Partner
McKinsey - Silicon Valley
Venky Anant, Partner, McKinsey - Silicon ValleyVenky Anant joined McKinsey & Company’s Palo Alto office in 2011and has since led several engagements at large high-tech clients across North America. Venky is a member of the Business Technology practice and his focus in the firm has been primarily around cybersecurity, software/ startups and analytics
Venky leads McKinsey’s West Coast Cybersecurity practice, and has been working on several cyber transformation topics at several large global enterprises. Venky also co-hosts McKinsey’s healthcare CISO roundtable (70+ global HC CISOs), and the West Coast CISO roundtables; and has spoken at several industry leading events e.g., RSA, BlackHat
Recent engagements
▪Cyber security strategy for >$100B global corporation across 10+ business units worldwide
▪5-year Information Security roadmap for a large payor-provider, including business cases for obtaining funding for the program from the Board
▪Security strategy and investment plan for Fortune 10 global organization
▪Several security product related engagements around cyber-security market, growth and next generation trends that drive CISO focus and attention
▪Growth strategy for a leading hardware/ software vendor with >$20B portfolio of products in a shrinking market- organizational turnaround and growth roadmap
▪Global tech/ talent sourcing strategy for a Supply Chain team with >$100B+ revenue passing through the tech platforms- risk mitigation while optimizing cost
▪$200M+Cost and transformation program at a leading technology giant
Recent Event leadership
▪Blackhat Conference, O’ Reilly North America Conference, Satellite innovation forum 2017, RSA Conference, GSA’s annual Silicon Valley meet, Digital equilibrium with ~15 nation states, HIMSS privacy summit presentation on privacy and security in the healthcare industry, NH-ISAC/ CyberFit, Several leading provider events
Education and prior experience
▪Venky holds an M.B.A. from INSEAD, France, and a Masters in Computers
▪Venky led a business analytics software startup which focused on security analytics in healthcare/ financial industry
Vice President of Operations and Business Development
Space Logistics LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Northrop Grumman
Joseph Anderson, Vice President of Operations and Business Development , Space Logistics LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Northrop GrummanJoseph Anderson is the Vice President of Operations and Business Development for Space Logistics LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Northrop Grumman. He has more than 30 years of satellite engineering, management and leadership experience including eight years with Northrop Grumman and 20 years at Intelsat. In his current role, Mr. Anderson is responsible for managing the technical, operational, licensing and insurance aspects of Space Logistics’ satellite servicing fleet, as well as business development for commercial and government satellite servicing. Mr. Anderson earned an MBA from George Washington University, an MS in Engineering from Stanford University and a BS in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Minnesota.
President
Northern Sky Research (NSR)
Chris Baugh, President, Northern Sky Research (NSR)Mr. Baugh serves as the President and Founder of Northern Sky Research (NSR), which he created in 2000 to provide independent, actionable market research and consulting services to the satellite industry. Mr. Baugh directs all NSR multi-client research reports and single-client consulting projects and manages a global team of analysts that stand at the forefront of satellite industry expertise.
Before forming NSR, Mr. Baugh served as Senior Analyst for Pioneer Consulting where he covered all aspects of the satellite market. Prior to Pioneer, Mr. Baugh was an International Trade Specialist and Economist for the U.S. Department of Commerce in Washington, DC. While at the Department of Commerce, Mr. Baugh was a recipient of the Charles F. Meissner Memorial Award for his work on trade negotiations in the International Trade Administration.
Mr. Baugh also has extensive legislative and analytical experience from his work for the Committee on International Relations and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, both in the U.S. House of Representatives. Mr. Baugh holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Westminster College and a Master’s Degree in International Affairs from The George Washington University.
Executive Chairman and Co-Founder
PredaSAR Corp
Marc Bell, Executive Chairman and Co-Founder, PredaSAR CorpMarc Bell’s childhood dream of becoming an astronaut never came true, but as a serial entrepreneur and investor behind such companies as Terran Orbital, PredaSAR, Tyvak Corp., and more, he certainly has been to space.
His first foray into the segment was Terran Orbital, a pioneer in new space, which Marc co-founded in 2013. Terran has since become the corporate parent of two groundbreaking ventures in the space sector: Tyvak, which is today one of the largest manufacturer of nanosatellites in the world with over 220 satellites put into space; and PredaSAR, which is building and will operate the largest and most advanced constellation of Synthetic Aperture Radar satellites for myriad critical national security applications, as well as commercial uses.
Prior to his current endeavors, Marc was well-known as one of the founders of New York City’s “Silicon Alley.” He founded Globix: The Global Internet Exchange, in 1989, which became the world’s largest logical peer connecting over 1,000 internet providers around the world and helping to build the internet backbone. With a global network spanning more than 28,000 miles of fiber and the second-largest owner of Internet Data Center space, it hosted major websites for companies like Microsoft and Walmart.
In 2007, Marc sponsored Enterprise Acquisition Corp., a $250 million SPAC. The company later merged into Armour Capital Management (ACM). ACM currently manages Armour Residential REIT Inc. (NYSE: ARR), which today has over $5 billion in assets.
Beyond the world of business, Marc is a two-time Tony Award-winning producer. His credits include Jersey Boys, August: Osage County, Rock of Ages, Waitress, and most recently Beetlejuice, in addition to several full-length motion pictures.
Marc is a member of the Board of Trustees of New York University, Board of Overseers at New York University Langone Medical Center, and NYU Stern Center for Real Estate Finance Research Advisory Board. He is also Chairman of the Boca Raton Police Foundation and sits on the board of SOS Children’s Village.
Marc earned a Master of Science degree in Real Estate Development and Investment from New York University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Babson College.
Chief Strategist
Boeing Space & Launch
Jordan Bletscher, Chief Strategist, Boeing Space & LaunchJordan Bletscher is the Chief Strategist for Boeing Space & Launch. He is responsible for integrating market and investment strategies across the full range of Boeing’s space portfolio. Prior to his current role, Jordan was the lead strategist for the Boeing Phantom Works space division, defining technology and growth strategies for government and commercial small satellite systems. Jordan has over 15 years of experience supporting government and commercial satellite programs across a range of mission areas. He has led satellite system design and analysis efforts in partnership with U.S. Government customers, pushing the boundaries of traditional satellite design to enable new more resilient mission architectures.
CEO
Seraphim Capital
Mark Boggett, CEO, Seraphim CapitalMark Boggett is CEO of Seraphim Capital a London based venture firm. The team manages the recently launched Seraphim Space Fund, a pioneering new fund backed by a range of leading space corporates seeking investments in space-related start-ups. He is also director of UK Space Tech Angels and is Chairman of the London Co-investment Fund – one of the most active seed investors in Europe. Prior to Seraphim he was at YFM Equity Partners serving on their mainboard for a number of years and working on the British Smaller Company VCT 1 and 2. He has a degree in Accounting & Finance, an MA in Economics & Finance from the University of Leeds and a range of professional investment qualifications.
Operating Partner
DCVC - Data Collective
Dr. Chris Boshuizen, Operating Partner, DCVC - Data CollectiveDr. Chris Boshuizen is an Operating Partner at DCVC (Data Collective) leading investment in space (Capella Space, Rocket Lab) and other deep tech companies. Chris was co-founder of Planet Labs, a DCVC company providing unprecedented daily, global mapping of our changing planet from space. As the company’s CTO for 5 years, he took the company from the drawing board to having launched more satellites into space than any other company in history, completely transforming the space industry along the way. Chris was previously a Space Mission Architect at NASA Ames Research Center. After working on a number of traditional spacecraft programs at NASA, Chris co-created Phonesat, a spacecraft built solely out of a regular smartphone. Chris received his Ph.D. in Physics (with honors) and a BSc. in Physics and Mathematics, both from the University of Sydney.
President
Kratos - Space, Training & Cybersecurity Division
Phil Carrai, President, Kratos - Space, Training & Cybersecurity DivisionFounder & CEO
LeoLabs
Dr. Dan Ceperley, Founder & CEO, LeoLabsDan cofounded LeoLabs to accelerate the new commercial economy in LEO, protect satellite assets, and preserve the space environment. LeoLabs is the first commercial data source for tracking satellites and mapping LEO. Prior to co-founding LeoLabs Dan was a Program Director at SRI International where he supervised the Allen Telescope Array and developed advanced radar imaging technologies. Dan holds a Ph. D. from U. C. Berkeley in electrical engineering.
Solutions Architect
SSC - Swedish Space Corporation
Darren Charrier, Solutions Architect, SSC - Swedish Space CorporationCEO
Bryce Space and Technology
Carissa Christensen, CEO, Bryce Space and TechnologyCarissa Christensen. Carissa Christensen is an internationally recognized expert on the space industry and commercial space, R&D processes, and technology forecasting.
She is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Bryce Space and Technology, an analytics and engineering firm based in Alexandria, Va., that serves as a trusted advisor to government and space industry decision-makers, as well as investors. Bryce develops and maintains definitive data sets on the global space economy, including the commercial launch and satellite industries. Christensen previously co-founded firms including defense contractor The Tauri Group, acquired by LMI, and quantum computing software company QxBranch, acquired by Rigetti Computing. She is an active investor who serves on several early stage boards.
Christensen currently sits on the National Research Council Space Technology Industry- Government-University Roundtable, which advises NASA; the World Economic Forum Global Future Council; and the Senior Advisory Council of the Aerospace Corporation’s Center for Space Policy and Strategy. She is a Senior Advisor to the annual US Air Force space-focused Schriever Wargame.
Christensen has testified before Congress on space markets, speaks at industry symposia and events such as the White House Frontiers Conference and the Harvard Business School Dialogue, and frequently guest lectures at universities internationally. She publishes extensively and has appeared in commercial space documentaries by The Financial Times and Bloomberg.
