligence Community programs. Chris has nearly two decades of experience across national security and commercial space programs focused on space superiority. He has held senior roles in mission strategy, program management, and business development at organizations including True Anomaly, BAE Systems, and Orbital Sciences. His experience spans spacecraft development, mission systems engineering, program execution, and government acquisition support. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Michigan, a Master of Science in Astronautical Engineering from the University of Southern California, and an MBA from the University of Denver.

Nathan de Ruiter co-leads strategic advisory and transaction services at Novaspace, a global consulting firm specializing in the space and satellite communications industry. With nearly 20 years of experience, he has directed over 200 consulting missions for leading operators, manufacturers, investors, and government agencies worldwide. Nathan is a recognized expert in market analysis, commercial due diligence, and strategic planning, and frequently speaks at international forums on trends shaping the space economy.

As CEO of Sophia Space, DeMillo leads the company’s mission to transform the future of computing by developing next-generation space-based infrastructure. We are addressing the growing demands on global data systems by advancing modular, scalable technologies designed for deployment in orbit. Drawing on early experience with NASA/JPL, as well as over 20 years of leadership in data center, cloud computing, and advanced technology innovation, I bring deep expertise in startup growth and executive leadership. Together with a truly amazing team, I’m working to establish Sophia Space as a leader in the evolving space technology landscape.

Joe Dews is a Managing Director and Head of Technology Investment Banking at Craig-Hallum Capital Group, based in San Francisco and working with leading Technology companies ranging from Semiconductors and IoT to Quantum Computing and NewSpace. Joe has over 30 years of investment banking experience and has completed over 200 strategic and financing transactions, including a wide range of US and cross-border M&A transactions. His Earth Observation clients include BlackSky, Planet Labs, Satellogic and Spire Global. Joe has also worked as VP Business Development in the Software industry at Versata and as a Field Applications Engineer in the Semiconductor industry at Cirrus Logic KK in Tokyo, Japan, and received a B.S. in Applied & Engineering Physics from Cornell University.

Jai Dialani is the Managing Director, U.S. at Leaf Space, a global Ground Segment-as-a-Service provider supporting commercial, institutional, and defense space missions. In this role, he leads all U.S. commercial activities, including sales, business development, strategic partnerships, and key customer relationships, and is responsible for driving Leaf Space’s growth and market positioning in North America. Prior to joining Leaf Space, Jai held senior product management roles at Amazon Web Services (AWS), where he was a core contributor to the launch of AWS Ground Station in 2019. He led customer onboarding, expanded the global ground network, and worked closely with satellite operators to operationalize cloud-integrated satellite missions. Earlier in his career, Jai held leadership positions at Iridium and ORBCOMM, managing global product portfolios across maritime, land mobile, aerospace, and transportation asset tracking markets. He also brings an entrepreneurial background, having founded and successfully exited IoT-based startups, giving him a unique blend of operator, product, and commercial expertise. Jai holds a Master’s degree in Wireless Telecommunications and a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, and has spent his career at the intersection of satellite communications, cloud infrastructure, and scalable commercial space services.

Francis is CEO & Co-Founder of Metaspectral, which leverages AI to analyze ultra-high-resolution data in milliseconds instead of hours for the defense, aerospace, manufacturing, and agricultural sectors. In recycling facilities, Metaspectral’s technology enables the sorting of previously indistinguishable materials and increases the quality of the final recycled product. Francis also co-founded Catapult Design, a non-profit design consultancy providing engineering support to organizations in need of socially empowering technologies, which was awarded a National Design Award from the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in 2020. Francis holds 10 patents, a Masters in Engineering from Stanford University, and an MBA from the Wharton School of Business.

Preston Dunlap has over 20 years of executive leadership experience across technology, national security, and private investment. He is the founder of Arkenstone Ventures and Arkenstone Capital, serves on Boards as a Director, and advises Fortune 100 companies, startups, private equity, venture capital firms, and RAND. He is a Senior External Advisor at Bain & Company. He led the Department of Defense Nuclear Enterprise Review with the Department of Energy and National Nuclear Security Agency. He also led the Investment Committee strategy, analysis, and diligence for the Secretary of Defense – allocating and deploying $750B+ annually in industry sectors supporting national security, such as infrastructure, services, space, cybersecurity and software, AI, communications, transportation and logistics, ships, aircraft, vehicles, and weapons. Mr. Dunlap started $250B+ of new programs with 4 Secretaries of Defense, including the newly unveiled B-21 bomber, Hypersonic Prompt Strike, classified space and intelligence, and Joint All-Domain Command and Control programs. He led initiatives for the Vice President of the United States and Cabinet on the future of commercial, civil, and national security space, transformed federal Venture Capital investment, was the first Chief Technology Officer of the Space Force and Air Force with $75B of products, and served on the ground floor of successful software and infrastructure companies. He holds a Master of Science in Operations Research and Management Science from George Mason University, a Bachelor’s degree in both Computer Science and Political Science from Duke University, and was a Harvard National Security Executive Fellow. Mr. Dunlap is frequently cited as an authority in international media and as an expert witness for the United States Congress. His awards include the Secretary of Defense Medal for Meritorious Civilian Service, Secretary of the Air Force Medal for Meritorious Civilian Service, and Secretary of Defense Medal for Exceptional Civilian Service.

Jonny Dyer is Co-Founder & CEO of Muon Space, with a remarkable career spanning aerospace, geospatial technology, and complex systems engineering across industry-shaping companies. As Chief Engineer at Skybox Imaging, he led development of the largest high-resolution satellite constellation ever deployed before the company’s $500M acquisition by Google in 2014. At Google, he headed Maps’ data collection team developing Street View cars and aircraft platforms, then served as Senior Director at Lyft’s Level 5 Autonomous Vehicle group leading vehicle platform design and deployment. Currently an Operating Partner at Space Capital and advisor to Ubiquity.vc, Jonny also serves as a founding member of EDF’s MethaneSat Technical Advisory Group and contributed to the National Academy’s APOSS study on commercial SmallSat opportunities. He holds MS and BS degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University and has authored widely-cited research spanning thermodynamics, radiation effects, and imaging systems.

Marco completed his PhD in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Naples, specializing in airborne remote sensing for air quality and land management. Having worked on various aerospace projects in Italy, most recently as coordinator of the Environmental Research Aircraft Lab of the Italian National Research Council, Marco moved to the Netherlands. Marco spent almost 4 years at ESA ESTEC as calibration engineer first, in the science department working on EUV to IR sensors calibration for future planetary missions, and then as performance engineer in the Earth Observation department working on Sentinel 5 Precursor spectrometer TROPOMI. Marco has been involved in a variety of research and development activities at cosine, all focusing on the miniaturization of optical instruments for Earth Observation and miniaturized suites of instruments for planetary exploration. Marco has been leading the development of space products including space Lidars for vegetation and bathymetry, as well as intelligent spectral imagers for EO from small satellites. He has produced more than 40 scientific publications, either as first author or as a co-author. Having gained experience as system and performance engineer, project manager, program manager and team leader at cosine, Marco became managing director of cosine Remote Sensing as well as of the Italian branch of cosine. Marco led the commercialization of the hyperspectral product line at cosine, the first ever miniaturized class of imagers able to connect hyperspectral, thermal imaging and artificial intelligence techniques in one compact solution for the Earth observation market. Marco is currently leading the scale-up of the remote sensing business at cosine as well as the setup of the space factory for the series production of smart remote sensing instruments for Earth Observation.

Tim Farrar has over 30 years consulting experience across the telecom and satellite industries, having worked for leading technical and strategy consultancies in both the UK and US. He has an M.A. and a Ph.D. in mathematics from Trinity College, Cambridge, and since 2002 has run his own consulting company, Telecom, Media and Finance Associates, Inc., based in the San Francisco Bay Area, which specializes in the technical and financial analysis of wireless and satellite ventures. Tim has worked for numerous operators, suppliers and investors, on market analysis, business planning, product requirements specification and due diligence assignments across the satellite and telecom sectors. He also publishes detailed research on the satellite industry, with a focus on LEO broadband and direct-to-device solutions, and writes on satellite and spectrum issues at https://blog.tmfassociates.com.

Kier Fortier serves as the CRO and US Managing Director at Exolaunch, spearheading the company’s U.S. office and strategic initiatives in business development, partnerships, and sales. Kier is dedicated to Exolaunch’s mission of revolutionizing access to space, leading to his involvement in launching 590+ satellites across 42 missions and 9 launch vehicles to date. 

Prior to joining Exolaunch, Kier held prominent roles in the industry; notably, he led launch operations at Spire Global, where he played a pivotal role in developing the company’s satellite deployment capabilities. Additionally, Kier contributed his expertise as a Systems Engineer at the University of Colorado Boulder’s Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP), focusing on critical projects such as the Emirates Mars Mission.

Kier earned both his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Aerospace Engineering Sciences from the University of Colorado Boulder.

Marino Fragnito is Senior Vice President Sales & Marketing at Thales Alenia Space. Before joining the company last November, he was Chief Commercial Officer of the AVIO group and Managing Director of the French branch. He managed worldwide commercial operations and coordinated the Launch Services activities of the company. Between 2016 and 2024, he was Senior Vice President at Arianespace where he managed the overall Vega launch services activities and controlled its associated Profit & Loss. From 2009 until 2016, he served at EUMETSAT as Launch Services Manager. Previously, he was Head of Mechanical Systems Development in the frame of the Vega development program at ELV. He began his career in Cannes, at Alcatel Space Industries, on telecom satellite projects. Marino Fragnito is an Aeronautical Engineer and holds a Ph.D. in Aerospace Science and Technology.

Slava Frayter is a senior space and satellite industry executive with more than 24 years of global leadership experience spanning spacecraft manufacturing, space situational awareness (SSA), satellite communications, and defense markets. He currently serves as CEO of GomSpace North America, where he drives the company’s regional expansion, commercial strategy, and customer programs across the US, Canada, and Latin America. Before joining GomSpace, Slava was Senior Vice President of Commercial Sales at Kayhan Space, a leading provider of automated SSA and space traffic coordination software and services. In this role, he helped accelerate industry adoption of AI-driven collision avoidance and operational safety tools for government and commercial satellite operators. Prior to his work in SSA, Slava spent more than a decade in satellite communications, including serving as Vice President for North America at Gilat Satellite Networks and holding multiple senior leadership positions at Newtec, including CEO and VP Americas, where he led major growth initiatives, large-scale technology deployments, and strategic partnerships with global operators and defense organizations.

Dennis founded LEOcloud in 2021 and lead it to a successful acquisition by Voyager Technologies in 2025. His vision is to extend cloud services into space with a highly resilient, scalable, multi-cloud, managed Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). LEOcloud Space Edge™ IaaS will extend cloud services into space in support of the emerging data-driven space economy. Prior to forming LEOcloud, Dennis was the Chief Commercial Officer for Cloud Constellation Corporation where he led global sales, marketing, channel management, and strategic alliances. He has over 35 years of experience in commercial, aerospace, and space-based technology, solutions, and managed services. He has a track record of bringing emerging technologies to emerging markets working with global partners and service providers to introduce next generation solutions into the evolving communications and cloud infrastructure. Dennis earned his BS in Electrical Engineering from Virginia Tech, and his MBA from Radford University.

