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Military Space Situational Awareness
4 May - 6 May 2027
Military Space Situational Awareness

Conference Overview

The 22nd Annual Military Space Situational Awareness Conference returns to London from 4-6 May 2027, bringing together the global defence and space community for three days of strategic dialogue, operational insight, and international collaboration.

As Europe’s premier event dedicated to Space Domain Awareness (SDA), the conference will welcome:

  • 250+ space professionals
  • 40+ senior military, government, and industry speakers
  • 20+ nations represented

The event convenes leaders from UK Space Command, allied forces, government agencies, industry innovators, and international partners to address the most pressing challenges facing the space domain - from strategic threats and resilience to sustainability and civil–military cooperation.

“This event is great for us. I’m from the space agency, we’re a civilian organisation, this is a military conference, but what this does is underscores the importance coming together – to work together.”
— Angus Stewart, UK Space Agency
 

FEATURED SPEAKERS

Adam Field

Adam Field

Integrator - Futures - Weapons and Tactics, Joint Commercial Operations, US Space Force
Brigadier General Christopher Horner

Brigadier General Christopher Horner

Commander, 3 Canadian Space Division
Colonel Albert 'AC' Harris III

Colonel Albert 'AC' Harris III

Commandant, National Security Space Institute, USSF
Lieutenant Colonel Danny Houde

Lieutenant Colonel Danny Houde

Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations and Intelligence & Head for the NATO Space Operations Centre NSpOC, NATO Combined Force Space Component Command
Lieutenant Colonel Thomas  Blaette

Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Blaette

Director Operations, German Space Situational Awareness Centre GSSAC, German Space Command

Adam Field

Integrator - Futures - Weapons and Tactics, Joint Commercial Operations, US Space Force
Adam Field

Adam is a space industry leader with over 25 years’ experience across defence, space operations, electronic warfare, and coalition delivery. A Royal Air Force veteran, he brings deep operational insight together with senior commercial and technical leadership.

At MilSSA, Adam represents Ms Barbara Golf and the United States Department of War under the Joint Commercial Operations construct, focusing on mission integration, futures, and weapons and tactics - operationalising commercial space at scale for real-world missions.

Air Commodore Darren Whiteley

Interim Commander, UK Space Command
Air Commodore Darren Whiteley

Air Commodore Darren Whiteley was commissioned into the Royal Air Force in 1998. As an Air Battle Manager he has operated across the globe, including operations in Afghanistan, Iraq and Op ELLAMY (Libya). More recently he has become embedded in the US and Allied space community completing tours at the operational level, as HQ staff within the Pentagon and as a Deputy Director within a Combatant Command.
Whiteley has extensive leadership in Command and Control (C2), Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), and space operations, beginning with key assignments at RAF Buchan and Number 1 Air Control Centre, including a deployment as the initial Unit commander for Op HERRICK in Afghanistan. Following his promotion to Squadron Leader, he served alongside US forces as the lead NATO Air Planner for support to Afghanistan operations before transitioning to the Air Warfare Centre. As a Wing Commander, he spearheaded the Financial Military Capability Transformation Programme and later provided strategic military advice on NATO to the Chief of Defence Staff and Defence Ministers within the Ministry of Defence. His trajectory continued through command of RAF Fylingdales and his role as Chief of Staff Space and Battlespace Management Force, leading to his promotion to Group Captain where was selected as the first Allied deputy of the US’s Combined Space Operations Center. After completing the UK Higher Command and Staff Course in 2022, he led the United States Space Force’s "Partner to Win" initiative as Deputy Director of Global Partnerships, ultimately promoting to Air Commodore in September 2023 to serve as the Deputy J5 at USSPACECOM.
Air Commodore Whiteley resides with his partner, Marion; his son currently lives in the United States. Outside of his professional duties, he is a dedicated—and often long-suffering—supporter of Middlesbrough Football Club. He spends his leisure time mountain biking, practicing photography, and managing a rescue dog with a penchant for the local wildlife; his cats give him less stress. He also enjoys exploring the complexities of fine Scotch whisky.