Christensen is a graduate of Harvard University’s Kennedy School, where she specialized in science and technology policy. She attended the London School of Economics and was a Douglass Scholar at Rutgers University. She is a Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.
Founder and Managing Partner
Promus Ventures
Mike Collett, Founder and Managing Partner, Promus VenturesMike Collett is Founder and Managing Partner of Promus Ventures in Chicago. Mike previously was Founder and Managing Partner of Masters Capital Nanotechnology Fund and also on the Technology Equity team with Masters Capital, a hedge fund. Mike was Vice President at Merrill Lynch in the M&A Group as well as an Associate in M&A Division with Duff & Phelps. Mike has invested in over 60 software/hardware startups and is currently on the board of Spire, Layer, Kurbo Health, Gauss Surgical, Dispatch, Enview, FirstLine, and Daylight Solutions. Mike received his BS in Math and a BA in English from Vanderbilt University and an MBA from Washington University in St. Louis. Mike and his wife Paige have four children and live in Chicago.
Sr. Director Protected Satellite Communications Missions
Lockheed Martin Space Systems
Erik Daehler, Sr. Director Protected Satellite Communications Missions, Lockheed Martin Space SystemsErik Daehler is the Senior Director of Protected Communications Satellite Missions for the Lockheed Martin Corporation. In this capacity, he is responsible for the development, deployment and operations of strategic and tactical communications satellites for the United States Government, allies, coalition partners and commercial customers. He brings 20 years of aerospace and defense experience to the mission.
Mr. Daehler is responsible for the development of next-generation satellite communications (satcom) product offerings, technology solutions, satellite design and system architectures. In this role, Mr. Daehler uses his experience in commercial satcom to innovate and affordably develop solutions for government missions. He directs the team delivering the most-advanced programs including AEHF, MUOS, PTS, ESS, COOLR as well as future programs in Australia, the United Kingdom and across the globe for Lockheed Martin’s government and international customers.
Prior to joining Lockheed Martin, Mr. Daehler was the Director of Product Innovation for Boeing, where he led development of new satellite platforms for Boeing’s Advanced Network and Space Systems, including the first of a kind 702SP all-electric, dual-stacked satellite and the 502 remote sensing satellites.
Mr. Daehler has a background in optical physics with applications in communication and space remote sensing. This mission experience shaped the strategy for new technology development. Mr. Daehler led research and development for Boeing’s unmanned satellite systems, worked as a Chief System Architect and Systems Engineering Manager on large-scale satellite and network systems for commercial and government customers.
Mr. Daehler joined Lockheed Martin at NASA’s John C. Stennis Space Center in 2000 where he performed calibrations of space and aircraft-based earth observation systems. In 2002, he transitioned to Boeing to develop next-generation space systems including the X-37B reusable space plane. In 2016, Mr. Daehler returned to Lockheed Martin to grow the commercial communications and remote sensing business.
Mr. Daehler was educated in Europe at the Technical University of Delft in the Netherlands where he received his Master’s degree in Space Systems Engineering. He also received a Bachelor of Arts in Physics from The Colorado College in 1998.
VP of Business Development
Advantech Wireless
Cristi Damian, VP of Business Development, Advantech WirelessMr. Damian holds a Masters degree in Electrical Engineering and initially held roles as a hardware engineer at various high-tech companies. He joined Advantech Wireless in 1995 and has held executive positions including in Operations, Manufacturing, Sales, and Engineering . His expertise is centered on Solid State RF technology for Space Applications, and complex integrated networks design.
Chairman and CEO
Viasat
Mark Dankberg, Chairman and CEO, ViasatMark Dankberg co-founded ViaSat Inc. in 1986, and has held the position of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer since inception. Under his leadership, ViaSat has consistently been recognized as one of America’s fastest growing technology companies.
Mark is an acknowledged industry expert in communications technology, satellite, aerospace and defense, and is the leading visionary for a new generation of high-capacity satellite systems that are poised to deliver worldwide broadband coverage by 2021. He has co-authored several military standards on satellite networking, and holds a number of patents in communications and satellite networking technologies. He has participated on Department of Defense advisory panels and has testified before a Congressional committee on high technology growth companies and IPOs as well as before the House Subcommittee on Telecommunications regarding communications technologies for rural broadband.
Advanced Concept Engineer for Geospatial Solutions
L3Harris Technology’s Space and Airborne Systems
John Delay, Advanced Concept Engineer for Geospatial Solutions, L3Harris Technology’s Space and Airborne SystemsJohn Delay is senior scientist, and Advanced Concept Engineer, for Geospatial Solutions within L3Harris Technology’s Space and Airborne Systems segment. Geospatial Solutions encompasses integrated processing systems and analytics, government geospatial systems and IntelliEarth™ commercial geospatial solutions businesses.
Delay assumed the position of senior scientist advanced concept engineering in 2020 reports to the director of Advanced Concept Engineering. He develops strategies across diverse market segments, identifies market and technology drivers, and applies technology to develop products and solutions to solve complex problems. Delay currently leads L3Harris’ geospatial platform implementation in support of commercial; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; and geospatial missions.
Previously, Delay served as director of technology and strategic growth where he led growth initiatives for Harris Corporation’s broadcast division.
Delay has a proven track record as an innovator, holding over 20 patents in motion imagery, wide-area motion imagery, Internet Protocol (IP) Television technologies, adaptive self-learning IP-content data models, maritime analytics, cognitive model-based analytics, and model-based analytics. He pioneered Harris’ Full-Motion Video Asset Management Engine (FAME™) and the IntelliEarthTM Observer Platform, which enable customers to process and analyze a wide range of intelligence information. He is considered a leading expert in content delivery networks, video encoding, video analytics, video networks, geospatial knowledge graphs, and modern geospatial enterprises.
Delay is a past co-chair for the United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation (USGIF) Activity Based Intelligence Working Group, and he is an active member of USGIF, the Intelligence National Security Alliance, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, the Moving Picture Experts Group, and the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association.
Delay has a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, radio frequency and broadcast engineering from IUPUI formerly ATT-Technical Institute and Culver – Stockton College in Missouri. He is a graduate of the University of Virginia Darden Executive Business Innovation Program and the Kellogg Executive Management Program.
L3Harris Technologies is an agile global aerospace and defense technology innovator, delivering end-to-end solutions that meet customers’ mission-critical needs. The company provides advanced defense and commercial technologies across air, land, sea, space and cyber domains.
Senior Vice President, Product Management & Marketing
Comtech EF Data
Louis Dubin, Senior Vice President, Product Management & Marketing, Comtech EF DataLouis Dubin is Senior Vice President, Product Management & Marketing for Comtech EF Data. In this role, he directs the organization towards its primary technology and marketing objectives, defining new product/solution business cases and prioritizing development across all product lines. Dubin investigates new technologies and potential partnerships that may enhance the company’s market position.
He joined Comtech EF Data in 2008, through the acquisition of Radyne Corporation. During his tenure at Radyne Corporation, Dubin held the positions of President of Radyne’s Phoenix, Arizona division and Vice President of Sales. Dubin has over 25 years of experience in the telecommunications and transmission industry. He holds a degree in Electrical Engineering from the Florida Institute of Technology, and completed the Stanford Executive program in Technology Management.
President
International Astronautical Federation
Prof. Pascale Ehrenfreund, President, International Astronautical FederationPascale Ehrenfreund is Research Professor of Space Policy and International Affairs at the Space Policy Institute/George Washington University in Washington DC. She is also Chancellor of the International Space University ISU and President of the International Astronautical Federation IAF. Since three decades she contributed as Principal Investigator, Co-Investigator and Teamleader to ESA and NASA astronomy and planetary missions as well as experiments in low Earth orbit and on the International Space Station.
Pascale Ehrenfreund was the Chair of the Executive Board of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) between 2015-2020 and the President of the Austrian Science Fund (FWF) from 2013-2015. Pascale Ehrenfreund holds a Master degree in Molecular Biology, a PhD in Astrophysics, and a Master degree in Management & Leadership. The asteroid “9826 Ehrenfreund 2114 T-3” bears her name.
Executive Vice President, Customer Relations
Maxar Space Solutions
Paul Estey, Executive Vice President, Customer Relations, Maxar Space SolutionsPROFILE
Business leader with significant experience in operations and global supply chain management
Extenisve experience in managing exceptional engineering and manufacturing teams to successfully produce extremely technical products in very competitive markets
EXPERIENCE
Responsible for ensuring all of Maxar SS customer needs are being met from the early stages of business development through the completion of the mission
COO/Executive Vice President, Engineering and Operations
Engineering Consultant
Advisor
Orbital Security Space
Dr Gregory Falco, Advisor, Orbital Security SpaceGregory started his career at Accenture with a focus on sustainability and smart-city management. The pervasive cyber vulnerabilities in those systems led him to focus on cybersecurity. After receiving his PhD from MIT, he founded a company and was named a Forbes 30 under 30 for it. He is a leading authority on Space Cybersecurity and the group’s dedicated system cracker.
Sr. Vice President of Technology
iDirect Government
Karl G. Fuchs, Sr. Vice President of Technology, iDirect GovernmentKarl Fuchs joined iDirect Government in 2004 as the Director of Sales Engineering, just as the satellite-based IP communications company was expanding its very small aperture satellite (VSAT) market presence into the federal government and international Internet Protocol (IP) networking world. He now works as the Sr. Vice President of Technology.
With more than 25 years of experience in technology and with the federal government, Fuchs leads iDirect Government’s team of federal sales engineers, hardware engineers, software engineers, and serves as chief architect for new product integration.