Tina Ghataore joined Aerospacelab in August 2023 as Group Chief Strategy and Revenue Officer and CEO of its North American operations. Previously, she served as Chief Commercial Officer of Mynaric and President of Mynaric USA, leading the company’s positioning as a premier laser communications provider for government and commercial aerospace markets. Her industry impact was recognized in 2022 when she was named Via Satellite’s Satellite Executive of the Year. Earlier in her career, Tina held senior leadership roles at Yahsat and Panasonic Avionics, where she helped launch and scale global mobility, connectivity, and communications services. She began her career at Boeing Satellite Systems and founded The EKKAM Group, advising leading aerospace and telecom clients including Airbus, Panasonic, and Thales. Tina holds an Honors degree in Aerospace Engineering from Kingston University and is a graduate of the International Space University.

Mark “Ernie” Gombo is a former Marine Corps EA-6B Electronic Warfare Officer and Operational / Strategic Planner. During his time in the Marine Corps, Ernie served at various echelons of command to include HQMC where he led Marine Corps Satellite Communications, Position Navigation and Timing, Electronic Warfare and was one of the Lead Planners for the Commandant of the Marine Corps’ Force Design 2030 Efforts. Upon retirement, Ernie went to work for Microsoft where he integrated revolutionary cloud and cloud-edge technologies with the Defense Industrial Base / Federal System Integrators. After Microsoft, Ernie is at HawkEye360 as an Account Executive for Strategic Partnerships and Programs and back to his roots in Electronic Warfare.

Lori W. Gordon is a systems director in the Space Enterprise Evolution Directorate at The Aerospace Corporation. In her role, she leads enterprise integration initiatives focused on international competition and collaboration, commercial ventures, and legislative and regulatory frameworks in support of space infrastructure and economic growth, security, and resilience, all in the national interest. At Aerospace since 2018, Gordon is also a partner with Aerospace’s Center for Space Policy and Strategy (CSPS) and a Fellow at the National Security Institute (NSI). With more than 20 years of professional experience, Gordon has contributed to the development of national-level strategies, capabilities, and programs across homeland, intelligence, and civil agencies. She earned a bachelor’s degree in geography from the University of Maryland, College Park, and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. She is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP®).

Richard Hadsall was formerly VP of Global Network Operations for Kymeta Corp (2016-2023) as well as an independent consultant. He was formerly the company founder and former Senior Vice President and CTO of MTN Satellite Communications (MTN), a SeaMobile company through Sept 2015. He was also the CTO of MTNGS (MTN Government Services) in Leesburg, VA. Since 2006. Mr. Hadsall held the position Sr. Vice President & CTO of MTN, Inc. during its management owned phase 2003 – 2006. Mr. Hadsall held the position Sr. Vice President & CTO of MTN, Inc. during its ATC Teleports owned phase 2000 – 2003. Mr. Hadsall held the position of VP of Operations of MTN, Inc. during its ICG Satellite Services owned phase 1995 – 2000. Through December 1994, Mr. Hadsall was President and Chief Operating Officer of Crescomm Telecommunications Services, Inc., (CTS-Fla.) then parent company of Crescomm Transmission Services, Inc (CTS-NJ), Which ran the day-to-day operations of Maritime Telecommunications Network, Inc., (MTN) a then joint venture partnership founded between SeaTel, Inc. of Concord, Ca. and Mr. Hadsall at Crescomm Transmission Services, Inc. In this role he directed all aspects of company operations, international satellite network design, development, and implementation worldwide. He also designed and maintained classified military communications, command and control system integration, operation, and military staff training of C3I tactical services. He was responsible for USG classified and system briefings to Navy Admirals prior to acceptance of MTN system installations on Naval vessels. In this position, Mr. Hadsall was also charged with the development of all new telecommunications technology, which the company expected to develop and offer as a future product or service. June 1976 through May 1994, Mr. Hadsall was the Founder, President & CEO of Crescomm, Inc (a telecommunication product manufacturer and services provider) and Crescomm Transmission Services, Inc., founded in April 1981 as a satellite common carrier. Using the Crescomm Transmission Services, Inc. operating company, Mr. Hadsall founded the Holmdel, New Jersey Satellite Teleport in April 1984. Mr. Hadsall developed the first Intelsat certified C-Band transportable Std. F1 earth station, licensed by the FCC, (December 1984) Mr. Hadsall designed and built the first FCC licensed hybrid C & Ku band transportable satellite Uplink truck, January 1985. Mr. Hadsall was a key contributor to developing, integrating, and implementing 13 tactical earth stations throughout Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Iraq during a four-week period in support of Operation Desert Storm. Mr. Hadsall also developed and integrated a group of four flyaway C-band earth stations within a two-week period for the telecom needs of ABC, NBC, CNN and the US Embassy in support of Operation Good Hope, in Mogadishu, Somalia. Mr. Hadsall was Co-Founder of Maritime Telecommunications Network, Inc., (MTN) a then joint venture (JV) partnership between SeaTel, Inc and Crescomm Transmission Services, Inc. Mr. Hadsall and SeaTel developed the first Intelsat certified (CRE-6G) transmit capable shipboard stabilized satellite platform (Satellite Mobility) for the US Navy in 1986. This product was classified by the USG two years prior to being declassified for commercial use in May 1988. Mr. Hadsall founded Crescomm Enterprises, INC., 1981 a distributor of electronic products for the telecommunications and aerospace industry. Mr. Hadsall founded R&J Earth Satellite services, Inc. in 1979, an integrator and Service Company for security and government communications equipment and services. Mr. Hadsall received his education at the Newark College of Engineering (now known as NJIT). Richard Hadsall is one of that rare breed of technologists who is also a successful company founder and leader. Crescomm Transmission Services, launched in 1976, was his first venture, which evolved in 1981 into Maritime Telecommunications Network or MTN. Five years later, Richard developed a technology (Satellite mobility) that would forever transform communications on the move: the motion-stabilized VSAT antenna (Comm’s on the Move – COTM), which could maintain its lock on a spacecraft 22,000 miles away while a ship (or vehicle) pitched and rolled underneath it. Under his technology leadership, MTN pioneered a unique business model, in which the company became the communications partner of its Government and Cruise line customers and introduced a series of passenger and crew services that generated revenue shared by the Cruise lines and MTN. Success with Cruise lines allowed the company to expand into other maritime markets including ferries, private yachts, oil & gas vessels and commercial ships. This ultimately led to its ninth (9th) company acquisition, in 2015, by EMC, Followed again, one year later by its acquisition in 2016, by Global Eagle Entertainment. Though he is known as the “Father of Satellite Mobility”, stabilizing an antenna was only one of Richards many technology firsts. He pioneered the use of C- and Ku-band broadband at sea for delivering voice, Internet, and video. His work enabled the first live broadcast from a nuclear submarine for ABC”s Good Morning America show, and a live uplink from a moving Amtrak train for the programs week-long Whistle Stop coverage of the 2008 Presidential election. In 2011, he became one of the few satellite engineers to receive an Emmy Award for retrofitting a Ford F350 pickup into the NBC Bloom-Mobile, a satellite-based (COTM) mobile communications platform that allowed the late NBC reporter / Today Show Anchor David Bloom, to broadcast live coverage of the War in Iraq while moving across the Iraqi desert at speeds up to 70 mph. When asked about his long and entrepreneurial career in the industry, Richard said, “Having the opportunity to pioneer the merging of satellite and communications technology more than four decades ago has led to a very satisfying and productive career. It’s an honor to have been part of those teams and to be recognized through SSPIs induction into the Satellite Hall of Fame”. At the 2015 awards dinner, the Society of Satellite Professionals International (SSPI) inducted Hadsall into its Satellite Hall of Fame. Hadsall had the honor of joining an esteemed list of visionaries who made invaluable contributions in the sector. A few days after his induction to the Satellite Hall of Fame, Via Satellite Magazine followed by presenting Hadsall with its Lifetime Achievement Award during an annual Excellence Awards breakfast. The event honored those companies, technologies, campaigns, and innovative people who have personally shaped the success of the global satellite industry. Work History Integrasys, S.A.; Vice President Americas; Business Development February 2025 – Present Independent Consultant; (Self-Employed) September 2015 – Present D-Orbit USA; Satellite Network Design Consultant December 2024- July 2025 Terran Orbital Corporation; Satellite Network Design Consultant November 2023 – December 2024 Kymeta Corporation; Vice President Global Network Operations October 2016 – July 2023 MTN Satellite Communications; Founder and Chief Technology Officer January 1981 – September 2015

Doug Hairfield is a Senior GenAI Solutions Architect at AWS on the Aerospace and Satellite team. With over 25 years in the technology industry and over 6 years building on AWS, he specializes in making generative AI practical and effective by working backwards from customer outcomes. Doug is passionate about using generative AI to open up aerospace and geospatial data to more users, revealing insights that were previously hidden in complexity. He helps startups, researchers, and enterprise teams harness these powerful datasets to solve real-world challenges, bringing his experience from the Research Triangle Park tech startup community to aerospace innovation. An experienced re:Invent and industry speaker, Doug combines his lifelong fascination with space with deep technical expertise. When he’s not diving deep on space data, you might find him live coding music or exploring the outdoors with his family as a proud girl dad.

Mark Hanson, PhD is Senior Mission Architect at Redwire, where he brings more than 30 years of leadership in spacecraft systems engineering, mission architecture, and advanced space program execution. A systems-thinking, mission-driven leader, Dr. Hanson is known for guiding complex space programs from early capture through execution and for directing multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-performance space systems on schedule and within budget. Prior to Redwire, he served as Director of Advanced Programs at LeoStella, Vice President of Space System Architecture at Tethers Unlimited, Chief Architect for Smallsat Satellite Missions and Solutions at Space Systems Loral, and in advanced systems leadership roles at Maxar and Northrop Grumman. Across these roles, he led complex technology development and spacecraft programs, including autonomous systems, on-orbit servicing, space robotics, and mega-constellation mission concepts, frequently operating under aggressive technical, schedule, and cost constraints. Dr. Hanson holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from The George Washington University, an MS in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Michigan, and a BS in Aerospace Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Thomas Hiriart (CEO) holds an Eng. MS from ISAE-Supaero and the Georgia Institute of Technology, complemented by an MBA from INSEAD (2017). He began his career with early technical roles at CNES, NASA, and later at the German Space Agency (DLR), where he served as an Operations System Engineer overseeing critical systems on the International Space Station (2010–2012). His Technical Manager role at Arianespace (2012–2016) involved management of launch service contracts between their customers and satellite manufacturers worldwide. During his MBA, Thomas also worked as a Business Development Consultant for Transcelestial Technologies (2017), supporting the development of a nanosatellite constellation for point-to-point wireless communications. He went on to join the Boston Consulting Group (2017–2022), where he supervised cross-sectoral business initiatives, optimized large industrial programs, advised on M&A deals, and managed turnaround situations. Thomas was appointed CEO of ION-X in 2022. Under his leadership, ION-X conducted a first flight in LEO, signed first commercial contracts and raised more than 20M€ in fundings.

Dr. Lucy Hoag is the Founder and CEO of Violet Labs, a San Francisco-based startup seeking to revolutionize how complex hardware is designed and built through Violet — the first data orchestration platform engineered specifically for complex hardware development. Prior to Violet, Lucy worked on satellite, drone and self-driving car projects at DARPA, Google, Waymo, Lyft and Amazon. Lucy holds a BS and PhD from the University of Southern California in Astronautical Engineering.