Aleix Nadal

Researcher, RAND Europe
Aleix Nadal

Aleix Nadal is a PhD candidate at the Freeman Air and Space Institute and the Defence Studies Department, King’s College London. His research examines the evolving posture of the Royal Air Force on outer space since the end of the 1991 Gulf War. He teaches for the RAF’s officers development programme on air and space power at the Joint Services Command and Staff College. His publications include: ‘Concept to combat: The Royal Air Force and the case of small drones post-Ukraine,’ European Review of International Studies (with Arun Dawson, 2025); ‘Protect and defend: advancing a UK space architecture based on deterrence by denial,’ Freeman Air and Space Institute Paper (2024).

Allen Antrobus

Managing Consultant - PA Consulting, PA Consulting
Allen Antrobus

Allen Antrobus has worked in the Space Sector for over 15 years and is currently a Managing Consultant with PA Consulting, whom he joined in Feb 24. Prior to this he has held senior commercial positions within Serco and Airbus Defence and Space. Before joining the commercial sector, Allen worked for both the Royal Air Force and the UK Space Agency. His primary focus within the sector has been Space Domain Awareness and he was the UK’s inaugural Programme Director for the EU Space Surveillance and Tracking Initiative, as well as co-chairing the programme’s Steering Committee.

Allen was Officer Commanding Operations at RAF Fylingdales between Sep 07-May 09 whilst the site was being upgraded to support the Missile Defense mission and has held appointments within the MOD and HQ Air focusing on Space Strategy and Capability Development. Additionally, Allen chairs the UKSpace Security and Defence Committee and is a member of the MOD’s Secretary of State’s Net Assessment of Capability (SONAC) space team called Prospero.

Andrea Loper

RDSP Acquisition Program Manager, Deputy Chief - RDSP, AFRL
Andrea Loper

Ms. Loper’s professional career spans over 20 years in Program Management with the Department of Defense and across the space enterprise, including six years abroad providing oversight of educational support services offered at deployed sites throughout Europe and the Middle East. Ms. Loper presently serves as the Space Electro-Optics Division, Program Control Branch Deputy/ Sr. Acquisition Program Manager. The Starfire Optical Range (SOR) is the DAF center of excellence for adaptive optics (AO) research, the enabling technology for high-resolution imaging of space objects using ground-based telescopes. The Division’s mission is to advance the state-of-the-art in ground-based optical beam control technologies in support of Space Domain Awareness (SDA) and optical communications. Ms. Loper leads a multi-disciplinary team comprised of over 350 scientists, engineers, civilian, military, contractors, & FFRDCs personnel to achieve advances in SDA and Quantum Communications. She services as the Division’s focal point for expertise in best procurement practices, DAF program management, and international project agreements to enable execution of a $355M R&D portfolio.

Brigadier General Christopher Horner

Commander, 3 Canadian Space Division
Brigadier General Christopher Horner

Brigadier-General Christopher Horner joined the Canadian Armed Forces as an Aerospace Controller in 1998, graduated from the Royal Military College of Canada in 2002, and after completing his initial training at Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Control Operations in 2003, he began his career as an Air Battle Manager. Over the course of the next decade, BGen Horner held various operational positions from deep within NORAD’s underground complex of Canadian Air Defence Sector, served as an Air Weapons Officer and Evaluator Senior Director with the United States Air Force E-3 AWACS Program, and finally as Mission Crew Commander and Director of Operations within 21 Aerospace Control and Warning Squadron, North Bay. Operating with Joint and Allied forces around the globe, BGen Horner amassed nearly 1,300 hours on the E-3 AWACS including over 430 combat flight hours supporting Operations ENDURING and IRAQI FREEDOM, in counter-narcotics missions supporting Operation CARRIBE, and both in the air and on the ground throughout the United States and Canada actively supporting Operation NOBLE EAGLE counter-terrorism missions. Prior to assuming command of the 3 Canadian Space Division and becoming the Canadian Armed Forces Joint Force Space Component Commander in June 2024, BGen Horner was fortunate enough to command the Canadian Joint Warfare Centre, the Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Control Operations, 51 Aerospace Control and Warning Squadron, and serve as Deputy Joint Force Cyber Component Commander. Apart from his operational focus and command appointments, BGen Horner filled various staff roles at 1 Canadian Air Division Headquarters, the Strategic Joint Staff at National Defence Headquarters, within CAF Strategic Response Team on Sexual Misconduct, within Director General Information Management Operations, and most recently as Special Advisor to the Commander of Canadian Joint Operations Command BGen Horner holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Economics and Political Science, a Master of Arts in Defence Management, and a Master of Science in Leadership. He is a graduate of the Canadian Forces College Joint Command and Staff Program and the United States Air Force Air War College. Together with his spouse and their three boys, BGen Horner tries hard to find balance between hobbies that won’t be fatal and life experiences that make great memories. Of all his adventures, those he shares with his family remain his greatest passion.