Prior to joining iDirect Government, Fuchs was Director of Systems Engineering at Nortel Networks, where he oversaw the Verizon account team of systems engineers, leading the design of IP, Frame Relay, Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) and dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) networks. Before joining Nortel, he designed IP and ATM networks for Sprint and the federal government.
Active in the satellite industry for more than 20 years, Fuchs has contributed editorial to numerous publications including Federal Computer Week, Institute for Defense and Government Advancement, COTS Journal, Military Information Technology, Via Satellite, MILSATCOM and Satellite Evolution Global. In addition, he has been a featured speaker at leading industry events including the DoD SATCOM User Workshop, ISCe, IBC, Pacific Telecommunications Council and Emergency Management Talks.
Fuchs holds a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from George Mason University, Fairfax, Va. and an MBA from Averett University, Danville, Va.
CEO
SatixFy
Yoel Gat, CEO, SatixFyYoel Gat is a well-known satellite communications expert, a visionary entrepreneur making an impact on multiple industries. Yoel Gat is a well-known satellite communications expert, a visionary entrepreneur making an impact on multiple industries. Yoel has 35 years of experience in the satellite industry.
Main Achievements
1. Founder of Gilat Satellite Networks and taking it public on NASDAQ in 1993
2. Leading Gilat to over $500M in sales with over 2,500 employees and market cap of $4.5B.
3. Created StarBand – first Consumer Satellite Broadband service launched in 2000.
4. Leading the Low-Profile satellite steering antennas making RaySat a prominent name.
5. Published 3 books about the companies he built.
President and CEO
Spacebridge Inc.
David Gelerman, President and CEO, Spacebridge Inc.Mr. Gelerman is a visionary engineer, innovator and businessman with over 40 years of experience. In 1988, Mr. Gelerman founded Advantech Wireless Inc., serving as President and CEO for the last 30 years. Steering the company from start-up to becoming a dominant global player in the satellite ground communication business, both in radio frequency and networking. Through organic growth and acquisition, the company became one of the largest exporters in Quebec.
In 2018, after the acquisition of the radio frequency business by Baylin, Mr. Gelerman carries on forward with the Satellite Networking business, keeping in tradition and with continued strengths as a best-in-class industry leader, leading the pace of innovation with one of the most advanced VSAT satellite network platforms.
Prior to founding the company, Mr. Gelerman held various management and design engineering positions at Nortel Networks, in the Transmission Networks Division, where he led teams that developed several multibillion dollar microwave terrestrial radio systems.
Mr. Gelerman holds a Master’s of Science degree in Electrical Engineering (MSEE), specializing in Wireless Communications and Broadcasting.
CEO
OneWeb Satellites
Tony Gingiss, CEO, OneWeb SatellitesTony Gingiss is an Executive, Program Manager and Systems Engineer with over 25 years of experience in the satellite and telecom industries. Tony is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of OneWeb Satellites, appointed in Sept 2017. OneWeb Satellites is a joint venture (JV) between Airbus and OneWeb created to design the satellites for OneWeb’s low earth orbit constellation and manufacture over 900 of them at a production rate of 10+ satellites per week. In addition to enabling OneWeb, the JV’s mission is to provide low cost and high quality satellites to the market to revolutionize the economics of space. Prior to leading the JV, Tony served as OneWeb’s Vice President, Space Segment, responsible for satellite and launch vehicle procurement.
Prior to joining OneWeb, Tony was the Director of Strategic Integration for Boeing’s Satellite Systems in El Segundo, CA. He was responsible for overall innovation and integrating business strategy, across Government and Commercial markets and all organization functions. Prior to this, he was the Program Director of National Space Communications Programs (NSCP) and Advanced Systems Programs (ASP), portfolios of classified communications related programs with a combined scope of over $2B. During his 2011-2016 tenure in NSCP/ASP, Tony served as the Deputy Director and in program management roles for evolution studies, new business activities & campaigns, and a major development program.
From 2007-2011, Tony led the Systems Engineering organization for Boeing’s GPS (Global Positioning System) IIF. GPS IIF is the current generation GPS satellite system for the U.S. Air Force and included 12 new satellites and an updated ground segment, now fully deployed and operational. His organization included Space Vehicle System & Subsystems Engineering, Space and Ground Segment Integration, Flight Products, and Mission Operations Support. He led this organization through the first two launches in May 2010 and July 2011.
Tony started at Hughes Space and Communications (now Boeing Network & Space Systems) in 1992 as a Mission Analyst. He was the lead mission analyst for the first three DirecTV satellites and served in analysis and operations roles for more than 15 domestic and international commercial satellite programs. Tony worked his way up from a Mission Analyst into Ground Systems Engineering and Management and, ultimately, into Systems Engineering and Engineering Management, working Commercial, NASA, and DoD programs during all phases including concept/business development, design, I&T, delivery and on-orbit support.
During the dot-com boom from 2000 to 2003 Tony was the Director of Product Development for a small media and entertainment technology and telecommunications company. There he gained valuable technical and management experience in integrated hardware, software and networking product development and unique insight into the adoption of non-aerospace commercial practices and technologies to the aerospace industry. He rejoined Hughes/Boeing in 2003 as part of Boeing’s systems engineering team on the DoD TSAT Program.
Tony received his Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from Purdue in 1990. He was awarded a Charles Stark Draper Laboratories Fellowship at MIT and received his Master of Science in Aeronautics and Astronautics from MIT in 1992.
Chief Commercial Officer
ManSat
Katherine Gizinski, Chief Commercial Officer, ManSatKatherine Gizinski is the Chief Commercial Officer for ManSat, the global market leader in commercial provision of spectrum to the satellite industry.
Before her tenure at ManSat, Katherine worked with U.S. defense contractors to bring cutting edge commercial satellite and terrestrial communication technologies to austere environments in support of military, diplomatic, first responder, and commercial initiatives.
Leading global product and service sales for Mission Mobility, Katherine drove the development of next-generation rugged and resilient communications at the network edge.
In her time with Kratos Defense, Katherine supported tactical and executive communication solutions for military and civil programs including the Department of State REACH program which provided emergency communication capability to every U.S. Embassy and Consulate worldwide.
Katherine holds a Bachelor of Science in Commerce from the University of Virginia.
Chief, Commercial Satellite Communications (COMSATCOM) Office
HQ United States Space Force
Clare Grason, Chief, Commercial Satellite Communications (COMSATCOM) Office, HQ United States Space ForceClare A. Grason is Chief, Commercial Satellite Communications (COMSATCOM) Office, assigned to Headquarters United States Space Force, Washington, D.C. She is responsible for delivering COMSATCOM capabilities to support the joint warfighter, federal agencies and international partners. Her portfolio includes the Enhanced Mobile Satellite Services (EMSS) Program Office, the EMSS Gateway and Capabilities Office and the Department of Defense COMSATCOM Solutions Office.
EMSS is an $800 million global satellite program that provides the Department of Defense, federal and coalition partners with unlimited access to the commercial Iridium constellation, a mesh-network of 66 on-orbit cross-linked satellites, through a dedicated, EMSS controlled gateway.
The COMSATCOM Solutions Office acquires any commercial satellite capability for any customer, anywhere, and has $4.6 billion under management.
Prior to this role, Ms. Grason was the SATCOM Division Chief, Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA). In this role she managed the Department of Defense Enterprise Gateways Program Office, the SATCOM Operations Integration Branch, and the COMSATCOM portfolio described above, prior to its Congressionally-directed transfer to the AFSPC. Other assignments include Program Manager, EMSS and Program Manager for a classified telecommunications system within DISA’s National Leadership Command Capabilities Center (NLCC). Ms. Grason began her career in government with DISA as a contracting officer, and served as the Chief, Special Projects Contracting Branch, which held a contracts portfolio valued at over $2 billion.
Prior to joining the government, Ms. Grason was a retirement funds analyst for T. Rowe Price.
Ms. Grason received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance from West Virginia University, and is a Certified Public Accountant.
Ms. Grason is DAWIA Level 3 certified in contracting.
VP Defense Programs
Stellar Solutions
Janet Grondin, VP Defense Programs, Stellar SolutionsJanet Grondin is Vice President for Defense Programs. In this role she leads and is responsible for oversight of Stellar Solutions’ robust technology, management, and expert solutions for Department of Defense customers related to space and missile systems for national protection and security. These efforts include space superiority, launch enterprise integration, and web services development programs; major programs like GPS and the Space-Based Infrared System; and related capabilities that serve the Air Force in missile warning, weather, precision navigation and timing, and communications. Stellar Solutions has established an exemplary breadth of engagement to ensure continuity of operations across the globe in the event of a threat.
She joined Stellar Solutions as Director of Emerging Space Capabilities in 2018 after supporting Northrop Grumman Corporation as Director for Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) Exploitation Systems as well as Operations Director for MILSATCOM and National Program ground systems.
Before that, Grondin served 25 years in the U.S. Air Force in numerous leadership, project management and technical roles, developing significant expertise in command, acquisition, program management, and systems engineering for space and ground systems. These positions included Chief of the Range and Network Division that oversaw the Eastern and Western Ranges; Air Force Satellite Control Network and Standard Space Trainer; Program Manager for the Global Positioning System (GPS) Operational Control Segment; Program Element Monitor for Space Situational Awareness and Special Access; and a Director of Engineering supporting the National Reconnaissance Office.
Her education includes a B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering (magna cum laude) from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, a M.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from the AF Institute of Technology, a M.S. in Strategic Studies from Air War College, and a M.S. in Military Operational Art & Science from Air Command and Staff College. Grondin is the President of the Women In Defense Greater Los Angeles Chapter (WID-GLAC) and a Board Member of the National Defense Industrial Association Greater Los Angeles Chapter (NDIA-GLAC). In 2019, Janet earned her credentials as a California Awards for Performance Excellence (CAPE) Examiner.