Jeff Huggins is an aerospace and defense sector expert, growth leader and President of the U.S. arm of Cailabs, a global company and leading player in laser communications. After leaving behind a distinguished career as a Naval Intelligence Officer, during which he focused on national overhead and intelligence systems, Jeff moved into the private sector, where he held senior roles at several major companies, including Israel Aerospace Industries North America and Raytheon. He led the expansion of an established $24 million company, driving it to more than $40 million in value between 2016 and 2020, and served as the CEO and Chairman of the Board of the U.S. classified aerospace wing of Safran. Safran, a major French aviation company, is the second-largest aircraft equipment manufacturer in the world. Jeff, who also worked as a presidential appointee in the State Department, holds a Bachelor of Science in engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy and an MBA from the Darden School of business at the University of Virginia with additional graduate studies at the Naval War College and the Naval Postgraduate School. He is considered an expert in combining the creative applications of tech, people and solutions to grow companies. At Cailabs, he is driving growth in the U.S. to meet rising demand from the defense and commercial sectors.

Talbot Jaeger is founder and chief technologist of NovaWurks™ Inc., the vanguard developer and provider of SLEGO™ products and services. Jaeger is both visionary and inventor within NovaWurks’ team of pioneering engineers, software architects and technicians that deliver next generation technology for space. Jaeger’s vision of “cellularized” conformal and reconfigurable satellites has led to the development of SLEGO™ Building Blocks and Universal Device Adapters (UDAs). This biologically inspired hardware and software supports aggregation of resources to enhance the space industry by drastically decreasing the time and cost of creating spacecraft that inherently support ISAM, security, and dynamic logistics and environments. Jaeger has been actively involved from womb to tomb on over a dozen large and small space programs and their flight operations.  Throughout his 30-plus years in the aerospace industry, he has successfully managed and directed project concepts, systems engineering, ground and mission control operations. In addition, he led the Applied Minds development of the Mayflower CubeSat, one of the payloads launched onboard SpaceX’s first Falcon 9 rocket. Mayflower was a highly-integrated building block, delivering product from initial design to the launch integrator in just six months.   Jaeger began as a draftsman, then grew from engineer to Director at TRW and Northrop Grumman with assignments as the lead of vehicle design and concept developments at Scaled Composites, and Chief Architect for the seedling study and following phase of the System F6 program.  Jaeger has multiple degrees and certificates focused in biochemistry, information computer science, electrical engineering, and optical sciences.   He enjoys teaching, deep discussions with colleagues, continuously dating his wife, the challenges of children, the joys of grandchildren, and the constant forgiveness from God, friends, family, and his dog.

Mr. Jeffrey Janicik is the distinguished Founder and Chairman of Innoflight. Innoflight is a fast growing innovative company leading the market in secure, high performance and low size, weight and power space electronics. With an incredible career spanning approximately three decades, Mr. Janicik has consistently exhibited an unwavering dedication to advancing critical space systems for national security.

Mr. Janicik’s journey as a space industry trailblazer began early in his career with the Air Force, where he served 33 years combined active and reserves.  He was a pioneer in unmanned X-vehicle technology including the first landing of the X-37 vehicle, led numerous space programs of record and culminated his career by aiding in the establishment of today’s Space Force. He founded Innoflight just over 20 years ago after successfully leading a small team out of SpaceDev to design and launch the first Internet-based satellite into space for the UC Berkeley Space Sciences Laboratory and NASA.  Under his astute leadership, Innoflight has flourished into a renowned space technology company known for its cutting-edge electronic hardware solutions.

As a visionary entrepreneur, exceptional leader and highly skilled engineer, his contribution extends to pioneering advancements in reusable space vehicles, small satellites, cyber, communications including RF systems, and space networking and processing; all making significant strides in transforming the space industry.

Beau Jarvis is the Chief Revenue Officer of Kepler Communications, a company building Internet connectivity in space to enable real-time intelligence. With over 20 years of leadership experience in the commercial space and Earth observation sectors, Beau is a pioneering executive who has helped shape the modern NewSpace industry. He has led or supported more than $150 million in venture fundraising and generated over $200 million in early-stage revenue across influential companies, including Planet Labs, HawkEye 360, Phase Four, and Trimble Navigation. Beau has served in pivotal executive roles throughout his career including launching Planet Labs’ international sales organization as its first dedicated sales executive, becoming the first Chief Revenue Officer at HawkEye 360 where he established the company’s commercial and international revenue foundation. At Kepler, Beau leads global strategy and revenue growth as the company builds The Kepler Network, an Internet-ready optical constellation providing secure, always-available LEO coverage with sub-second latency, gigabit throughputs, and onboard processing to deliver near-real-time connectivity for government and commercial missions. 

Greg Johnson is the Director of Business Development at Swedish Space Corp, responsible for Cislunar and Lunar Mission Support. Greg began his career at Scientific Atlanta upon obtaining his Bachelor of Electrical Engineering, with High Honor, from the Georgia Institute of Technology, and has been directly involved in the Satellite Communications and Telecommunications industry since 1991. As an experienced Engineer in the Satellite Communications arena, Greg has proven to be a knowledgeable, and highly credible, technical/consultative Sales Professional, serving military and international customers while at Scientific Atlanta, DataPath, Harris CapRock, Globecomm and Wavestream. Greg obtained his MBA from LSU in 2021. Greg has been married to Karen since 1991 and is the proud father of two daughters. His eldest graduated as an Electrical Engineering from Georgia Tech while his youngest is currently a Business and Finance major at Georgia Tech.

Sara A. Jones is a strategic leader, investor and advisor focused on the future of Aerospace and National Security. Currently, Ms. Jones is an Investor at In-Q-Tel, a global investment platform that accelerates the introduction of groundbreaking technologies to enhance the security and prosperity of the U.S. and its allies. Formerly, she was Sr. Director of Venture Investing for Honeywell Aerospace, and SVP at New Vista Capital, an investment firm focused on emerging technologies in Aerospace and Defense. Prior, her 15+ year career in corporate strategy, innovation, and management consulting included driving key innovation initiatives at Boeing as Innovation Director at Boeing HorizonX and leading the development of Boeing Commercial Airplane’s 2050 Vision. As a management consultant, she also created high ROI-generating business and customer strategies for Fortune 100 companies, including Microsoft, T-Mobile, and Nordstrom. Ms. Jones holds an M.B.A. from University of Michigan and a B.A. in Political Science from New York University.

Naveen Kachroo is Amazon Leo’s Director of Global Technology Solutions. He is a founding member of the Amazon Leo team and worked across multiple business development and product management functions since inception of the program. His current role encompasses long-term strategy and planning for Amazon Leo services for commercial and government customers. Prior to Amazon, Naveen worked at SpaceX (Starlink) and multiple business units at Microsoft Corporation. Naveen has a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Computer Science and an MBA from the University of Washington.

Peter Kant is a seasoned business and policy leader with a distinguished career spanning government, non-profit, and corporate sectors. His expertise lies in rapidly growing revenues and profitability, particularly within defense, intelligence, security, and emerging technologies. Throughout his career, he has successfully led startups, large corporations, and non-profits, guiding them through rapid expansion and restructuring to improve performance and achieve sustainable growth. As the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Enabled Intelligence, Inc., Peter established an Artificial Intelligence technology and services company specializing in providing accurate and comprehensive data annotation and AI models for specialized, sensitive, and classified applications. Previously, Peter served as Chief Executive Officer at Accion Systems, Inc., a space propulsion technology company. During his tenure, he led the company through a successful Series C investment round, launched multiple systems into space, and secured its first commercial sales. Prior to that, he was Chief Executive Officer at Synapse Technology, a Silicon Valley-based company developing computer vision and artificial intelligence technologies for security applications. Under his leadership, the company grew from pre-revenue to $5 million in sales within a year, launched its first commercial product line, and built a global sales and distribution network spanning Asia, Europe, and the United States. From 2015 to 2019, Peter was Vice President of Federal Partnerships and East Coast Operations at SRI International, where he led U.S. federal government relations and business development strategies. He was instrumental in securing over $330 million in annual bookings, reducing business development costs by 15% annually, and expanding SRI into new government markets. Additionally, he built relationships with multiple venture funds, broadening SRI’s investment portfolio. Earlier in his career, he spent a decade at Rapiscan Systems, Inc., holding multiple leadership roles, including General Manager of the International Division, where he exceeded bookings, revenue, and profit goals annually. As the head of global business development, he grew annual sales from $250 million to over $800 million, transforming the company into a dominant market leader. He also led the company’s global government affairs strategy, establishing offices in Washington, London, and Brussels. Before transitioning to the private sector, Peter held various roles in government and policy. He was a Senior Vice President at Jefferson Consulting Group, worked on the National Partnership for Reinventing Government in the Office of the Vice President of the United States, served as Deputy Chief of Staff at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and was a Project Leader at the Council for Excellence in Government. He also worked in the Texas House of Representatives as Policy Director and Committee Clerk for the State Affairs Committee. Peter holds a Master of Public Policy from Duke University and a Bachelor of Arts in Politics and Economics from Brandeis University. He is actively involved in several organizations, serving on the Board of Directors for Culpepper Garden, a member of the Fairfax County Council for Economic Opportunity, Entrepreneur-in-Residence and Technology Commercialization Advisor at Brandeis University, and a Board Advisor for Ditto, Picogrid, and Spectrohm Technology. With a track record of success across multiple industries, Peter Kant continues to drive innovation, strategic growth, and market leadership in emerging technology and government services.

Steve Kaufman has been a satellite lawyer for more than 20 years. A corporate partner and space practice co-head at international law firm Hogan Lovells, Steve uses his space industry knowledge to negotiate and close many types of space deals globally. For 18 of his 30 years at the firm, Steve served as outside general counsel for space clients, leading strategic joint ventures, “bet-the-company” contracts, complex financings, and M&A deals. What Steve does best: understanding complex business issues for space clients and translating them into legal documents. If a client can describe something, Steve can draft it. Working from complicated to simple, he has many times reduced a lengthy contract into a few pages of bullet points, showing the client what it needs and how to obtain it. Many clients comment that the business guidance from Steve is as valuable as the legal advice. Steve relies on his familiarity with issues common to space and communications companies to give him an edge in advising space clients, particularly in negotiations. This experience produces extra benefits when Steve deals with specialized satellite, launch or ground system contracts, creative terms, use of insurance to close gaps, license and spectrum issues, and even finance and accounting matters. According to Chambers Steve Kaufman is “a real authority and somebody who will always know the answer.” In advising clients, Steve emphasizes practicality, striving to achieve the client’s business objectives for the transaction, whether economic, risk reduction, regulatory/compliance, or transaction speed. This carries over into deal management as well as negotiations, where he willingly takes the lead. Steve is a regular at the satellite conferences, making connections among clients and even adverse parties. He is listed in Chambers, Super Lawyers, and Legal 500.

Ryan P. Kelley advises space companies and investors on their corporate transactions. Ryan is known for engaging deeply with these clients in domestic and cross-border deals, including mergers and acquisitions, capital raises, joint ventures, global expansion, strategic investments and alliances, and corporate structuring.

Karl A. Kensinger is Special Counsel in the Federal Communications Commission’s Space Bureau.  Previously, he was Chief of the Satellite Division in the FCC International Bureau and before that served in various positions in the Satellite Division.  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. Mr. Kensinger is a graduate of the University of Michigan Law School and the University of Chicago.