Colonel Albert 'AC' Harris III

Commandant, National Security Space Institute, USSF
Colonel Albert 'AC' Harris III

Colonel Albert C. Harris III is the Commandant and Commander of the National Security Space Institute, Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado. He leads a multi-service team providing space-centric professional continuing education to select space warfighters, international partners, and leaders worldwide. The Institute offers a wide spectrum of education opportunities spanning the tactical, operational, and strategic levels of war, with subjects ranging from space law and doctrine to the geo-political implications of space combat employment. The Institute proudly serves the education needs of the US Space Force, Sister Services, Federal Agencies, NATO, and 62 partner nations. Colonel Harris commissioned in the Air Force in 2004, and then re- commissioned into the Space Force in 2020. He completed Squadron Officer’s School, Air Command and Staff College, Air War College, is a graduate of the Advanced Space Operations School’s Advanced Orbital Mechanics Course, Advanced Satellite Communications Course, and has earned a doctorate with distinction from Capella University’s School of Public Service Leadership. His previous assignments include a variety of leadership positions in inter-continental ballistic missiles, space operations, joint planning and exercises, and enterprise-wide strategic planning. Moreover, the depth and breadth of his experience has allowed Lt Col Harris to publish six space related journal articles in three different languages. He is married to Susan Lea Harris and they have one son, Albert C. Harris IV.
EDUCATION
2004
Bachelor of Arts in Music, University of Kentucky
2005
ICBM React B Operations Training, Air Education and Training Command
2007
Space Acquisition, Defense Acquisitions University
2007
Fundamentals of Systems Acquisition, Defense Acquisitions University
2008
Air and Space Power Course, Lemay Center for Doctrine Development and Education
2008
Squadron Officer School, Air Education and Training Command
2008
Master of Science in International Relations, Troy University
2009
Space Surveillance, Air Education and Training Command
2009
Warfighter Planning Course Online, Lemay Center for Doctrine Development and Education
2010
Advanced Orbital Mechanics, Advanced Space Operations School
2010
Intermediate Systems Acquisition, Defense Acquisitions University
2011
Satellite Communications Advanced Course, Advanced Space Operations School
2012
National Systems Information Course
2013
NRO Acquisition Planning and Roles and Responsibilities, NRO Acquisitions Center of Excellence
2013
NRO and the Congressional Budget Process, NRO Acquisitions Center of Excellence
2013
Air Command and Staff College, Air Education and Training Command
2014
Space 200, National Security Space Institute
2015
Contingency/Wartime Planning Course
2015
Doctor of Public Administration-Graduated with Distinction
2016
Space 300, National Security Space Institute
2018
Air War College, Air Education and Training Command
ASSIGNMENTS
1.
September 2004 – April 2005, Student, Officer Space Prerequisite and ICBM React B Operations Training, Vandenberg AFB, CA.
2.
April 2005 – August 2008, Deputy Missile Combat Crew Commander (Squadron Command Post); Deputy Missile Combat Crew Flight Commander; Missile Combat Crew Commander (Squadron Command Post); Wing Weapons Safety Manager, Malmstrom AFB, MT.
3.
August 2008 – May 2011, Space Battle Manager; Team Lead of Space Situational Awareness Operations Procedures; Deputy Chief of Operations Procedures; Chief of Launch Operations; Chief of the Special Events Team, Combat Operations Division, 614 Air and Space Operations Center/JSpOC, Vandenberg AFB, CA.
4.
May 2011 – July 2012, Chief of the Joint Space Effects Team, Combat Plans Division, 614 Air and Space Operations Center/JSpOC, Vandenberg AFB, CA.
5.
July 2012 – July 2013, Deputy Chief of the Adjudications Branch, Personnel Security Division, Office of Security and Counterintelligence, HQ National Reconnaissance Office, Chantilly, VA.
6.