Vice President
Bessemer Venture Partners
Tess Hatch, Vice President, Bessemer Venture PartnersTess is a vice president at Bessemer Venture Partners fostering entrepreneurship of frontier technology, specifically the commercialization of space, drones, autonomous vehicles, and the future of agriculture and food technology. She wants to invest in technology and people who believe as strongly as she does that frontier technology will develop solutions for societal problems.
Tess earned a Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Michigan and a Master’s degree in aeronautics and astronautics engineering from Stanford. She went on to work for Boeing and then SpaceX where she worked with the government on integrating its payloads with the Falcon9 rocket. She remains close to her alma mater through co-teaching a class at Stanford for professors interested in commercializing their research, serving on the board of advisors for the Stanford Technology Ventures Program and founding the Stanford Aero/Astro Alumni Association. Tess was recently named Forbes’ 30 Under 30 in Venture Capital.
Tess is passionate about space exploration and imagines a future where we all travel to space. She hopes to make the trip herself soon.
Brig. Gen., USAF (R), and President and CEO
SES Government Solutions
Pete Hoene, Brig. Gen., USAF (R), and President and CEO, SES Government SolutionsBrigadier General Peter F. Hoene, USAF (Retired) was named President and CEO of SES Government Solutions on January 19, 2015. In his previous role, he served as the Corporate Vice President for Development for SES Government Solutions, headquartered in Reston, VA. As Corporate Vice President for Development, he worked with United States warfighters and other government users to help determine their requirements and offer communications support, hosted payload opportunities, and network solutions. He then communicated those requirements to the SES parent organization to take advantage of existing on-orbit SES fleet capacity, or to influence future satellite designs.
Pete retired from the U.S. Air Force in 2010 as Brigadier General, following 30 years of service. He is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, as well as a distinguished graduate of both the Air Command and Staff College and the National War College. He holds two master’s degrees and served in a wide variety of Space, Command and Control, and research, development, acquisition, test, staff and command assignments. In his last active duty position, Hoene served as the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) Program Executive Officer for Command and Control, where he managed a portfolio of Joint and Coalition Command and Control and Information Sharing programs.
Prior to his DISA assignment, he was Commander, 350th Electronic Systems Wing (C2&ISR Wing), Electronic Systems Center, Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., where he managed a portfolio of 49 command and control (C2), ISR, Space and Cyber programs valued at more than $9 billion.
Vice President of Starlink and Commercial Sales
SpaceX
Jonathan Hofeller, Vice President of Starlink and Commercial Sales, SpaceXJonathan Hofeller is SpaceX’s Vice President of Starlink and Commercial Sales. In this role, he leads business development efforts for Starlink, commercial launch, and private human spaceflight endeavors.
Hofeller joined SpaceX in 2007 and previously headed the company’s business development efforts in North America, Middle East and Asia— successfully expanding SpaceX’s customer base across the globe to include new launch customers in new regions and SpaceX’s entrance into the private astronaut sector.
Hofeller received his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the Johns Hopkins University, a Master’s of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Southern California, and a degree in Technology Commercialization from USC’s Marshall School of Business. He is also a graduate of the International Space University’s Space Studies Program. Prior to joining SpaceX, Hofeller worked at The Raytheon Company as a Senior Mechanical Engineer and designer on several satellite programs. He also serves on the Johns Hopkins University Mechanical Engineering Advisory Board.
Vice President Telesat LEO
TELESAT
Erwin Hudson, Vice President Telesat LEO, TELESATErwin Hudson is Vice President, Telesat LEO. He is responsible for directing the development and implementation of Telesat’s planned LEO satellite constellation that will offer high throughput, low latency communications on a global basis.
Mr. Hudson is one of the industry’s most experienced executives in satellite-enabled broadband networks. He was Chief Technology Officer at WildBlue Communications, an early satellite broadband provider later acquired by ViaSat, that began building its U.S. subscriber base using the Ka-band spot beams on Telesat’s Anik F2 satellite. Prior to WildBlue, Mr. Hudson was a senior executive at Space Systems Loral and, before that he was Director Satellite Communications at TRW Space & Electronics.
Mr. Hudson recently led the ViaSat team that NBN Co selected to provide the ground infrastructure for the satellite portion of Australia’s National Broadband Network. He holds a number of patents and his innovations, technical and commercial, have driven the growth of satellite broadband in markets around the world. Mr. Hudson earned an Electrical Engineering degree from North Carolina State University, a Masters in Electrical Engineering from The Ohio State University and a Professional Engineers Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Southern California.
Project Director of Space Laser Communication
Sony Computer Science Laboratories
Dr. Kyohei Iwamoto, Project Director of Space Laser Communication, Sony Computer Science LaboratoriesKyohei Iwamoto is project director of space laser communication at Sony Computer Science Laboratories and senior researcher at Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. His current space mission called SOLISS, launched September 2019 as a joint research project of JAXA and Sony CSL, is utilizing International Space Station for quick demonstration of laser communication system which introduced optical disc technologies and its basic research was started from June 2016 and awarded Prime Minister Prize of Space Technology Development and Utilization in 2020.
His research interest in space laser communication system and optics. Prior to lead this project, he was a distinguished researcher at Sony and a visiting researcher at Palo Alto Research Center. He received his PhD, master and bachelor degree in engineering in 2003, 2000 and 1998 respectively, all from Osaka University, Japan.
Managing Director, Technology & Infrastructure Group
Export-Import Bank of the United States
Kyle J Jackson, Managing Director, Technology & Infrastructure Group, Export-Import Bank of the United StatesKyle J. Jackson has been with EXIM Bank for over 20 years having started his career with the Bank in 1996. Throughout his EXIM career, Kyle has had the opportunity to work in a number of the Bank’s public facing divisions. Early on Kyle served as the Business Development officer for Mexico and the People’s Republic of China. He has headed up the Bank’s efforts for outreach throughout the Mid-Atlantic area, which included serving as the Primary Business Development Officer for Service and Technology Firms.
In 2004, Kyle joined the Bank’s Trade Finance Division, where he became lead and Senior Credit Officer for a majority of the Bank’s Sovereign transactions as well as lending to Africa and Asian public and private sector buyers. During his time in Trade Finance Kyle underwrote more than $3 billion worth of financing for a number of diverse industries including: construction, oil and gas, potable water, healthcare, satellites, terrestrial telecommunications and aircraft.
Kyle currently holds the position of Managing Director of the Satellite, Telecommunications, Technology and Infrastructure Group, which is housed in the Bank’s Structured and Project Finance Division. Kyle was named to this position In December 2019.
Founder
Future Ventures
Steve Jurvetson, Founder, Future VenturesSteve Jurvetson is an early-stage venture capitalist with a focus on founder-led, mission-driven companies at the cutting edge of disruptive technology and new industry formation. Steve was the early VC investor in SpaceX, Tesla, Planet, Memphis Meats, Hotmail, and the deep learning companies Mythic and Nervana. He also led founding investments in five companies that went public in successful IPOs and several others that became billion-dollar acquisitions. His board seats include SpaceX and Tesla.
Before co-founding Future Ventures and Draper Fisher Jurvetson, Steve was an R&D Engineer at Hewlett-Packard, where seven of his chip designs were fabricated. He also worked in product marketing at Apple and NeXT and management consulting with Bain & Company. He completed his undergraduate Electrical Engineering degree at Stanford in 2.5 years, graduating #1 in his class, and went on to earn a MSEE and MBA from Stanford.
In 2017, Steve received the Visionary Award from SV Forum. In 2016, President Barack Obama appointed Steve as a Presidential Ambassador for Global Entrepreneurship. Steve has also been honored as one of “Tech’s Best Venture Investors” by Forbes, and as the “Venture Capitalist of the Year” by Deloitte. Here is a recent podcast interview on 20VC.
Partner
Hogan Lovells
Steve Kaufman, Partner, Hogan LovellsA corporate partner and satellite practice co-head, Steve Kaufman uses industry knowledge and versatility to negotiate and close many types of deals globally.
For 18 of his 30 years at the firm, Steve served as outside general counsel for satellite clients, leading strategic joint ventures, “bet-the-company” contracts, financings, and M&A.
What Steve does best: understanding complex business issues and translating them into legal documents. 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. He has even written a business and financing model for parties in the form of an agreement. 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 satellite and communications companies to give him an edge in negotiations. This experience produces extra benefits when Steve deals with specialized satellite contract terms, targeted warranties, creative covenants, 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 and satellite practice co-head Randy Segal are regulars at the satellite conferences, making connections among clients and even adverse parties. He is listed in Chambers, Super Lawyers, and Legal 500.
President
Hughes Network Systems, LLC
Pradman Kaul, President, Hughes Network Systems, LLCFor over 40 years, Pradman Kaul has been a leading force in the satellite industry, recognized for his contributions in both technology and business. As President of Hughes since 2000, Mr. Kaul has led the company to be the world’s dominant provider of broadband satellite networks and services—annually maintaining over 50% VSAT market share, with more than 7 million terminals of all types shipped to customers in over 100 countries. Hughes and Mr. Kaul have been synonymous with landmark industry achievements—from developing technology standards, to designing and manufacturing breakthrough products, to delivering unique value-added services and solutions.
Mr. Kaul holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from George Washington University and a Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of California at Berkeley. Accolades include the IEEE Third Millennium (2000); National Academy of Engineering (2004); Executive of the Year, Tech Council of Maryland (2005); “Satellite Executive of the Year,” Via Satellite (2008); and Society of Satellite Professionals Hall of Fame (2009). Mr. Kaul holds several patents and is widely published in the areas of technology, engineering, and satellite communications.