Charlotte is a Principal in the Boston Consulting Group’s Aerospace & Defense practice and a member of the North America commercial leadership team for the firm’s space sector work. She brings extensive experience advising organizations across the space value chain – including satellite manufacturers and operators, government space agencies, private investors, and end users of space technology solutions – on strategy, operational excellence, and go-to-market. Before joining BCG, she was an engineer and member of the Mission Management team at SpaceX, where she led NASA cargo integration for the first Crew Dragon mission and sat on console for numerous Falcon 9, Dragon, and Starlink launches. Her unique background across business strategy and engineering enables her to connect technical and commercial realities in a practical way, ensuring that solutions incorporate the best insights from both perspectives. Charlotte is deeply passionate about advancing the space industry and volunteers as a NASA Solar System Ambassador for the Seattle metro area, supporting local outreach and education efforts that engage and inspire the next generation of space leaders. She has also held multiple leadership positions within the Space Generation Advisory Council, giving her a global perspective on the evolving space economy and the vital role the international community plays in shaping its future.

Brad King is a plasma-physicist-turned-street-fighting CEO and Co-founder of Orbion Space Technology. Brad earned his PhD from the University of Michigan studying Hall-effect thrusters before they were cool. Over his three-decade career in academia he has conducted R&D on almost every exotic propellant you can imagine flowing through a Hall thruster, with additional work in the areas of electrospray propulsion, arcjets, and spacecraft / ionosphere interaction for defense and intelligence customers. Since co-founding Orbion, Brad has transitioned away from the easy discipline of rocket science and into the much much more difficult discipline of manufacturing: Orbion Space Technology is an AS9100-certified vertical manufacturing company that builds and ships 100s of high-performing, high-quality electric propulsion systems each year.

Peter Krauss is the Chief Executive Officer of Terran Orbital, a leading aerospace manufacturer specializing in satellite solutions for government and commercial clients. With over 30 years of global leadership experience, Krauss brings extensive expertise in operational strategy, M&A, and international manufacturing. As former COO of Terran Orbital, he improved business operations and increased efficiency across the organization. Now as CEO, Krauss is advancing the company’s innovation efforts, expanding manufacturing capabilities, and promoting a culture based on transparency and performance. Following Terran Orbital’s strategic merger with Lockheed Martin, Krauss has led key integration initiatives, strengthened defense-sector partnerships, and reinforced the company’s role in delivering next-generation national security space systems. Under his leadership, Terran Orbital continues to support mission-critical programs through cutting-edge technology and responsive manufacturing. Krauss’s leadership continues to strengthen Terran Orbital’s role as a trusted partner to the U.S. government, delivering resilient space systems that improve tactical advantage and global stability.

Vijay Krishnan is Vice President for Strategic Partnerships at Skylo Technologies, the world’s most ubiquitous non-terrestrial network (NTN). Skylo provides 100% coverage across the globe from space, allowing its customers to connect to any part of their business anywhere, at any time, all the time. Skylo connects smartphones, wearables, machines, sensors, and devices to digitize and transform lives and industries, and ensure that you never lose coverage. Vijay leads strategic partnerships for Skylo’s service with responsibility for closing commercial agreements and managing business relationships with chipset, module and device partners, as well as satellite operators and emergency response services. His team drives collaboration with the product management and engineering teams at the partner organizations to deliver win-win outcomes, and he is actively involved in promoting the Skylo brand within the partner ecosystem. Prior to joining Skylo, Vijay had a long and distinguished career, most recently serving as a General Manager for New Ventures. At Intel, Vijay worked across multiple business units, geographies and job functions. At Intel, Vijay spent several years helping to build the cellular modem business across Industrial IoT and consumer devices. In addition, he also worked closely with the satellite ecosystem for remote sensing use cases for Intel Geospatial, an AI-powered analytics platform in the cloud. Vijay has a BA in Mathematics from St. Stephen’s College (Delhi University), and an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management (Ahmedabad). He is a Microsoft Certified Professional in Visual Basic and has additional certifications in RF Fundamentals (University of California, Berkeley) and Leading for Extraordinary Results (University of Virginia).

Andy has 47 years with NGC/TRW and a total of 49 years working in advanced space programs specializing in, advanced manufacturing, spacecraft design, micro-electronics, nuclear products, space logistics, and astrophysics projects. As a NG Fellow 2, 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 advanced manufacturing (AM) experts in the country and has produced over fifty papers in AM, in-space manufacturing, lunar and planetary sciences, hypersonics, and miniaturization of spacecraft components. He brings his innovative approach to problems and has won several Corporate awards for innovation. Andy is an appointed Research Professor at the University of New Mexico and is on the faculty in the Electrical and Computing Engineering Department, supporting satellite and space research. He is on the Technical Advisory Boards for Virginia Tech, U of Michigan, Cornell, and U of New Mexico

Joe Landon is Co-Founder and President of Rendezvous Robotics, a breakthrough space infrastructure company pioneering modular, autonomous systems that are redefining how spacecraft are built and operated in orbit. Previously, Joe was CEO of Crescent Space, a Lockheed Martin subsidiary building commercial communications and navigation services for lunar missions. He also served as Vice President of Advanced Programs Development at Lockheed Martin Space, where he led R&D, strategy, and business development for the company’s multibillion-dollar Commercial Civil Space portfolio. Earlier in his career, he was CFO of Planetary Resources, a pioneering commercial space company that helped catalyze private-sector interest in asteroid mining and space resources. Joe is an Associate Fellow of AIAA and a member of the International Academy of Astronautics. He holds an undergraduate degree in Engineering Physics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, a master’s degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Southern California, and an MBA from Harvard Business School

Natalia Larrea Brito serves as Senior Director for Space at the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), where she provides strategic leadership on the Institute’s space initiatives and priorities. Prior to joining AIAA, she spent nearly a decade at Novaspace, where she served as U.S. Director and advised government and private stakeholders worldwide on space policy, investment strategies, technology roadmaps, and market assessments. She also founded and led Novaspace’s business practice on space exploration. Her leadership played a key role in shaping strategic decisions for agencies and industry leaders across the globe. Earlier in her career, Natalia worked as a Systems Engineer at MDA Corporation in Canada, specializing in satellite communication payload design, and as a Research Associate at NASA Ames Research Center in planetary exploration. She also worked as a trainee at the European Space Astronomy Centre (ESAC), supporting the Herschel Space Observatory mission in infrared astronomy. Natalia is a frequent international speaker and moderator at leading conferences and has contributed to multiple publications on global space issues. She has been recognized with numerous awards, including Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada (Women Executive Network), the Promise Award and 20 Under 35 from the Space & Satellite Professionals International (SSPI). She holds a Master’s in Aerospace Engineering from McGill University (Canada), a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Telecommunications Engineering from Universidad Alfonso X El Sabio (Spain), and a Diploma in Astronomy and Planetary Science from the Open University (UK). She is also a graduate of the International Space University (SSP’14), where she now serves as faculty and a member of the Academic Council.

Kevin Lausten is a distinguished leader with over two decades in the space industry, currently serving as CEO of Morpheus Space, where he leads the company’s mission to propel the future of space mobility by using propulsion technologies that are smarter, more efficient, and scalable for future missions.  Morpheus Space develops the GO-2 Electric Propulsion System, a compact and modular solution based on Field Emission Electric Propulsion (FEEP) technology, designed to address the contested, congested, competitive, and regulated nature of space.  
 

Prior to Morpheus Space, Kevin held senior leadership roles at Ursa Major Technologies and Maxar Technologies, as well as technical and commercial positions at The Boeing Company, Exelis Visual Information Solutions, and ITT VIS. Kevin has a Bachelor of Science in Geology from the University of Colorado Boulder and holds a Master of Science in Earth Systems and GeoInformatic Sciences from George Mason University, where he focused on hyperspectral imagery and completed a thesis on the Temperature Emissivity Separation algorithm for LWIR data.  

I had worked for KARI(Korea Aerospace Research Institute) for 16 years in the fields of launch mission department as well as GEO design and operational department. After that, I established CONTEC Space Group in 2015, and as a chairman and CEO, I’m now managing 5 companies with our subsidiaries such as CONTEC, APSI, TXSpace, CSO and CES. Based on my contribution for space ecosystem in Korea, I rece ived the Order of Industrial Service Merit in 2021 from our president, and also I got the president award as well as prime primister award from our government in 2024. CONTEC and APSI were already published on KOSDAQ(Korea Stock Exchange Market) in 2018 and 2023 each, and we are now providing the whole vertical chain business from satellite manufacturing and payload producing to ground station equipmnet, satellite image processing(CAL/VAL) ans GSaaS.

Ghonhee Lee is Chief Executive Officer of Katalyst Space Technologies. Katalyst is defense technology company focused on dynamic space operations, founded in May of 2020. Katalyst builds robotic spacecraft, modular payloads, and software applications for space domain awareness and command and control. Prior to Katalyst, Ghonhee started his career at Raytheon Missile Systems as a Guidance Navigation and Control engineer on DoD programs working with US Navy, Missile Defense Agency, and SCO stakeholders. Ghonhee served as the inaugural Industry Chair for the NASA Consortium for Space Mobility and ISAM Capabilities (COSMIC) in 2024-2025. He is listed as an inventor on several granted US patents on robotics, space domain awareness, and space systems. Ghonhee holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Aerospace Engineering with a focus on Astronautics. Selected speaking engagements, publications, and patents:

[1] R. Herberg, J. Correa, A. Sabovik, G. Lee and H. Robertson, “SHIELD: Deployable
Scouting Units For Rso Characterization Leveraging In-Space Upgrade Architecture,” in
Rocky Mountain AAS GN&C Conference, Breckenridge, 2024.
[2] G. Lee, P. Grogan, J. Cantrell, T. Armentrout and J. Manber, “Commercial LEO economic
Development,” in Arizona Space Summit, Tempe, 2024.
[3] A. Allison, J. Chandler, D. Faber, G. Lee, T. Kortes and E. Ferguson, “Bringing Mobility to
Market: Igniting Drivers to Make ISAM Routine,” in AIAA ASCEND, Las Vegas, 2024.
[4] A. Sabovik, R. Herberg, H. Robertson, J. Correa, J. Ware, G. Lee and J. Herman, “SHIELD:
Deployable Scouting Units For RSO Characterization Leveraging In-Space Upgrade
Architecture,” in AAS Spaceflight Mechanics Meeting, Kaua’i, 2025.
[5] E. O. Harang, G. Lee, N. P. Liapis, J. Herman, D. Pursell and A. Robertson, “Attachment
systems for augmenting satellites”. United States of America Patent 18/588,784, 05 11
2021.

Mr. Letarte is a Principal at AE Industrial and is primarily focused on originating, executing and monitoring portfolio investments. Mr. Letarte currently serves on the Board of Directors of AE Industrial portfolio companies York Space Systems and Air Transport Components. He previously served on the Board of Directors of Belcan, prior to its sale to Cognizant in 2024. Prior to joining AE Industrial in 2018, Mr. Letarte was an Associate at Moelis & Company, where he focused on M&A, restructuring and strategic corporate advisory across a broad spectrum of industries including aerospace and defense, industrials, healthcare and consumer. Prior to joining Moelis, Mr. Letarte was an Analyst in J.P. Morgan’s Leveraged Finance Group.

Janna joined Astroscale U.S. in May 2024 as Senior Vice President of Policy and General Counsel to provide strategic policy and legal direction to support the company’s growth and compliance with evolving regulations for commercial and national security initiatives. She also serves as Secretary of the Astroscale U.S. Board of Directors. Prior to joining Astroscale, she was a senior attorney and technology strategist with BAE Systems Inc., focused on legal and policy matters in defense, intelligence, and commercial space. She has unique, cross-sector expertise in advising programs and technology development for U.S. government and commercial initiatives, including satellite integration and launch, on-orbit communications and sensing, space and missile defense, microelectronics, and cybersecurity. Janna began her career in private legal practice, where she served as counsel to U.S. and international clients in the aerospace and defense, commercial space, and telecommunications industries. She then worked for Facebook, where she helped frame industry partnerships to catalyze the delivery of space-based and high-altitude global connectivity solutions. From there, she facilitated innovation under U.S. government contracts at Northrop Grumman’s Missions Systems Sector before joining BAE Systems. Janna is a registered patent attorney. She also is a member of the International Institute of Space Lawyers and serves on the AIA Space Council. Janna frequently speaks publicly about the rapidly evolving laws and policies affecting defense and commercial space. She is committed to workforce education and development in the space industry, and she is a strong advocate for new space professionals.