July 2013 – June 2016, Senior Mission Director; Chief, NRO Training and Exercise Plans, National Reconnaissance Operations Center, Mission Operations Directorate, HQ National Reconnaissance Office, Chantilly, VA.
7.
July 2016 – June 2018, Operations Officer, Communications Operations Squadron East, Network Operations Group, HQ National Reconnaissance Office, Chantilly, VA.
8.
June 2018 – July 2020, Chief, Strategic Plans Branch, Headquarters Air Force Space Command (A8XP); Chief, Strategic Plans Branch (S8XP); Senior Executive Officer to the Director, Plans, Programs, and Financial Management (S8E), Headquarters United States Space Force, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado.
9.
July 2020 – November 2020, Chief of Staff, Space Training and Readiness Delta, Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado.
10.
November 2020 – September 2021, Director, Space Training and Readiness Delta Operating Location-A, Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado.
11.
September 2021 – June 2023, Commander, 392d Combat Training Squadron, Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado.
12.
June 2023 – June 2024, Executive Officer to the Commander, Space Operations Command, Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado.
13.
June 2024 – May 2025, Deputy Commander, Space Delta 8, Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado.
14.
May 2025 – Present, Commandant, National Security Space Institute, Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado.
AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Defense Meritorious Service Medal, 1-oak leaf clusters
Meritorious Service Medal, 3-oak leaf clusters
Air and Space Commendation Medal
Joint Service Achievement Medal
Air and Space Achievement Medal, 3-oak leaf clusters
Joint Meritorious Unit Award
Air and Space Outstanding Unit Award, 4-oak leaf clusters
Air and Space Organizational Excellence Award
Combat Readiness Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Remote Combat Effects Campaign Medal
Air and Space Campaign Medal
Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal, 1 “N” Device
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
2006
341 Operations Group General Curtis Lemay Leadership Award
2007
Air Force Space Command Safety Award of Distinction
2011
Air Force Space Command CGO Space Operator of the Year
2013
NRO (NAF Level) Company Grade Officer of the Quarter
2014
NRO (NAF Level) Field Grade Officer of the Quarter
2016
Technology Operations Group FGO of the Year
2017
Air Force Space Command FGO Space Operator of the Year
2018
Director, National Reconnaissance Office Silver Medal
2018
HQ Air Force Space Command Directorate of Plans, Programs and Financial Management Field Grade Officer of the Year
2020
HQ United States Space Force, Field Grade Officer of the Quarter
OCCUPATIONAL BADGES
Master Space Badge
Basic Missile Badge
Commander’s Pin
PUBLICATIONS
2011
Harris III, A.C. (2011). [Review of the book Effects-Based Operations: Applying Network Centric Warfare in Peace, Crisis, and
War, by E. A. Smith]. Air and Space Power Journal, 120-121.
2011
Harris III, A.C. (2011). Administering the 2010 National Space Policy: Lessons from History and Recommendations for the
Future. The High Frontier: The Journal for Space and Cyberspace Professionals, 7(2), 56-60.
2014
Harris III, A.C. (2014). Maintaining Space Superiority. Air and Space Power Journal, 28(1), 68-82.
2014
Harris III, A.C. (2014). Maintaining Space Superiority. Air and Space Power Journal: Chinese Edition, 8(1), 49-56.
2015
Harris III, A.C. (2015). Improving Organizational Communication: An Action Research Study within a Federal Agency
(Dissertation). Capella University.
2017
Harris III, A.C. (2017). Maintaining Space Superiority. Air and Space Power Journal, Spanish Edition, 29(4),
2018
Harris III, A.C. (2018). Preparing for Multi-domain Warfare: Lessons from Space/Cyber Operations. Air and Space Power
Journal, 32(3), 45-61.
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS AND ASSOCIATIONS
Member, Space Force Association
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Second Lieutenant, 2004
First Lieutenant, 2006
Captain, 2008
Major, 2014
Lieutenant Colonel, 2019
Colonel, 2025
(Current as of November 2025)