Deputy Chief of the Satellite Division
FCC - Federal Communications Commission
Karl Kensinger, Deputy Chief of the Satellite Division, FCC - Federal Communications CommissionKarl A. Kensinger is a Deputy Chief of the Satellite Division of the Federal Communications Commission’s International Bureau. Mr. Kensinger’s experience and expertise covers a broad range of satellite policy and licensing matters, including licensing of small satellites and satellite constellations, international coordination of satellite networks, radio spectrum policy, and transfers of FCC licenses. He has been a primary FCC point of contact on orbital debris matters since 1995. Mr. Kensinger is a graduate of the University of Michigan Law School and the University of Chicago.
CEO and Founder
Momentus
Mikhail Kokorich, CEO and Founder, MomentusMikhail Kokorich is a serial space entrepreneur with more than 20 years of experience (from startups to billion dollar companies) in various industries, ranging from retail and manufacturing to space exploration. In 2014 he co-founded space startup Astro Digital. In 2017, Mikhail founded in-space transportation company Momentus with the idea to revolutionize access to space beyond LEO.
Systems Director
The Aerospace Corporation
Dr. Josef Koller, Systems Director, The Aerospace CorporationDr. Josef Koller is a Systems Director for the Center for Space Policy and Strategy, serving as a senior analyst and team leader on topics that cut across policy, technology, and economics. Prior to joining Aerospace, Dr. Koller served as a Senior Advisor to the Office of the Secretary of Defense for Space Policy where he directly supported key national and international strategy efforts for space-related U.S. Government and DoD policy matters including commercial remote sensing, space traffic management, and related congressional affairs. Prior to that assignment, Dr. Koller managed and co-lead over 40 scientists in the “Space Science and Applications Group” at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Dr. Koller also established and led the Los Alamos Space Weather Summer School to promote graduate student research and outreach at the Laboratory.
Dr. Koller has over 17 years of experience with global security and space science programs. He has authored over 50 peer-reviewed scientific publications with 700 citations. Dr. Koller has a Ph.D. in Astrophysics from Rice University.
Senior Corporate Counsel
BAE Systems
Janna Lewis, Senior Corporate Counsel, BAE SystemsJanna is a senior attorney and technology strategist with more than 17 years of experience counseling clients in the aerospace, national defense and intelligence, and commercial space sectors. She has unique, cross-sector expertise in guiding programs and technology development for U.S. government and commercial initiatives, including experience with satellite, launch, unmanned vehicles, C4ISR architectures, cloud computing, and cybersecurity.
Prior to joining BAE Systems, Janna worked for Northrop Grumman as Corporate Counsel-IP, supporting their Mission Systems Sector, where she facilitated innovation and strategic partnerships to advance defense and intelligence capabilities. Prior to that, Janna worked for Facebook, where she supported Facebook’s mission to enable global internet connectivity. She helped to frame industry partnerships to catalyze delivery of global space-based and high-altitude connectivity solutions. Before Facebook, Janna was in private legal practice, where she served as senior legal counsel to U.S. and international clients in the aerospace and defense, healthcare, software, and telecommunications industries.
Janna is a member of the Defense Innovation Board, Space Advisory Committee and a volunteer with the Space Foundation. She frequently writes and speaks about the evolving legal and cultural landscapes in the defense, intelligence, and space industries, and has been recognized for her proactive, results-oriented approach to client counseling. Janna is committed to diversity in the space industry, and is a strong advocate for new space professionals.
Chief Innovation Officer
Nanoracks, LLC
Mike Lewis, Chief Innovation Officer , Nanoracks, LLCMike Lewis is currently the Chief Innovation Officer at Nanoracks, LLC, where he is responsible for overseeing the technical, scientific, and engineering direction for the company. He has developed, built, and flown experiment platforms to the ISS, and has helped deliver over 1,000 experiments to space. He and his team developed the NRCSD (the NanoRacks CubeSat Deployer) system which has deployed over 260 satellites from the ISS, as well as a satellite deployer that has deployed over 30 satellites off of the Northrup Grumman Cygnus spacecraft. Mike is an inventor of the Nanoracks Bishop Airlock, the first commercial component of the Space Station, which launches on SpaceX-21 and will be installed this fall.
Before joining Nanoracks, Mike was the lead engineer for Deep Down, Inc., a Houston-based company that fabricates subsea structures and services deepwater subsea oil operations. Prior to that, Mike comes from a background of Aerospace (Tethers Unlimited, Inc.), Electromechanical Design (ANCO Engineers, Inc.), Structural Engineering (Structural Components, LLC) and as an Adjunct Professor in Space Systems Operation Management (Webster University).
Vice President, Business Development
CPI - Communications & Power Industries
Pam Lugos, Vice President, Business Development, CPI - Communications & Power IndustriesPam Lugos is currently the Vice President of Business Development at CPI Satcom Products responsible for global business development. Pam joined CPI in 1993 and has held various roles in Product Management, Worldwide Service and Customer support, Program Management of New Product Development and Business Development. She has 25 years of experience in the Satcom ground equipment segment specific to amplifiers and amplifier technology. Pam received her undergraduate degree from Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo in Industrial Technology and her MBA from Santa Clara University.
Specialist Leader - Space Industry
Deloitte Consulting
Jeff Matthews, Specialist Leader - Space Industry, Deloitte ConsultingJeff is a specialist leader at Deloitte Consulting LLP with more than 18 years of private and public sector experience focused on finance, enterprise architecture transformation, technology commercialization, and market strategy. Currently, he is a leader in Deloitte’s Government & Public Sector Space Industry practice where he provides subject matter expertise on commercial space technology trends, industry strategies, and launch systems economics.
Before joining Deloitte, Jeff served as the director of venture strategy and research for the Space Frontier Foundation where he was also a board member. His previous experience as an advisor in $600M+ of venture capital raises for early stage technology companies, commercializing government technologies, and deep insight into the commercial space market allows him to bring a unique perspective to government and commercial clients. Jeff has contributed expertise and analysis on the space industry to Reuters, Forbes, NBC News, Discovery News, The Wharton School, the Open Group, and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA).
Chief Operating Officer
SpeQtral
David Mitlyng, Chief Operating Officer, SpeQtralDavid Mitlyng is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at SpeQtral, a quantum communications startup offering ultra-secure communications based on the laws of quantum physics. David has 25 years of experience in the satellite industry, including Hughes Space and Communications, Orbital ATK, SSL, and BridgeSat. David has a BS in Aeronautical Engineering from Cal Poly SLO, an MS in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Stanford University, and an MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management.
Head of KSAT USA
KONGSBERG SATELLITE SERVICES (KSAT)
Katherine D. Monson, Head of KSAT USA, KONGSBERG SATELLITE SERVICES (KSAT)Katherine Monson is the Head of KSAT USA for Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT). KSAT is a world-leading provider of ground station services for satellites, rocket launchers, and experimental spacecraft – supporting over 96% of commercial satellites launched into NGSO during the last two years. With over 50 years of experience, KSAT’s networktoday spans over 180 antennas at 20 ground station locations across the globe (including Pole to Pole coverage from Antarctica to the Arctic), and is constantly expanding. KSAT is proud to be the behind-the-scenes bridge back to earth, supporting the vast majority of space companies, agencies, and start-ups.
Katherine began her career in aerospace as an early member of Spire Global. During her tenure at Spire, Katherine led the Ground Station department, building out a global network of infrastructure to download data from the constellation of over forty spacecraft.
Prior to her work in aerospace, Katherine was a consultant for C-suite executives at Fortune 500 companies, specializing in high-stakes negotiations and high-impact strategic partnerships. Her recent clients include The Coca-Cola Company, Deloitte, Thomson Reuters, and GlobalFoundries. Katherine began her career as a Fellow at the U.S. Department of Defense, where she supported International Negotiations around joint research and development efforts.
Katherine is an avid hiker, and enjoys learning new languages and exploring new places. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Partner
Milbank LLP
Dara A. Panahy, Partner, Milbank LLPAs leader of the firm’s Transportation and Space Group in Washington, D.C., Dara’s practice involves representation of satellite operators, aerospace manufacturers, launch services providers, communications companies, banks, private equity firms and hedge funds in debt and equity offerings, project, structured and vendor financings, mergers & acquisitions, financial restructurings and in negotiating commercial contracts. He also advises on regulatory, sanctions, anti-corruption, national security and export control matters.
PRIMARY FOCUS & EXPERIENCE
Mr. Panahy’s practice focuses on representing clients involved in the aerospace and communications industries. His experience includes representing satellite operators, aerospace manufacturers, launch services providers, communications companies, banks, private equity firms and hedge funds in numerous financings involving public offerings, high yield debt, investment grade bonds, project and vendor financings, mergers & acquisitions, financial restructuring and reorganizations and in negotiating project contracts. He also counsels clients on domestic and international regulatory and trade matters, including licensing of communications systems, economic sanctions, regulation of foreign direct investment, anti-bribery and corrupt practices, national security and export control laws and regulations and risk management.
Managing Director of Laser and Additive Divisions
Trumpf
Dr. Klaus Parey, Managing Director of Laser and Additive Divisions, TrumpfHometown is Engelsbrand in Germany and he is married with three children
Promotion at the Universität Freiburg, Fritz-Erler-Wirtschaftsgymnasium, Pforzheim after study at the Albert-Ludwigs-Universität, Freiburg. Entry into the company TRUMPF, different management positions. Managing Director TRUMPF Laser- und Systemtechnik GmbH
Since 1997 Involved in AM technology and AM business of TRUMPF and since 2019 CEO function for the worldwide AM business activities of TRUMPF
President Government Systems
Viasat
Ken Peterman, President Government Systems, ViasatKen Peterman is President Government Systems at Viasat. A world leader in satellite communications, networking and related technologies, Viasat (sales ~$2B/yr) employs well over 6,000 professional and support personnel worldwide. Viasat produces satellite payloads and ground infrastructure, satellite terminals, networked data links and cybersecurity solutions that provide high speed, assured, secure global communications serving both the commercial and government sectors. Viasat’s government business is a market leader in tactical networking and Link-16 datalinks; information assurance and cybersecurity; assured, high capacity satellite communications; and air/ground situational awareness.