Brett Loubert is the leader of Deloitte’s U.S. Space practice and holds leadership roles across Deloitte’s Global Space Industry Services. Brett has 25 years of experience working with senior leaders across the defense, national security, and civilian sectors to engineer, modernize, and operate complex IT systems and mission-critical services. He leads the growth and execution of Deloitte’s Space practice, spanning government and commercial clients, and the development of differentiated space-focused offerings. Under Brett’s leadership, Deloitte launched Deloitte-1, the firm’s first satellite, which serves as a testbed for Silent Shield, an on-orbit cyber intrusion detection capability designed to improve satellite resilience. In this role, he has overseen strategic space market studies and mission delivery efforts for the U.S. Space Force, NASA, state governments, higher education institutions, and global clients. His work spans space commercialization, spaceport development, mission operations, and the downstream use of space-derived data and services across non-space industries. Brett is also leading Deloitte’s work at the intersection of space and the broader economy, including collaborations with the World Economic Forum, focused on the value of Earth observation data, space-enabled finance, and investment models that translate space capabilities into real-world economic outcomes. Prior to joining Deloitte, Brett was an engineer and project manager for space systems at a major defense contractor. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Maryland.

His NASA career spanned 12 years, including flights aboard the Space Shuttle (STS-84 and STS-106), Soyuz TMA-2, and the International Space Station (ISS – Expedition 7). In addition to LeoLabs, he also co-founded the planetary defense and science non-profit B612 Foundation in 2002. He currently serves as Executive Director of the Asteroid Institute, which is a program of B612 Foundation. Ed flew aboard the Space Shuttle twice and on the Russian Soyuz to the ISS, where he did a six-month tour. He has logged over 206 days in space and an EVA (spacewalk) totaling six hours and 14 minutes. In 2003, in the weeks following the loss of the Space Shuttle Columbia, Ed was called upon by NASA to launch to the ISS to maintain operations on orbit with a two-person skeleton crew. He completed the Russian Soyuz training in just nine weeks and became the first American to launch as the Flight Engineer aboard a Russian Soyuz spacecraft. Ed and Cosmonaut Yuri Malenchenko then spent six months aboard the ISS, demonstrating that the station could be maintained while carrying on productive scientific research with only two people. Recognitions in Ed’s NASA career include administration’s highest honor, the Distinguished Service Medal, as well as the NASA Exceptional Service Medal, Russian Medal of Merit for Spaceflight, Gagarin Medal, Fédération Aéronautique Internationale Komorov Medal, Beregovoy Medal, and three NASA Spaceflight medals. In 2024, Ed was inducted into the International Astronautical Federation’s Hall of Fame. Ed has published peer-reviewed papers on astrodynamics, planetary science, high energy astrophysics, plasma physics, solar physics, cosmology, and statistical physics. He has also published technical policy related editorials in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, and Scientific American. He holds a BS in electrical engineering from Cornell University and a Doctorate in applied physics from Stanford University.

Joshua Madrigal is Vice President of Contracts and Global Supply Chain at Millennium Space Systems, a Boeing company. Millennium Space Systems is a leading small-satellite prime delivering high-performance constellation solutions in support of National Security Space missions. Founded in 2001, the company’s active production lines and approximately 80% vertical integration enable the rapid delivery of satellites across LEO, MEO, and GEO orbits. In this role, Madrigal built and now leads the Contracts and Global Supply Chain organizations, with responsibility for all prime contracts and end-to-end supply chain execution. Prior to joining Millennium Space Systems, Madrigal served as a Contracts Manager at Northrop Grumman, where he led multiple large, classified proposal efforts that resulted in the award of high-value contracts for National Security Space Missions. Madrigal earned his bachelor’s degree in business management with a minor in Contract Management from California Polytechnic University, Pomona.

John Malsbury is Co-Founder and CEO of AnySignal, where he builds systems that connect people and technology. From advanced RF and signal processing to the culture and vision that enable high-performing teams to thrive. John spent nearly a decade at SpaceX, leading and contributing to mission-critical communications, DSP, and FPGA systems across Falcon, Dragon, Starship, Starlink, and deep-space programs. He founded AnySignal to bring that same rigor, speed, and clarity of purpose to national security and space infrastructure. Earlier in his career, John helped shape the modern software-defined radio ecosystem. As an RF and Communications Architect at Spire, he developed and deployed SDR systems for the company’s first satellites, directly enabling early on-orbit success and a subsequent Series A raise. At Ettus Research, he managed the USRP product line, blending deep technical expertise with product strategy, go-to-market execution, and customer engagement, driving sustained growth while supporting applications ranging from satellite communications to radar and signals intelligence. He’s always open to thoughtful conversations about technology and leadership.

Dr. David Marvin is a forest ecologist and remote sensing scientist. His academic research focused on forest carbon, forest disturbance, and GHG flux modeling of land management under climate change. Dr. Marvin was co-founder and CEO of Salo Sciences, a climate technology company that provides high resolution monitoring services and analytics for natural climate solutions and wildfire hazard management. After Salo Sciences was acquired by Planet Labs in 2023, he is now product lead for Forests & Wildfire within Planet Labs where they have launched the world’s first tree-scale global forest monitoring system.

Halen Mattison is the CEO & Co-Founder of General Galactic, an LA-based startup that recently raised $10M to develop high agility satellites to decrease the cost of space logistics and defense operations. Halen was previously an engineer at SpaceX, and has worked on space programs for the Department of Defense and NASA.

Dr. Ryan McDevitt is the Co-Founder and CTO of Benchmark Space Systems, an innovative in-space mobility partner with government and commercial mission heritage across a portfolio of various propulsion technologies and solutions. Ryan received his undergraduate degree from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, as well as a master’s degree and a doctorate from the University of Vermont. At UVM, he conducted graduate studies within the Small Satellite group, where he worked on a NASA-funded program to develop micropropulsion technologies that later became the basis for Benchmark’s first products.

Alex is a Director in Baker Tilly’s Government Contractor Solutions practice and brings over 19 years of experience to the firm. Alex sets clients up for success by assisting with a wide spectrum of Government Contracting and Grant compliance challenges from business system reviews, contract pricing, termination for convenience proposals, indirect rate structuring to audit and investigation support and resolution. Alex is also the practice’s resident expert on Government Property and related challenges. Alex’s background includes Financial Improvement and Audit Readiness (FIAR), Government property management, business process re-engineering, managers’ internal control program (OMB A-123), DoD acquisition and logistics, and forensic auditing. Prior to joining Baker Tilly, Alex worked as a management consultant contractor to the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) as a task lead responsible for the Agency’s asset management program, financial audit support, and business process analyses. Alex was also a lead auditor for Army Audit Agency planning and managing complex acquisition and logistics audits as well as forensic audit work to detect and identify fraud.

William (Bill) Milroy currently serves as Chairman and CTO of ThinKom Solutions, Inc., located in Hawthorne, CA and focused on the design, development, and manufacture of innovative antenna access solutions for the Fixed and Mobile Broadband Wireless Communication markets. Prior to co-founding ThinKom, Mr. Milroy held the position of Senior Engineering Fellow within the Electromagnetic Systems Department of Raytheon’s Electronic Systems (ES) Segment. During his tenure at Raytheon (Hughes Aircraft), Mr. Milroy managed and led the RF antenna design, development, and manufacture of a wide range of antenna array implementations and products for radar and communication applications in both the commercial and military marketplaces including 1-D and 2-D Electronically-Scanned Arrays (ESA’s). Mr. Milroy is a graduate of the University of California at Los Angeles, earning BSEE, MSEE, and Engineer (Ph.D. course, field, and examination requirements) degrees. He is the author or co-author of nine journal and symposia papers in the fields of Network Analysis, Circuits, Antennas, and Microwaves. He is the inventor or co-inventor of 40+ US Patents in the fields of Electromagnetic Scattering, Materials, Microwave Devices, and Antennas. Mr. Milroy is a past Chairman of the Los Angeles Chapter of the IEEE Antennas and Propagation Society (APS), Guest Lecturer at the UCLA Anderson School of Business Management, and a past Technical Reviewer for both the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the IEEE APS Transactions Journal.

She is the CEO and co-founder of Hale SWx, as well as a board member, advisor, and executive coach. Previously, she was the founding CEO of KSAT Inc. (an American subsidiary of market-leading Kongsberg Satellite Services) where she led development of the US corporation, and championed innovation programs for New Space and Lunar applications. She also served as COO for Hedron, an early-stage venture-backed company building communications infrastructure in space. Katherine’s earlier career work as a negotiation specialist led her to support a variety of clients in capital-intensive industries such as Energy, Semiconductor, and BioTech.

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 22 years since its founding, Optimal Satcom has grown to support a large segment of the satellite industry with industry-leading enterprise-level software products and systems for resource management, service planning, optimization, and business intelligence. Over 15 satellite operators, 20 of the largest satellite service providers, and major US Government DoD, allied governments, and civilian agencies use Optimal Satcom products and systems today.

As a world expert in satellite communications technology with over 30 years of experience, Mr. Murad advises satellite companies and governments on satellite system design, application of emerging technologies, and formulating policy decisions. Before founding Optimal Satcom, Mr. Murad held management positions at Lockheed Martin and COMSAT Laboratories. In these positions, he headed the development of products for transmission planning and satellite capacity management and was the lead system architect for a number of commercial SATCOM and MILSATCOM projects. Before joining COMSAT Laboratories, Mr. Murad worked at the NASA Center for Satellite and Hybrid Communications Networks where he was involved in research and development related to hybrid satellite-terrestrial mobile communications systems, and complex multi-satellite systems. Mr. Murad graduated from the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, India, with a Bachelor of Technology degree in Electrical Engineering. He holds a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Maryland at College Park.

Armand Musey, President and Founder of Summit Ridge Group. He has over 25 years of equity research, investment banking, and consulting experience. Prior to founding Summit Ridge Group, Armand led the satellite industry research teams for Banc of America Securities and later Solomon Smith Barney, where he also covered the wireless tower industry. He earned numerous honors as a research analyst, including being named to the Institutional Investor “All American” team three times (2000-2002) and the Wall Street Journal “All-Star” team. He was previously president of a boutique investment bank specializing in the satellite, media, and telecom industries. Armand holds an A.B. from the University of Chicago, an MA from Columbia University, and a JD/MBA from Northwestern University.

Keiko Nasu is Sales Director Asia at Isar Aerospace USA Inc. and is responsible for building and executing sales strategies and targets across the US and Asia. She joined the Space Industry in 2017 while at Mitsui & Co., where she helped facilitate the acquisition of the satellite rideshare service company, Spaceflight Inc. Initially, she was working as Business Development Director of International Sales. Keiko is originally from Japan, where she started her career leading global projects with JETRO, a Japanese government-related organization that works to promote mutual trade and investment between Japan and the rest of the world. After moving to the United States in 2010, she has held business development, sales, and marketing roles at several US venture companies. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from International Christian University (ICU) in Tokyo, Japan, and studied Marketing Management at the University of Washington, Seattle.