Colonel Claudio Gizzi

Head of the Operations Branch, Space Situational Awareness Centre, Italian Air & Space Operations Command
Colonel Claudio Gizzi

Lt. Col. Claudio GIZZI achieved a Degree in Physic at the University "La Sapienza" of Rome and later in 1994 achieved post-graduated specialization in High Energy and Medics Instruments. He joined the Air Force in 1998 and achieved the Master in Physic of the Atmosphere. After many contributions to Air and Joint Operations and Exercises, since 2017 he was appointed at the ITAF Air Operations Command as METOC and Space Weather Office. Since June 2020 he was appointed at Interim Space Operation Centre in the Air and Space Operations Command and he is currently the Head of the Operations Service in the Space Situational Awareness Centre in charge to deal the S.S.T. services for the EU SST framework support program for Italy.

Colonel Pawel Chodosiewicz

Chief of SSA Department, ARGUS - Space Operations Centre
Colonel Pawel Chodosiewicz

Col Pawel Chodosiewicz, PhD Eng. graduated in 2006 as MSc Eng. in cybernetics from Military Academy of Technology (WAT) in Warsaw, later on supplementing education with postgraduate studies in Human Resource Management at Military Academy of Technology and in Space Management in the New Economy at Warsaw University Of Life Sciences (SGH).

In 2023 he received his PhD in technical sciences at Air Force Institute of Technology (ITWL). Since 2006 he has worked at variety of military posts mainly as the IT engineer (programmer, Cisco administrator and project manager).

Since 2014 he has been working in a field of space technology initially in the Inspectorate, for Implementation of Innovative Defence Technologies (3 years in the Space Technologies Division) later as a Section Chief of Defence Projects Department in Polish Space Agency (POLSA) where he was responsible for new technologies reconnaissance, arranging surveys, studies and Polish involvement analysis in number of space areas i.e. small launchers, SATCOM, technology harmonization etc. (at national level and within international context - ESA, EDA, European Commission).

Furthermore was s a national delegate to the EU GovSatCom initiative as well as an advisor in the PB-STS ESA. He was working in POLSA since 2017 to 2025. Now Col Chodosiewicz is a SDA Branch Head, department responsible for space security and intelligence services in Space Operation Centre at Geospatial Intelligence and Satellite Agency (ARGUS).

David Sulley

Capability Manager, National Space Operations Centre
David Sulley

David Sulley is a Senior Space Systems Engineer at the UK Space Agency and was previously Capability Lead for the UK National Space Operations Centre. He specialises in space domain awareness, space traffic coordination and operational resilience, supporting UK and international efforts to improve the safety, security and sustainability of space operations.

Dr Emma Kerr

Principal Adviser, Protect & Defend, DSTL
Dr Emma Kerr

Dr Kerr completed her PhD and postdoctoral studies in Astrodynamics before leaving academia to join Deimos Space UK where she started as a project engineer, and rose to lead the Space Safety team. After leaving industry, she now works for the UK MOD at Dstl. As Protect and Defend Principal Adviser Emma leads the Space Domain Awareness and Integrated Survivability work within Dstl, and provides expertise and advice into UK Space Command and other government agencies.

Group Captain Ben Sharp

Asst Hd Strategy - Space, UK Space Command
Group Captain Ben Sharp

Katherine Courtney

Chair, Global Network on Sustainability in Space
Katherine Courtney

Katherine is a non-executive director, strategic advisor, and former CEO of the UK Space Agency. She chairs the Global Network on Sustainability in Space – which brings together scientists, industry leaders and policy makers in partnership to tackle the rising challenges of space debris and congestion.

Katherine has over 20 years’ executive experience in business innovation, start-up and expansion in the UK, Europe, and other geographies. Over nearly 15 years as a Senior Civil Servant with the UK government, she developed and implemented high-profile government policy in areas ranging from critical national infrastructure to industrial strategy. She led several landmark technology-enabled transformation programmes and steered five cross-cutting pieces of legislation successfully through Parliament.