Under Ken’s leadership as President Government Systems, Viasat has built a culture of passionately focusing on the warfighter’s mission and applying technical innovation to empower the warfighter in new and different ways – ways that many never dreamed possible. He has led Viasat’s transformation in becoming a prime communications provider to the US DoD, with a commitment to connecting the world’s toughest missions and ensuring that mission operators have the information they need, where and when they need it.
A distinguished leader in Defense & Aerospace, Ken Peterman has helped shape the strategic landscape in tactical and satellite communications, cybersecurity, and C4 defense technology sectors through successful tenures at the President/CEO and VP/GM level of several top defense companies, including ITT Exelis, Rockwell Collins, and Raytheon. He has accumulated deep credentials via successful leadership experiences in a diverse array of organizational cultures and geo-political environments across over 40 years in the defense segment and is a respected thought leader among US and international senior leaders.
Along with his wife, Jennifer, Ken’s charitable and philanthropic efforts primarily focus on environmental conservation and providing assistance to socially and economically disadvantaged in certain US communities, as well improving education and economic stability for women and children in certain developing countries. Ken serves on a variety of boards and advisory groups where he helps advance the strategic trajectories of the military communications and technology sectors.
Business Development Director
SSC - Swedish Space Corporation
Sam Peterson, Business Development Director, SSC - Swedish Space CorporationPresident
Quilty Analytics
Chris Quilty, President, Quilty AnalyticsChris is the president of Quilty Analytics, an independent research and consulting firm that provides strategy, competitive benchmarking, financial analysis, and investment diligence on all aspects of the Satellite & Space industry.
Prior to establishing Quilty Analytics in 2016, Chris served as a sell-side research analyst with Raymond James for 20 years, publishing hundreds of company-specific, macro, sector, and thematic research reports on the industrial, defense, space, wireless, and communications industries. Chris is widely-acknowledged as the leading Wall Street analyst on the Satellite & Space sector, and has participated in 30 capital markets transactions over the past five years valued at over $2.5 billion
Chris received a BS degree in Systems Engineering from the United States Naval Academy in 1989 and an MBA from the University of Chicago in 1994.
CEO
Avio SpA
Dr. Giulio Ranzo, CEO, Avio SpAGiulio is CEO of Avio SpA since October 2015. He is also a board member of Arianespace SA, Europropulsion SA and Regulus SA in France. In 2016 he founded In-Orbit SpA, and investment vehicle through which he co-invested with 50 Avio managers, acquiring a 4% share of Avio’s capital. In 2017 he listed Avio on the Milan Stock Exchange on the STAR segment with over 70% free float.
From 2011 to 2015 he was Senior Vice President Corporate Strategy of the Avio Group and worked on the de-merger of the aero-engine business, which was sold to General Electric in 2013. In 2014-2015 he supported the post-merger integration with GE Aviation.
Between 2007 and 2011 he was Co-General Manager and CFO of the Italian activities of Cementir Holding, an international group operating in the building materials industry.
Giulio started his career in Booz Allen Hamilton, a global strategy consulting firm where he worked in the period 2000-2007 as Associate, Senior Associate and Principal within the Global Aerospace&Defense practice for several clients in Europe, US and Middle East.
Giulio holds a Laurea cum laude in Civil Engineering from the University of Rome and a PhD in Structural Engineering from a joint program between the University of Rome and the University of California San Diego (UCSD). Between 1996 and 1999 he was a Graduate Research Assistant and Development Engineer at the University of California San Diego and he has co-authored a number of scientific publications on international journals in the domain of Structural Engineering.
Giulio was born in Rome in 1971, he is married and he has two children.
Vice President, International Division
Hughes Network Systems
Dave Rehbehn, Vice President, International Division, Hughes Network SystemsDave Rehbehn, vice president, at Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HUGHES), leads the company’s global marketing of broadband products as well as business development for services. In this capacity, he develops Hughes international market strategy and guides the strategic direction of the Hughes international sales force. Mr. Rehbehn works closely with end users and service operators to track market trends, emerging applications and business developments in global communications and networking. A recognized thought leader in the industry, Mr. Rehbehn speaks frequently on satellite solutions for bridging the digital divide.
Throughout his career, Mr. Rehbehn has worked across the Hughes business from engineering, to consumer internet service to international enterprise and operator markets. Prior to his current role, Mr. Rehbehn was responsible for enterprise sales for the southeast region of the United States and worked closely with many U.S.-based Fortune 1000 companies to develop network solutions tailored to their needs. Previously, he supported the engineering development of wideband time division multiple access (TDMA), packet networks, and TDMA very small aperture terminal (VSAT) satellite network projects.
Mr. Rehbehn holds a Computer Science degree from the University of Maryland, USA.
Consumers, businesses, governments and communities around the world benefit from the connected experiences enabled by Hughes technologies and services. To learn more, visit our website at www.hughes.com or follow us on Twitter @HughesConnects and on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/HughesConnects.
CEO
Euroconsult
Pacome Révillon, CEO, EuroconsultPacome Révillon is CEO of Euroconsult, the leading international consulting firm specializing in the space and satellite application markets and an international reference for key strategic advisory services, market research and international summits.
Pacôme has held the position of CEO since 2003 and is responsible for defining the overall business strategy and operations of the company. Over the course of his career, he has spearheaded consulting projects for both public and private stakeholders at all levels of the value chain located all over the world, helping leaders with their organization’s most critical issues and opportunities. Pacome has directly advised leading government organizations, new and leading operators, service providers, banks and investment funds, and industrial players, providing them with support for strategic planning and decision-making.
Under his leadership, Euroconsult has seen significant expansion in terms of its activities and its international presence, deepening the firm’s specialization into satellite-enabled vertical markets (such as Earth observation, IFEC, and IoT), and opening offices in five locations around the world. Furthermore, in 2016, Pacome oversaw the acquisition of a majority share in the leading engineering consultancy, Satconsult, thus creating the Euroconsult Group he leads today. The group provides clients with end-to-end services from strategy definition to project implementation and serves over 600 customers in 50 countries worldwide.
Vice President of Sales & Marketing
Mission Microwave Technologies
Steve Richeson, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Mission Microwave TechnologiesSteve Richeson joined Mission Microwave in 2017 and is responsible for the company’s global sales and marketing. He has over 30 years of Satellite and Radio Frequency (RF) experience in engineering and executive roles across the wireless and satellite communications industry including positions at Harris Corporation, EchoStar, Scientific-Atlanta, GTE Spacenet International, Radiation Systems SATCOM Technologies, and Schlumberger. As a Schlumberger Field Engineer Steve launched the LOGNET service in the Gulf of Mexico with a portable VSAT terminal on a semi-submersible drilling platform – in 1986. This was the first commercial mobile VSAT system. Steve is a Senior Member of the IEEE and a Registered Professional Engineer. He earned his engineering degree at Georgia Tech and an MBA at Georgia State University.
Executive Vice President
Stellar Solutions
Richard Rogers, Executive Vice President, Stellar SolutionsRichard A. Rogers, Executive Vice President of Stellar Solutions, Inc, is the senior technical expert leading the company’s unique and collaborative approach to meeting the critical engineering needs of vital customers. He holds a breadth of experience in all aspects of space and satellite systems cultivated over an illustrious 35-year engineering career.
In his current strategy and operations leadership role, Rogers works closely with CEO Michael Lencioni in leading strategic initiatives focused on integration and development across Stellar Solutions’ commercial, defense, intelligence, civil aerospace, and international lines of business. He recently served as Stellar Solutions’ Vice President of Civil Programs for 11 years, leading broad non-defense space and technology areas including robotic and human missions, remote sensing instruments, and transportation systems. He was also responsible for Stellar’s programs supporting emerging exploration technologies and ground-based astronomy systems.
Rogers joined Stellar Solutions in 1999 as a systems engineer supporting intelligence and defense programs and, during the next 10 years, progressed through challenging engineering, business development, and leadership roles within the company. He served as a senior systems engineer on numerous space programs for NASA, NOAA, and universities directed towards Earth science, meteorology, and astrophysics.
Earlier in his career, Rogers had roles as a systems and electrical engineer for Raytheon, SAIC, Loral, and GTE in the Unite States and abroad, supporting numerous space and ground processing systems vital to national security.
Richard Rogers earned his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Rochester Institute of Technology and master’s degree in business administration from Boston University. He is an active member of several professional societies, including the IEEE, INCOSE, AIAA, and the Royal Aeronautical Society.
Founder and Chief Technology Officer
Wavestream a Gilat Subsidiary
Dr. Jim Rosenberg, Founder and Chief Technology Officer, Wavestream a Gilat SubsidiaryDr. Rosenberg is a co-founder of Wavestream Corporation, a leading manufacturer of SSPAs, BUCs, and transceivers for satellite communications. He serves as Wavestream’s Chief Technology Officer.
He is co-inventor of the pseudomorphic High Electron Mobility Transistor (pHEMT), and of the Grid Amplifier, a chip-level spatial combiner capable of efficiently combining the outputs of hundreds of transistors in a single combining step. He is author/co-author of over 50 publications in refereed journals and conference proceeding on semiconductor devices, semiconductor processing, and microwave/mm-wave amplifiers and sources, and co-author of a textbook on engineering modeling and analysis. He is inventor/co-inventor on 13 US patents and 20 non-US patents.