Jesper Noer, VP Commercial and a seasoned expert at Gatehouse Satcom, leads the charge in 5G NTN innovation. With over 20 years of experience in the communications industry, his expertise spans the development, deployment and commercialization of advanced software solutions. Jesper is dedicated to guiding organizations through the complexities of 5G NTN integration, ensuring seamless transitions from conceptualization to operational and commercial success.

Matt joined DCVC in 2020 as an Operating Partner. He focuses on companies in the Defense, Intelligence and Space sectors. He spends most of his time helping those companies grow through strategic advice and introductions. His goal is to help the defense and intelligence sectors achieve their missions and to make the world safer by using innovative technologies. Matt has also served on several Government and industry advisory commissions. He is currently a member of the Boards of Fortem Technologies and Jupiter Intelligence. He was Chairman of Capella Space from 2022 until its sale in 2025. He currently serves as Chairman of Fortem Technologies (a leading counter-drone provider). Matt has had a number of leadership roles in the satellite, digital mapping and intelligence industries. He founded GeoEye, a leading global provider of satellite and aerial imagery and digital mapping information, in 2006. GeoEye was publicly traded (GEOY). In January, 2013, he concluded its sale for $1.3B to DigitalGlobe. He was CEO of OneWeb from October 2015 to July 2016. Matt holds a law degree from Univ. of Virginia School of Law and a B.A. in Classics from Trinity College.

As leader of Milbank’s Transportation and Space Group in Washington, DC and head of the firm’s Space Business practice globally, Dara’s practice involves representation of satellite and space infrastructure operators, aerospace & defense manufacturers, launch services providers, communications companies, earth observation and data services companies, banks, private equity firms, hedge funds and other investors in debt and equity offerings, project, structured and vendor financings, mergers & acquisitions, financial restructurings and in negotiating commercial contracts. Dara is also Chair of Milbank’s Global Risk & National Security practice, advising on domestic and international regulatory and cross-border investment matters, including licensing of space and terrestrial communications systems, economic sanctions, regulatory, anti-corruption, national security, foreign direct investment and export control matters. Dara is a regular speaker and moderator at space, communications, defense and finance conferences, a visiting lecturer at the International Space University and he has published articles and delivered presentations on finance, commercial and regulatory aspects of the aerospace and communications industries. He also authors Milbank’s monthly Space Business Review newsletter. Widely recognized as a leading attorney, Dara is notably ranked in Band 1 in the Chambers USA nationwide guide for Space law, where his practice is also recognized in Band 1. He is ranked as a leading lawyer in Legal 500 USA for Media, Technology and Telecoms: Telecoms and Broadcast: Transactions and his practice is recognized as a Tier 1 firm. He has also been recognized as a leading lawyer in Telecom, Broadcast and Satellite Financing in Chambers USA.

Devon Papandrew is Vice President of Business Development at Stoke Space, where he leads the company’s global growth strategy and customer engagement across commercial and government sectors. He is responsible for driving revenue, market strategy, and strategic partnerships as Stoke develops and deploys fully reusable medium-lift rockets designed for daily flight. Devon has been instrumental in securing major government contracts and anchor commercial partnerships, positioning Stoke as one of the fastest-growing entrants in the launch industry. Previously, Devon served as Vice President of Business Operations at Spaceflight Inc., where he integrated business development, mission management, and engineering to enable a high-cadence rideshare launch program. He holds a B.S. in Physics and Economics from Georgetown University.

Scott Patrick helps direct NTIA’s work on national spectrum strategies and policies. His responsibilities include overseeing the development of spectrum-sharing and repurposing strategies in the agency’s work to address the needs of federal and commercial spectrum usage. Before joining NTIA, Mr. Patrick was a wireless, media, and technology attorney in private practice, counseling telecom, cable, broadcast, and broadband companies on a wide range of policy, transactional, and regulatory matters. He also has served as an attorney in the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau at the Federal Communications Commission. Early in his career, Mr. Patrick was a research engineer at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory where he helped develop the first three-axis fiberoptic electromagnetic sensor. He is a graduate of the University of Virginia School of Law and holds a master’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Maryland.

Greg Pelton is the Chief Technology Officer at Iridium Communications Inc., the only satellite communications company that offers truly global voice and data coverage. In this role, he drives innovation and oversees the technical aspects of Iridium’s products and services, while managing the day-to-day activities of the company’s systems teams. This includes technical roadmaps and strategy, system architecture and design, engineering design and process, performance and analysis, new service development programs and system integration, verification, and validation. Pelton joined Iridium from a venture-backed AI company develop Large Language Models for enterprise applications, where he served as Chief Development Officer. Roles prior to that include Avaya, where he managed a $400M portfolio of voice and video collaboration products, CTO of Polycom, and he led Cisco’s corporate Technology Center incubating new technology growth areas including satellite networking.

David Proulx is currently the Chief Product Officer at SkyWatch, responsible for Product Management, Technology Partnership, Supply Management, and Customer Support functions. David brings 25 years’ of experience in technology leadership, spanning a range of high-growth industries including wireless telecom, robotic & autonomous systems, and earth observation. In 2019, he helped lead Aeryon Labs through a $200M acquisition by FLIR Systems as well as the subsequent acquisition of FLIR by Teledyne Technologies for $8B. David resides in Waterloo, Canada, and is an active early-stage investor and proponent for the local tech ecosystem.

Chris Quilty Co-CEO and President Quilty Space Chris Quilty began making his footprint in the satellite & space sector as a trusted authority, media pundit, and twice-recognized Wall Street Journal “Best on the Street” analyst more than two decades ago while serving as a sell-side analyst for Raymond James. Chris initiated coverage on the space industry in the mid-2000s and has subsequently published hundreds of company-specific, macro, sector, and thematic research reports. Leveraging his vast space industry knowledge and a commitment to thought-leading research, Chris co-founded Quilty Space (formerly Quilty Analytics) in 2016. He is regarded as a valued source of industry insight across all verticals of the space ecosystem — from manufacturing and launch through satcom, EO, hardware, and downstream analytics. He is a frequent and trusted consultant to the full range of satellite & space investors and stakeholders, from leading prime contractors and government agencies to satellite operators and technology companies. Chris earned a B.S. in Systems Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy and an MBA from The University of Chicago.

CV Sven Rettig Since 2019 TESAT Chief Commercial Officer, responsible for Sales & Marketing, Product Management, Strategy and Communications for the complete product portfolio including RF- and Laser products. 2002-2019 several management positions in operational Sales & Marketing at Airbus (former EADS) in the defence and space business, as well as the international Sales, Marketing and Strategy organization at the Paris HQ. 1993-2002 several Key Account Manager and Sales Management Position in the terrestrial telecommunication business. Master Degree in electrical engineering from the German Air Force University and Executive MBA from Northwestern University – Kellogg School of Management and WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management.

Noel Rimalovski is the Managing Partner of GH Partners, an investment bank headquartered in NY and London. At GH Partners, Mr. Rimalovski leads the investment banking team providing advisory services to clients including, sales and acquisitions of companies, restructurings, private placements, credit advisory, valuations and fairness opinions. GH’s clients include domestic and international public and private companies and government agencies with a focus in the Space and Defense industries. Prior to joining GH Partners, Mr. Rimalovski was Senior Vice President at Macquarie Capital, focusing on investing in the telecommunications and technology sectors, including $1.8bn of investments in communications infrastructure. Prior to Macquarie, he was Director in the Mergers & Acquisition Group of Dresdner Kleinwort Wasserstein, and its predecessor Wasserstein Perella. Mr. Rimalovski commenced his career at Lazard Frères. Mr. Rimalovski earned his MBA in Finance from Columbia Business School (with honors) and BA in Quantitative Economics, from Tufts University.

Nicole Robinson brings more than 20 years of experience in the satellite industry to her role as DataPath’s President. She has held senior management positions as Chief Growth Officer at Comtech Telecommunications Corp., President of Ursa Space Systems, and Senior Vice President of Global Government at SES. With a focus on driving growth and managing operational teams, she has the proven track record of rapidly growing satellite and space technology and service companies in the defense and aerospace industry.

As Vice President – Global Launch Services, Brian is responsible for Rocket Lab’s global defense and civil launch portfolios. With a career spanning space and launch segments, Brian brings a transformative perspective to U.S. Government and Allies’ developmental and operational systems. Before joining Rocket Lab, Brian was Advanced Systems Manager at Ball Aerospace, leading technology development programs for Defense and Intelligence customers across spacecraft and remote sensing payloads. Brian’s aerospace career includes leadership roles in launch vehicle design, manufacturing, and launch support of the Atlas V, Delta IV, and Vulcan-Centaur launch vehicles with United Launch Alliance, and systems engineering of the Ares launch vehicles at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center. Brian holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Colorado, a Master of Science in Mechatronics Engineering from the University of Denver, a Master of Business Administration from Colorado State University, and was awarded a US Utility Patent in 2014.

Eric Romo is President and Chief Operating Officer of Impulse Space, the in-space mobility company founded by Tom Mueller. Beginning his career as one of the first propulsion engineering hires at SpaceX, he subsequently founded companies in the solar energy and virtual reality industries and spent four years as a Director at Facebook Reality Labs. Eric has a master’s degree in mechanical engineering and an MBA, both from Stanford University.

John Rood has been CEO of Momentus since 2021. He is a former Under Secretary of Defense. Momentus is a U.S. commercial space company offering satellites, satellite components, and in-space transportation and infrastructure services. The Company offers satellites to support government and commercial customers for missions like communications, missile tracking, space superiority, and cutting-edge science missions and services such as hosted payloads, support for in-space assembly, on-orbit servicing and refueling, and transportation of satellites to specific orbits.

Alexis Sáinz is the global co-leader of the Hogan Lovells Space and Satellite practice and a member of the Infrastructure, Energy, Resources & Projects group. She regularly represents export credit and multilateral development agencies, satellite operators, aerospace manufacturers, launch services providers, communications companies, financial institutions, project sponsors, private equity firms, hedge funds, and other industry participants on structured, project and vendor financings, in negotiating commercial and corporate transactions, and with commercially strategic regulatory matters. She also provides industry advice in connection with debt and equity offerings, joint ventures, mergers & acquisitions, and financial restructurings. Alexis works with investors and lenders to understand the underlying issues impacting space projects and companies, at the intersection of commercial, regulatory and financing aspects of a transaction. She works with project parties to focus on key deal points and to identify appropriate industry-based risk mitigants and efficient allocation of risk in order to build consensus and drive closure. She works with companies to build a project and financing strategy from the ground up, anticipating financing issues early in the development of a new project or the growth of a company. Alexis co-chairs the American Bar Association’s Committee on Space Law. She co-authored the chapter on “Commercial Satellite Programs” in the Routledge Handbook of Space Law. Prior to beginning her legal career in 2007, Alexis spent over 10 years working in internet-based industries, including e-commerce and media. She previously served as a consultant for the World Bank, National Geographic, and domestic non-profit organizations in connection with internet-based technology, and she was an early member of KPMG Peat Marwick’s financial service’s e-commerce consulting practice, where she focused on emerging technologies.

Jennifer Salmon is the Chief Product Officer (CPO) at Elve, Inc., a technology company specializing in high-speed millimeter-wave amplifiers for terrestrial and space applications. A recognized leader in the space and satellite industry, she has extensive experience in systems engineering, program management, and complex team leadership. Jennifer received her Electrical Engineering degree from California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, with a focus in Communication Systems. She spent nearly 20 years designing and validating Satellite systems before joining Elve in 2025. Jennifer now leads the Elve mmWave Experience (EmmE) team with a focus on product design, performance evolution and helping customers meet their business needs.

Dr. Gurpartap “GP” Sandhoo is the Acting Director of the Space Development Agency. Before his selection as the Acting Director, Dr. Sandhoo served as the Deputy Director, where he supported the daily management of the organization and the execution of the development, fielding, and operation of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture, delivering essential space-based capabilities to the joint warfighter in support of terrestrial missions.

Prior to joining SDA, Dr. Sandhoo served as Vice President and Chief Architect at Quantum Space and as Director for Emerging Technologies at Northrop Grumman. His previous government experience includes serving as Deputy Director at the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Agency (known as IARPA) and holding the Heinlein Chair in Astronautics at the U.S. Naval Academy. Earlier in his career, he led the Spacecraft Engineering Division at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory and served as Acting Director of the Naval Center of Space Technology, where he provided executive direction and technical leadership in conducting research, development, and deployment of space systems with advanced technologies. He was also a flight controller at NASA’s Johnson Space Center and was a research and development engineer at Johns Hopkins University’s Applied Physics Laboratory.

A veteran of more than 36 years of military service in the active and reserve components of the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps, Dr. Sandhoo last served as the National Reconnaissance Office liaison to the Security Assistance Group-Ukraine and as a senior scientist at the Defense Innovation Unit.

Dr. Sandhoo holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland, an M.S. in Space Systems, a D.Sc. in Aeronautics, Astronautics, and Propulsion from George Washington University, an M.S. in Electrical Engineering from the Johns Hopkins University, and a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College. He is a 2016-2017 Fellow of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Seminar XXI.

Courtney joined Scout Space in February 2024 and as the Chief Product Officer she drives the strategic vision for product development, ensuring that technology roadmaps align with the long-term goals of both government and commercial stakeholders. She manages the integration of innovative software and hardware solutions focused on space domain awareness (SDA), including advanced sensor systems, data analytics platforms, and artificial intelligence tools for real-time tracking and anomaly detection of space objects. Courtney has over 15 years of experience delivering advanced technological solutions within the Department of Defense (DoD), Intelligence Community (IC), and commercial sectors. Prior to joining Scout, Courtney was a lead Systems Engineer at Stratos Solutions where she managed acquisitions for cloud-based machine learning and artificial intelligence capabilities supporting the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO). These programs provided quick-reaction capabilities directly supporting warfighters across the government including National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), as well as all branches of the U.S. military and Combatant Commands. Prior to Stratos, Courtney held systems engineering and management roles at Boeing where she led multi-disciplinary engineering teams developing software applications for the IC. Courtney also worked at the National Air and Space Intelligence Center (NASIC) as a spacecraft and data analyst. Courtney holds a Master of Engineering in Systems Engineering from Pennsylvania State University and a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Michigan. She is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP).

Mr. Schmidt is a Managing Director at KippsDeSanto & Co. and co-heads the Aerospace / Defense Group. Prior to joining KippsDeSanto & Co., Mr. Schmidt was a Senior Vice President in Houlihan Lokey’s Washington, DC office and a member of its Aerospace·Defense·Government Services industry investment banking group, where he focused on sellside and buyside M&A advisory engagements, sourcing growth capital, and conducting strategic alternatives assessments. Prior to joining Houlihan Lokey’s ADG practice, Mr. Schmidt was a cavalry officer in the U.S. Army, serving in Europe, the Middle East, and the United States in various combat arms assignments. He also served in the Pentagon on the staff of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, working on classified intelligence assessments and transformation efforts, and he served on the U.S. Army Staff, working on equipment modernization and weapons testing. Mr. Schmidt earned a B.S. in engineering (aeronautical) from the United States Military Academy at West Point, an M.S. in operations research from the Naval Post Graduate School, and an M.B.A. from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He is registered with FINRA as a General Securities Registered Representative (Series 7, 63).

Senior Director of Business Development for Aerospace & Defense products at Avalanche Technology, Kristine has spent >30 years in nearly every domain within the semiconductor industry, in a sales, business development and marketing capacities, covering a number of market segments over that time. Focusing on the Defense Industrial Base for the last 6 years, currently supporting the unprecedented need for bottleneck-busting advanced memory technology within the defense and commercial aerospace community. Kristine has also served as co-chair of GlobalFoundries’ Rad Hard Ecosystem, working to aid efficiencies and overcome longstanding challenges across the A&D microelectronics community, allowing us to accelerate the time from ideation to deployment, mitigating gains made by international adversaries.

Jay Schwarz is Chief of the FCC Space Bureau where he leads a 45-member multidisciplinary team of attorneys, engineers, and other professionals. Since taking this role, Jay has executed on an ambitious agenda to modernize the FCC’s space licensing and spectrum management frameworks in order to boost American space innovation. In moving forward the agenda, Jay advises the Chairman and commissioners on space policy, works closely with senior officials in the Administration and in Congress, and represents U.S. interests abroad at high-stakes global forums. Immediately prior to taking on his current role, Jay served as Vice President of Public Policy for Comcast where he navigated one of the most complex regulatory periods in communications policy, building the intellectual and strategic foundations for the company's positions. In his first tour at the FCC, he served as Chairman Ajit Pai’s Wireline Advisor after also holding positions within the Wireline Competition Bureau, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, and the Office of Strategic Planning. Jay obtained a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Pittsburgh and degrees in Civil Engineering from Texas University.

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. As a result, Randy’s practice is reflected in three segments. First, as co-leader of the Space and Satellite practice, Randy has handled many types of transactions, from day-to-day matters to the most complex international transactions for industry operators, investors, and technology providers. She has been involved in taking companies public, advising on acquisitions, divestitures, and complex cross-border joint ventures, as well as large satellite system development, deployments and funding. Second, as an advisor to technology investors and their portfolio companies, Randy has advised on transactions focused on big data analytics, IT, wireless systems, spectrum licenses, environmental analytics, wireless proximity analysis, drone technology, terrestrial positioning, and other innovative technologies. Third, Randy provides “strand of pearls” advice to global clients, working seamlessly with our international offices to develop familiar, comfortable and “right-sized” solutions. Randy’s extensive cross-border experience has resulted in an extensive tool-kit of resolutions for the most complex of legal regimes. Randy’s transactional and advisory experience is both deep and broad, working throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East and on the most complex of international programs and legal issues.

Francesco Sgarbossa is the Sales Director for Launch Services at Avio in Paris, where he leads commercial activities for the Vega C launch system. An aerospace engineer by training, he began his career at Leonardo and held multiple roles in technical sales and management within the industrial sector. Francesco joined Avio following the company’s transfer of Launch Service Provider activities from Arianespace, and today he focuses on strengthening Vega C’s position in the international launch market

Jan Smolders has an Aerospace Engineering degree from Technical University Delft and an MBA from Vlerick Business School. He has >15years experience in international sales & business development working for small and large companies serving clients globally with high-tech engineering software, hardware, and services. He has experience building sales ecosystems with direct sales staff and channel partners throughout various regions and industries. Jan has lived and worked in Singapore as a Director Business Development for South-East Asia. Since 2021, Jan was responsible for the commercial strategy and sales operations at VEOWARE Space introducing the company on the global stage as a trusted provider of spacecraft attitude control systems. Mid 2024 he has joined Space Inventor as Chief Commercial Officer to drive international sales for satellites and equipment, grow the sales team and expand into new markets.

Brooke is a Partner in McKinsey’s Aerospace & Defense practice and leads McKinsey’s global Space practice. She supporting a range of clients – established companies, disruptors, and investors – on space and defense engagements. Her focus is on growth strategy, innovation, and transactions related work, including topics such as go-to-market strategies, market sizing, strategic portfolio reviews, ecosystem market scans, equity story development, and market diligences. In addition to her client engagements, Brooke has co-led McKinsey’s space knowledge partnerships, including collaborations with the Aerospace Industries Association and the World Economic Forum. She has also spoken at industry events and in the media on space industry dynamics, in addition to serving as a mentor to early-stage space companies via the Creative Destruction Lab incubator program. Her published work covers topics such as space investment funding trends, satellite constellation performance analysis, the role of space in global priorities, and industry R&D funding analysis. Brooke’s background prior to McKinsey is in finance and economics, and included work with a boutique financial and economic analysis firm, where she worked closely with leading economists on complex analysis of financial markets. She is a graduate of The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Pennsylvania Law School, as well as Bucknell University.

As President of SIA, Tom is the trade association’s lead advocate for regulatory and policy issues of critical importance to SIA’s membership, including spectrum and licensing issues, defense and public safety matters, and export control and international trade issues. He also manages the day-to-day operations of SIA, including member communications, staff leadership and organization of SIA sponsored events. Tom became the president of SIA in December of 2014. Prior to joining SIA, Tom was with Shared Spectrum Company (SSC), a leading developer of spectrum intelligence technologies, where he served as CEO. For more than a decade, he served as the President of the Personal Communications Industry Association (PCIA). Previous to his position at SSC, he founded and ran several companies in the technology industry, including Columbia Spectrum Management, P-Com Network Services, CSM Wireless, and SquareLoop.

Paul Struhsaker is a Serial Entrepreneur, Innovator, International Engineering Executive, Lecturer, and Author. He is currently the Executive Director/CEO of the Wireless Power Consortium, setting the worldwide standards for smartphones /consumer electronics (Qi) and kitchen (Ki) wireless power solutions used in billions of products. Paul’s previous work experience includes serving as CTO of Dell Client Solutions, SVP of Software Engineering at Comcast NBCUniversal, and CTO of Broadband at Texas Instruments. Paul founded four successful startups: WiFi innovation leader Aironet Wireless (acquired by Cisco), micro-cellular 4G/5G access point innovator Airspan, 4G wireless innovator Raze Technologies, and SatBridge, a hand-portable microsatellite terminal. He began his career at the National Security Agency and served as a Navy Nuclear Submarine Officer and master diver, roles integral to his duties in the U.S. Intelligence Community.

Strategically positioned in the firm’s Washington, D.C. office, Drew Svor serves as a member of the firm’s Telecom, Space & Satellite, CFIUS and AI Teams, as well as the D.C. office’s recruiting co-chair. Drew is a go-to advisor for technology, telecommunications, aerospace, defense and infrastructure companies navigating today’s complex regulatory landscape. With a focus on fostering innovation and growth while ensuring compliance with regulators at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), Drew provides strategic counsel to clients at the forefront of technological advancement, strategic investment and national security. Drew specializes in representing space and satellite companies, mobile network operators and cutting-edge technology providers before the FCC, the “Team Telecom” Executive Branch agencies, and CFIUS. His expertise includes FCC compliance, spectrum licensing, and navigating regulatory challenges in telecommunications and satellite communications. Drew’s strategic and practical approach ensures clients stay ahead in dynamic industries defined by rapid innovation and evolving regulatory frameworks. A recognized thought leader on FCC regulatory and space industry trends, Drew regularly authors insightful pieces on emerging technologies, spectrum policy, and important developments at the intersection of telecommunications, space, and national security. Drew’s articles and speaking engagements span industry-leading forums, like SatNews, the Federal Communications Bar Association (FCBA) and the ABA Space Symposium.

Founder and Chief Executive Officer of VEOWARE SPACE, Julien is an Entrepreneur, Engineer and Business Developer with experience in successfully structuring new space businesses, validating customer need, and offering multi-million worth of products and services on international markets. He also teaches spacecraft control engineering and spacecraft system engineering at University of Liege (Belgium).