He received the Sc.B. Degree in Engineering from Brown University, M.S. in Electrical Engineering from U. C. Berkeley, and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Columbia University.
He was a recipient of a National Science Foundation Fellowship, Faculty Development Awards from both IBM Corporation and AT&T, and the NSF Presidential Young Investigator Award. Member of Tau Beta Pi.
Serving as Deputy Manager of JPL’s MicroDevices Lab, he oversaw the start-up of the laboratory, and led the development of new high-speed optical communications products as Director of Engineering at GPD Optoelectronics. He has held professorships at Brown University and Harvey Mudd College, and was a Research Associate at California Institute of Technology.
President
Integrasys
Alvaro Sanchez, President, IntegrasysAlvaro Sanchez has led the sales at Integrasys for the past 5 years with strong international presence taking care of the current Integrasys customers and opening new markets and accounts and he manages the Integrasys Marketing Department. Currently, Alvaro is leading the new Integrasys USA office based in Herndon, Washington DC area, where the sales team is growing as the company is a stronger player every day in North America.
Alvaro represents Integrasys Innovation with the latest Innovation awards at Satcon NY and VSAT event for the famous Satmotion Pocket VSAT Commissioning System.
Previous to join Integrasys Alvaro was a Test & Measurements engineer at CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research specializing in timing and phase measurements for colliders synchronization. Alvaro was involved in a project where neutrinos where traveling at the speed of light from CERN (Switzerland) to Gran Sasso. The synchronization devices where Alvaro worked on were critical for ensuring that the neutrinos could not travel faster than the speed of light.
Alvaro holds Industrial Hardware Engineering Degree and Computer Software Engineering Degree by the European University with a Master Degree in Sales Direction by ESIC Business School.
Distinguished Visiting Professor, Robert E. Heinlein Chair in Astronautics
US Naval Academy
Dr. GP Sandhoo, Distinguished Visiting Professor, Robert E. Heinlein Chair in Astronautics, US Naval AcademyDr. Sandhoo currently occupies the Distinguished Visiting Professor Robert Heinlein Endowed Chair in Astronautics at the US Naval Academy. Prior to that he headed the Spacecraft Engineering Division, and was the acting Director of the Naval Center of Space Technology (NCST) at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), a full spectrum lab that conceives, designs, builds, tests, operates, and transitions advanced space systems and technologies. He provided executive direction and technical leadership in conducting research of space systems with advanced technologies.
He was also a flight controller at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, and was research & development engineer at Johns Hopkins University’s Applied Physics Laboratory, and in industry
Managing Director
KippsDeSantos & Co
Karl Schmidt, Managing Director, KippsDeSantos & CoMr. Schmidt is a Managing Director at KippsDeSanto & Co., recently acquired by Capital One’s commercial bank, and co-heads the Aerospace & Defense Group, where he focuses on sellside and buyside M&A advisory engagements and sourcing growth capital. Key areas of experience includes space, defense electronics, and armaments. Prior to joining KippsDeSanto & Co., Mr. Schmidt worked at a competing investment bank where he helped create a leading Aerospace·Defense·Government Services industry banking group. Notable space-related clients and assignments include multiple General Dynamics space businesses, BEI Precision, Orbital Sciences, GeoEye, and other space-component businesses.
Leading up to his entry into investment banking, Mr. Schmidt served in various combat arms assignments in the US Army across the globe and in various Joint and Army staffs working on classified intelligence assessments, equipment modernization, and weapons testing. Mr. Schmidt earned a B.S. in (aeronautical) engineering 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).
General Manager for Mission Solutions
L3Harris Technologies
Jackie Schmoll, General Manager for Mission Solutions, L3Harris TechnologiesJacqueline (Jackie) Schmoll is general manager for the Mission Solutions division in the Space Systems sector within the L3Harris Technologies Space and Airborne Systems segment. Space and Airborne Systems provides mission solutions for space and airborne domain with defense, intelligence and commercial applications.
The Space Systems sector offers complete payloads, sensors and full-mission solutions for classified, civil and commercial customers. Schmoll assumed this position in 2020, reporting to the president of Space Systems. In this role, Schmoll is responsible for
Prior to this role, Schmoll held the role of senior director of strategy reporting to the vice president of strategy and business development in Space and Airborne Systems. She was responsible for new business orders, revenue growth, driving the Space Systems strategic growth plan, as well as leading a team of more than 40 business development professionals representing end-to-end space mission capabilities.
Previously, she was general manager for Government GEOINT Systems within L3Harris’ Geospatial Solutions business unit. Her responsibilities included managing a multibillion-dollar portfolio of competitive and sole source IDIQ vehicles with the National Geospatial Agency, multiple systems level applications for Combatant Commands, classified agencies and international governments for mapping, content management, and GEOINT search and retrieval.
Prior to her role managing a profit and loss (P&L) business area, Schmoll served as senior program manager for L3Harris’ Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance business unit. She led a small satellite program for the United States Army after transitioning from her previous role as director of business development with L3Harris’ Environmental Solutions business unit, responsible for the business unit growth strategy and capture execution.
Before joining L3Harris, Schmoll was senior manager of business development and capture management for Lockheed Martin. She was responsible for winning new business accounts with strategic customers in the United States Department of Defense and International community. Previously, she worked for a.i. solutions, Inc. as a mission analyst where she performed flight dynamics and orbital analysis for NASA and United States Air Force spacecraft missions. She moved into roles of increasing responsibility where she ultimately won and managed new domestic and international business accounts centered around the company’s software products.
Schmoll is a member of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and supports the Modeling and Simulation Technical Committee. She received her Master of Business Administration and Bachelor’s Degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Maryland. She successfully completed a Harris leadership development program from Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Schmoll was awarded the Spacecoast Business 40 Under 40 Award in 2019.
L3Harris Technologies is an agile global aerospace and defense technology innovator, delivering end-to-end solutions that meet customers’ mission critical needs. The company provides advanced defense and commercial technologies across air, land, sea, space and cyber domains. www.l3harris.com
Partner
Hogan Lovells
Randy Segal, Partner, Hogan LovellsWith 18 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.
CEO
HawkEye 360
John Serafini, CEO, HawkEye 360John is the Chief Executive Officer of HawkEye 360, a developer of space-based radio frequency (RF) mapping and analytics capabilities. He previously served as Senior Vice President of Allied Minds where he led the formation of and the investment into HawkEye 360, along with other Allied Minds companies such as BridgeSat, Federated Wireless, Optio Labs, Percipient Networks, and Whitewood Encryption Systems. John’s investment activities and management expertise center upon the intersection of profit-maximizing private capital and the unique requirements and R&D capabilities of the U.S. government.
A former Airborne Ranger-qualified U.S. Army infantry officer with duty stations at the 82d Airborne Division & UNCSB-JSA of the Korean DMZ, John holds a BS from the United States Military Academy at West Point, and an MBA and MPA from Harvard University.
Director of Communication Satellites Operating Unit
Northrop Grumman
Rob Shah, Director of Communication Satellites Operating Unit, Northrop GrummanMr. Shah is the Director of Communication Satellites Operating Unit at Northrop Grumman, where he oversees business operations for the unit, including program execution and business development activities. Mr. Shah has over 30 years of experience in the space industry spanning nearly all aspects in both government and commercial environments, including product development, program and engineering management, and strategic planning. Mr. Shah joined Northrop Grumman in 1997 and has been instrumental in identifying strategic opportunities, opening up new markets, and securing new business for Northrop Grumman’s GEOStar satellites. Prior to Northrop Grumman, Mr. Shah worked at Boeing Satellite Systems where he developed several major satellite systems. Mr. Shah currently holds four United States patents for his designs related to satellite systems. He graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, and graduated from the University of Michigan with a Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering.
Founder, Chair & CEO
ManSat
Chris Stott, Founder, Chair & CEO, ManSatChris Stott is the founder, Chair and CEO of ManSat, the world’s first, and now largest, commercial satellite spectrum firm and was also key in founding the multi-billion dollar space and satellite industry on the Isle of Man. He is presently Chair of the Society of Satellite Professionals International (SSPI), the largest professional association in the global space and satellite industry. He was named Celton Businessman of the year in 2010.
A founder of the International Institute of Space Commerce, he is also a passionate activist for STEM & STEAM education serving as faculty at the ISU and on the University’s Main Board and with the Conrad Foundation, Challenger Centers, and the United Space School. At ISU he teaches entrepreneurialism, networking, and other business topics and is a past Co-Chair of the School of Management and Business. He also teaches on the TED Fellows program.
Chris is also a co-founder of the Manna Energy Foundation and Geeks Without Frontiers, focused on bringing clean energy, clean water and clean telecoms (the ‘worldwide well’) to the developing world via sustainable enterprise, and recently completed the world’s first IEEE Certified Open Source 80211s Mesh Networks protocols with the support of Google, RIM, Microsoft, Laptop Per Child, Global Connect, and Nokia.
Chris serves on the Board of the AMAR US Foundation, having worked with Baroness Nicholson on AMAR in the early 1990s when AMAR was first founded. Chris was then working in the House of Commons for Emma when she was a Member of Parliament, having come to this position from interning and volunteering in the US Senate and on at a senior level on two US Presidential Campaigns.
He is a published author and produces the occasional movie, with three projects currently under work. His work has been featured in Forbes Magazine, the Financial Times, Le Monde, the BBC, and Wired Magazine. A fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society, Member of the Reform Club, and the International Institute of Space Law, Chris is also a TED’ster and TEDx Curator (ISU, Douglas, and Sugarland).
After working in executive positions with Boeing and Lockheed Martin, Chris left Lockheed Martin in 2000 to become an entrepreneur in the space industry before it was trendy.
Born on the Isle of Man, Chris is a now an American Citizen by choice (having read way too much Jefferson). He resides in Houston, Texas with his wife, retired NASA Astronaut Nicole Stott, and their son. He is a keen shot (skeet, trap, pistol and rifle), SCUBA diver, and is currently working on his Rotor (Helicopter) pilot’s license.
President
SIA - Satellite Industry Association
Tom Stroup, President, SIA - Satellite Industry AssociationAs President of SIA, Tom Stroup 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.
Prior to joining SIA, Mr. Stroup 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.
Mr. Stroup holds a BS, summa cum laude, in Public Administration from the University of North Dakota. He is also a graduate of Georgetown University Law Center where he served as Editor of the Georgetown Law Journal.
President
Consultant
Dr. Paul Struhsaker, President, ConsultantExperienced innovation and engineering executive across multiple industries including wireless networking (cellular and WiFi), consumer electronics, silicon platforms, and large-scale cloud client computing. Currently CTO of Carnegie Technologies. Other roles included SVP Software Engineering at Comcast NBC Universal, VP of Engineering at Cable Vision Systems, VP Silicon Platform at Motorola PCS, CTO of Dell’s Client Solutions Group, and CTO Broadband at Texas Instruments. He was a founder and CTO of two successful startups: Wi-Fi innovation leader Aironet Wireless (acquired by Cisco) and 4G wireless innovator Raze Technologies. He started his career at the National Security Agency.
Chief Engineer
SSC - Swedish Space Corporation
John Taylor, Chief Engineer, SSC - Swedish Space CorporationPresident and Chief Commercial Officer
ST Engineering iDirect
Thomas Van den Driessche, President and Chief Commercial Officer, ST Engineering iDirectThomas Van den Driessche is the president & chief commercial officer of ST Engineering iDirect, where he is responsible for defining our strategy, execution and communications to achieve short- and long-term goals.
Over the past 18 years, he has been active in the broadcast and satellite markets. Prior to ST Engineering iDirect, Van den Driessche was the CEO of Newtec where, during his 11-year tenure, he held various positions including sales and business development, VP of market strategy, and chief commercial officer, before becoming CEO.
Preceding Newtec, he began his career as a product manager in the broadcast and AV market, and received awards for his work by leading organizations such as NAB, Infocomm and Vanguard.
Van den Driessche holds a Master’s degree in electronics and marketing from the University of Ghent.
President & COO
Tyvak Nano-Satellite Systems
Dr. Marco Villa, President & COO, Tyvak Nano-Satellite SystemsDr. Marco Villa grew up in Italy and developed an early passion for airplanes and spacecraft. After obtaining his private pilot license and serving in the Italian Parachutists Corp, Dr. Villa received his Bachelor’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering in 1999 from Politecnico di Milano, Italy.
Throughout his career Dr. Villa has worked on some of the most advanced and cutting-edge programs in the industry, from technology demonstration satellites to leading commercial efforts, and he has developed a unique expertise that combines management, finance and technical knowledge.
Following a brief stint as a structural analysis at Carlo Gavazzi Space in Milano, Italy, he moved to the United States and earned his Doctoral Degree in Aerospace Engineering in 2005 while also leading a small satellite development projects. Dr. Villa also earned his Master’s Degree in Engineering Management while working as system engineer and project manager for Swales Aerospace and as a contractor for NASA and the Air Force. This period provided Dr. Villa with a broad understanding of spacecraft systems as he performed leading roles for many innovative small satellite and launch vehicle systems, including the Air Force sponsored TacSat 3 spacecraft and the Autonomous Flight Safety System.
In 2007, Dr. Villa joined Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX), where he served as Director of Mission Operations, with direct responsibility over the definition and execution of the Dragon spacecraft’s mission to the International Space Station. Dr. Villa was integral in the effort to secure and execute $2.5B in contracts for ISS cargo resupply and crewed Dragon development programs while also supporting the sales and business development department. Before leaving SpaceX in 2013, Dr. Villa played an important role in the on-going effort to develop the crewed version of the Dragon capsule, with responsibilities ranging from the definition of the overall concept of operations, to the establishment of the crew training methodology.
In 2010 Dr. Villa and Max Vozoff founded mv2space LLC, a Business Development, Strategy formulation and support services consultancy. Its clients include both start-ups and established companies in the government and commercial space domains, energy, automotive and digital media sectors.
With mv2space, Mr. Villa brings deep experience in strategy formulation and implementation, program management and systems engineering, and has developed advanced financial modeling and analysis tools that, when customized for each client, form the basis for their business plans, strategies and priorities.
Dr. Villa currently serves as the President and COO of Tyvak Nan-Satellite Systems Inc. His responsibilities span from day-to-day management of the company, to direct the company strategic efforts, to acquisition and execution of all nanosatellite opportunities for government, commercial and university customers both nationally and internationally.
NASA HeadquartersProgram Executive
NASA Headquarters
Peter Wilczynski, NASA HeadquartersProgram Executive, NASA HeadquartersPete is the NASA HQ’s Program Executive (PE) for the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) Mission, in the Joint Agency Satellite Division (JASD) within the Science Mission Directorate (SMD) at NASA Headquarters in Washington DC. Pete also serves as the Ombudsman for NASA Headquarters.
Pete’s 33 years of government service has included extensive experience in aviation and space operations, space system development and acquisition of joint space agency & joint international space systems in the US Air Force (USAF) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Pete was a Flight Commander for the Defense Support Program (DSP) and the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) during his operational tours in the USAF. At NOAA, Pete was NOAA’s Program Manager for several important high value operational environmental satellite systems, including NOAA’s International Satellite Ocean Altimetry Program known as Jason-3. Pete’s 33 years of work in government space programs has been recognized numerous times, notably: by the U.S. Air Force Meritorious Service Medal awarded for distinguished service to the USAF, by Vice President Gore’s National Performance Review “Hammer Award”, by the U.S. Department of Commerce Gold Medal, the Departments’ highest civilian honor for distinguished leadership in developing innovative systems acquisition and contractor teaming methods to build operational environmental satellites and most recently by NASA HQ’s for NASA’s Exceptional Achievement Medal for developing and launching the JPSS-1 mission in 2017.
As a graduate from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in FL for his undergraduate degree and Webster University for his Master’s degree, he has enjoyed a diverse aerospace career. Along with all his extensive work experience, Pete is an Excellence in Government Senior Fellow and is a Graduate of the US Office of Personnel Management Senior Executive Service (SES) Candidate Development Program.
Senior Vice President
AvL Technologies
Tony Wilkey, Senior Vice President, AvL TechnologiesTony Wilkey is Senior Vice President at AvL Technologies with responsibility for US Sales, Marketing and Customer Service. Tony has 30 years of experience in satellite communications in engineering, sales, program management, and general management roles. He began his career at Ford Aerospace in Palo Alto, California (1981-1983) before joining RSI SatCom Technologies (1983-1987, 1992-1995), Georgia Tech Research Institute (1987-1992), COMSAT RSI (1995-1998), and TriPoint Global (1998-2000). Most recently he served as Director of Antenna Systems Business Development for ViaSat (2000-2008), a $500MM US satellite ground systems equipment provider, before joining AvL Technologies in 2008. Tony earned his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) in 1981 and his Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University in 1983.
Director General
ESA - European Space Agency
Johann-Dietrich ‘Jan’ Wörner, Director General , ESA - European Space AgencyPreviously, from March 2007 to June 2015, he served as Chairman of the Executive Board of the German Aerospace Center (DLR).
Jan Wörner was born in Kassel, Germany, in 1954. He studied civil engineering at the Technical University (TU) Berlin and TU Darmstadt, from where he graduated in 1985. In 1982, as part of his studies, he spent one year in Japan, investigating earthquake safety of nuclear power plants. Until 1990, Mr Wörner worked for consulting civil engineers König und Heunisch.
In 1990 he returned to TU Darmstadt, where he was appointed as a professor of Civil Engineering and took over as Head of the Test and Research Institute. Before being elected as President of TU Darmstadt in 1995, he held the position of Dean of the newly established Civil Engineering Faculty. Jan Wörner headed the university from 1995 to 2007 and succeeded in making it the first autonomous university of the Federal Republic of Germany.
Jan Wörner has been awarded numerous prizes and positions, such as the Prize of the Organisation of Friends of Technical University Darmstadt for ‘outstanding scientific performance’. He was also appointed to the Berlin Brandenburg Academy of Sciences and to the Convention for Technical Sciences (acatech) and is a representative of the Technical Sciences Section of the Leopoldina, the national academy of sciences of Germany.
Jan Wörner has received honorary doctorates from New York State University at Buffalo (USA), technical universities of Bucharest (Romania) and Mongolia, the Saint Petersburg University for Economics and Finance (Russia) and École Centrale de Lyon (France). He has received the Federal Cross of Merit (Officer’s cross, 1st class) of the Federal Republic of Germany for his continuous efforts regarding the next generation of scientists and Germany as a location for Science, Technology and Engineering. He has furthermore been awarded the honours of Knight of the French Légion d’Honneur.
Jan Wörner was Vice President of the Helmholtz Association and also a member of various national and international supervisory bodies, advisory councils and committees. He was a member of the administrative boards of École Centrale Paris, École Centrale de Lyon, TU Berlin, the Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, the Arts and Music University in Frankfurt and has been a member of a number of supervisory boards including Carl Schenck AG, Röhm GmbH, TÜV Rheinland AG and Bilfinger SE.
Furthermore, he was appointed to the energy expert group of the German Government.
Before joining ESA as Director General, Jan Wörner was head of the German delegation to ESA from 2007 to 2015 and served as Chairman of the ESA Council from 2012 to 2014.