Dan Terrett, FCA, is the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Odin Space, the company delivering the first end-to-end intelligence layer for lethal, non-trackable debris – providing the insight needed to understand, manage, and insure collision risk in space. At Odin Space, Dan leads operational execution as the company builds mission-critical intelligence for an increasingly congested, contested and uncertain orbital environment. As a Chartered Accountant with 15 years’ of experience across operational and senior management roles in fintech, mobility technology, and financial services, Dan has a strong track record of delivering complex change programmes across multiple stakeholders and international regulatory regimes. Since co-founding Odin Space, he has overseen the launch of sensors into orbit, the group’s move to the US, and the recent close of a $3m Seed funding round. He leads production, compliance, and insurance partnerships, ensuring customers can operate with confidence across the full space mission lifecycle in an era where flying blind is no longer an option.

Mr. Thomas is CEO of EnduroSat, Inc, a satellite design and manufacturing company based in Denver, Colorado. Formerly, as CTO and Sector EVP at Sierra Space he oversaw $1.5B in new space programs, founded its defense business unit, and oversaw technology related to the Dream Chaser orbital spaceplane. Prior to Sierra Space he was the President of Amazon Leo Government Solutions, responsible for leading government engagement globally and the associated project teams across Amazon. Prior to that, Mr. Thomas led Project Blackjack and PitBoss teams for DARPA’s Tactical Technology Office that demonstrated military utility of proliferated LEO satellites, including autonomous operations and direct tactical communication links from space assets to warfighters. In the early 2010’s, Mr. Thomas was Senior Director of Dragon Production at SpaceX, where he led the teams that built the first commercial spacecraft to resupply the International Space Station and developed it into a reusable, cost effective spacecraft. His team also manufactured the Falcon 9 landing legs which enable reuse of the Falcon first stage. He has held positions at Motorola on the original Iridium satellite integration and launch team, worked on Space Shuttle and Spacelab design teams, supported NASA Shuttle missions to the Russian Mir station, led the DARPA MiTEX mechanical design team, the GSSAP space segment team, performed supersonic design and analysis for Scaled Composites supporting their win of the X-Prize with SpaceShipOne, and has held multiple program management positions at Northrup Grumman’s (previously Orbital) advanced projects groups developing and operating classified spacecraft. Education: • B.S., Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering, Purdue University • M.S., Aerospace Engineering, University of Texas at Austin

Eyal Trachtman received BSc in Electronics engineering (’82), and MSc in Telecommunications (‘89) from Tel-Aviv University, Israel. His technical expertise covers various disciplines in the field of Mobile Satellite Systems, including modulation and coding, source coding, satellite multiple access, wireless packet, and networking. He holds 10 patents in the field of telecommunications. Eyal worked at Inmarsat (UK) for 23 years and was leading the Research and Development activities at Inmarsat as Director of R&D with a wide involvement in collaborative and strategic initiatives. Eyal is the VP responsible for the business development and service introduction of Addvalue’s Inter-Satellite Data Relay System. He is focusing on business and technology strategies and leading and delivering collaborative and innovation programs such as Addvalue’s IDRS.

Abhi Tripathi has been working in Human and Robotic Space flight for over 20 years. He is presently the Director of Mission Operations at the UC Berkeley Space Sciences Lab (SSL). The lab currently operates 2 NASA missions and has 5 more it is actively building and testing in preparation for launch. This includes the twin spacecraft ESCAPADE mission to Mars. Abhi is also an advisor to several exciting aerospace startups, both through his involvement as the Air and Space Track co-chair at the Berkeley Skydeck Accelerator, and on his own. Prior to his role at SSL, Abhi spent 10 years working at SpaceX, starting a month before the first launch of the F9. He led certification (by NASA) of the Cargo and Crew Dragon programs at SpaceX. These vehicles were certified faster than any visiting vehicles, before or since. He served as the Dragon Mission Director from mission control on a dozen cargo re-supply missions to the International Space Station. He also served as a Dragon Chief Engineer for Flight Reliability on the Crew Demo 1 and Demo 2 missions. Before SpaceX, Abhi spent 10 years as an Aerospace Systems engineer at NASA Johnson Space Center. There he worked on NASA’s long term planning and design work for Moon and Mars campaigns. Abhi has degrees in aerospace engineering from the University of Michigan and University of Colorado. He holds a Ph.D. in Geology/Micropaleontology from UCLA.

John “Vegas” Vargas is executive vice president, Growth, for Voyager Technologies, a Denver- based company delivering mission-critical solutions across defense, national security, space and commercial space exploration. In this role, Vargas drives strategic growth initiatives focused on expanding Voyager’s market share, revenue, and profitability, in the fast-paced and competitive space, defense and national security markets.

Previously Vargas served as director of Mission Enablement, Microsoft Federal, leading Department of Defense-wide engagement, yielding joint and coalition enablement, characterized as the most advanced Combined Joint All Domain Command and Control solution.

Prior to Microsoft, Vargas served as an officer and fighter pilot in the United States Air Force. He was a 2003 graduate from the United States Air Force Weapons School (TOP GUN) and later served as a Weapons School Instructor and the Air Force’s Forward Air Controller (Airborne) subject matter expert. Vargas was a Command Pilot with more than 3,500 flying hours, including 1,130 combat hours over Bosnia, Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya.

As Fighter Squadron Commander, Vargas led his airmen through 20,000 combat hours in a two-year period, earning recognition as one of the premier squadrons in the Air Force. As Operations Group Commander he ensured the 24/7 air defense of Washington, D.C. garnering the top aerospace defense unit in the nation on two annual occasions. Vargas concluded his military career as the Director of Operations for the Air National Guard, providing support, policy, direction and $1.9B in resource allocation to 90 Wings / 885 Units across the National Guard Enterprise.

Vargas served as a Legislative Fellow in the Office of U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) earning a certificate in Legislative Affairs from the Government Affairs Institute, Georgetown University, as well as performing a tour as the Deputy Director of Plans at U.S. Cyber Command, Fort Meade. He earned his bachelor’s degree in management from the United States Air Force Academy, an MBA from Trident University and a master’s in national resource strategy as a distinguished graduate from the Eisenhower School, National Defense University.

Nicol Verheem is a Technical Oscar and Emmy award winning electronic engineer, serial entrepreneur and startup investor. Verheem has started and scaled both bootstrapped and venture backed businesses, guiding them from startup through exit, then onto executive management in the parent company – a multi-national publicly listed conglomerate. Verheem currently serves as the Founder and CEO of TRL11, the world leader in developing live, full-motion HD/4K video capture on-orbit with ultra-high-efficiency encoding. TRL11’s Video Intelligence Platform (VIP) is a glass-to-glass machine vision solution for capturing, analyzing, and distributing on-orbit mission video for mission assurance, space domain awareness, RPO & docking, and Alt-PNT.
Verheem grew his previous company, Teradek, from startup to the globally recognized market leader in industrial video capture, encoding and distribution for news gathering, television, and movie production, transforming the business from a hardware startup to a hardware + platform business with cumulative revenue in excess of $1B and 90%+ market share.

Before Teradek, Verheem held management positions at General Electric, where he received leadership training in the prestigious Jack Welch Leadership Development Center, Green Belt and Black Belt certifications in LEAN Engineering and Design for Six Sigma. Prior to that he was an engineering manager responsible for top secret aerospace defense projects with CMM5, ISO 9000-3, MIL-STD 498, and DO-178B compliance.
Verheem lives in Orange County, California, with his wife and two children.

An aerospace engineer, he started his career with a leading European space systems integrator in Milan, Italy. After completing his MS and Phd in the US, Marco works as system engineer and program manager, eventually joining SpaceX as Mission Director for Dragon, the first commercial spacecraft to fly cargo and crew to orbit. He later joined Tyvak Nano-Satellite Systems and founded Tyvak International, its European subsidiary. As its COO, Marco helped growing the company into a global small-satellite leader that went public in 2021 as Terran Orbital and was eventually sold to Lockheed Martin in 2024. Marco currently serves as CEO of Canopy A&D, and is active as a private investor, consultant, and board advisor.

Jason Wallace is Vice President of Business Development at Neumann Space and the company’s first U.S.–based executive. He leads customer engagement and market activities across commercial, civil, and national security space sectors, supporting the adoption of Neumann Space’s electric propulsion technologies. Jason has held senior roles in business development and strategy, including at Phase Four, a commercial electric propulsion company. He holds degrees in aerospace engineering and space systems from UCLA and USC, and an MBA from the University of Michigan.

Tucker is the Head of Finance at Starfish Space where his leadership encompasses finance, supply chain, mission management, and other operations functions. Tucker started his career as a software engineer for the Department of Defense and Microsoft, working on operating system security. He then changed tracks to finance and business, working at McKinsey and founding his own startup before joining Starfish. Tucker holds an M.B.A from Harvard, an M.S. in Computer Science from Stanford, and a B.A. in Computer Science from Dartmouth.

Brian Weimer is a partner in Sheppard Mullin’s Washington, D.C. office and Leader of the firm’s Telecom Team and Co-Leader of the CFIUS Team. Brian provides regulatory and transactional advice across the entire telecommunications ecosystem. He is perhaps best known as a leading lawyer for the satellite industry, and he leads the firm’s Space & Satellite practice as well. – Brian obtains market access and FCC licenses for space station operators, both GEO and Non-GEO; – advises companies on obtaining cable landing licenses and the regulatory issues presented by undersea cable companies; – advises satellite and wireless companies on regulatory proceedings impacting the value, uses, availability and sharing of spectrum resources; – lobbies the FCC at the highest levels to achieve optimal outcomes for clients on their most important regulatory proceedings; – assists telecom companies navigate the myriad regulatory approvals necessary to consummate M&A deals, including Team Telecom and CFIUS; – secures special temporary authority and experimental licenses for telecom companies of all kinds; – prepares petitions for declaratory ruling to exceed foreign ownership benchmarks under the Communications Act; – obtains earth station licenses for satellite networks; – advises on regulatory aspects of business plans to assist fundraising efforts by start-up companies; – analyzes feasibility of foreign investment in telecom (and other) companies in light of strictures imposed by the Communications Act, Team Telecom and CFIUS; – prepares applications for 214 authorization at the FCC and similar initiatives at the State level; – advises foreign companies on the need for and structuring of proxy companies in the U.S. to assist in obtaining specialized U.S. government contracts; – serves as a trusted advisor to founders and entrepreneurs in their most important strategic decisions as they relate to FCC, ITU and market access actions around the world; – negotiates and drafts commercial contracts and M&A agreements for telecom companies; – advises companies through regulatory enforcement proceedings at the FCC and other federal agencies; – counsels telecom companies through restructuring efforts, including Chapter 11; and – advises media and other telecom companies with all manner of regulatory requirements for their businesses.

Max W. Yergan serves as Vice President of Investments at Space Leasing International (SLI), a space and frontier asset leasing company. In this role, he focuses on identifying and executing investment opportunities across the space infrastructure ecosystem. Prior to joining SLI, Max founded Emissionless Transportation, a sustainable logistics technology company. He has extensive experience with transportation and infrastructure transactions, including banking and private equity roles at CIT (now First Citizens Bank) and Turning Rock Partners. Max holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Finance and Economics from Villanova University. SLI is an aerospace subsidiary of Libra Group that provides innovative capital solutions for space assets such as ground stations, satellites, and other critical infrastructure, enabling manufacturers and operators to unlock capital and scale through flexible leasing structures.