During her tenure as CEO of the UK Space Agency, Katherine opened the UK market to commercial spaceflight; modernised the UK’s space regulatory frameworks; directed the Agency’s response to major global and domestic events, such as the Brexit referendum; and led €1.4bn investment in collaborative space missions through the European Space Agency.

Katherine is also a STEM Ambassador and the Founder of PrimarySpace.org – a charity with the mission to inspire and engage as many primary school children and teachers as possible with STEAM subjects and careers.

Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) David Wood

SDA Programme Manager, Canadian Department of National Defence
Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) David Wood

Lieutenant Colonel Bertrand Kirsch

Commandant le COSMOS 42.542, French Space Command
Lieutenant Colonel Bertrand Kirsch

Lieutenant Colonel Danny Houde

Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations and Intelligence & Head for the NATO Space Operations Centre NSpOC, NATO Combined Force Space Component Command
Lieutenant Colonel Danny Houde

Lieutenant Colonel Danny Houde has contributed to the emergence and operationalization of Space as a domain within NATO and in shaping NATO’s approach to Space power since July 2019. From 2019 to 2024, as Section Head for Space Operations at NATO’s Joint Force Command Naples, and since July 2024 as Branch Chief for Space Operations and Intelligence, at the NATO Space Theatre Component in Ramstein, Germany. His work has supported the integration of Space effects into joint operations, ensuring coherence between strategic objectives and operational execution across NATO commands.

In November 2025, he was awarded the NATO Meritorious Service Medal, a personal award of the Secretary General of NATO, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the development and integration of the Space Domain within the Alliance.
 

Lieutenant Colonel Jean-Noel Pittet

Space Operations Officer, Swiss Space Command
Lieutenant Colonel Jean-Noel Pittet

Lt. Col. Pittet (DCOS Swiss Space Command) is currently leading the development of a SSA software. He has also designed the instruction concept and basic training curriculum that underpin a sovereign SSA capability. He initially served as a militia infantry tank crewman and holds an EPFL Master’s degree in astrophysics. His early career was spent developing and using various methods to determine the attitude of space debris. He then completed a two-year national traineeship on ESA’s Future Launchers programme before finally joining the Swiss Space Command in 2018. He also participates in the OOSA SSA experts group and occasionally teaches SSA at Swiss universities.

Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Blaette

Director Operations, German Space Situational Awareness Centre GSSAC, German Space Command
Lieutenant Colonel Thomas  Blaette

Military Background

1986 Joined the Luftwaffe
1999 – 2002: Commander 2nd Fighter Sqadron, Tactical Fighter Wing 73 “Steinhoff”, Laage, Germany
2003 – 2005: Deputy Commander Flight Trng Centre, Rheine, Germany
2005 – 2006: US Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, USA
2007 – 2009: SO Strategic Concept Analysis Branch, HQ Allied Command Transformation, Norfolk, USA
2009 – 2011: SO A 5 I Plans & Policy, German Air Force Command, Cologne, Germany
2011 – 2016: Director Operations, German Space Situational Awareness Centre, Uedem, Germany
2016 – 2019: Future Operations Planner, US Central Command J35, MacDill AFB, USA
2019 - Present: Director Operations, German Space Situational Awareness Centre, Uedem, Germany
Deployments

2003: Deputy DCOS Air, HQ ISAF, Kabul, AFG
2014: Commander German Contingent to United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA)
2015: Commander German Air Base Termez, UZB

Major (Ret.) Lindsay Holmes

Project Director Space C2, Space Architecture and Systems Integration Capability Manager, Department of National Defence
Major (Ret.) Lindsay Holmes

Nicolas Stassin

Project Officer Defence in Space and Space Situational Awareness, European Defence Agency
Nicolas Stassin

Nicolas Stassin is an active retired Belgian Air Force Major.

He is from 2023, Project Officer of the Defence in Space Forum and Project Officer Space Situational Awareness at the European Defence Agency in the Capability, Armament and Planning Directorate.

From 2018 to 2023, he served as Space Policy Officer in the Space Division of
the European External Action Service (EEAS) in the field of Defence and Security. From 2021, he was Head of Sector of the Space Threat Response Architecture protecting the space components of the EU Space Programme.

From 2012 to 2018, he was the Project Officer in charge of the space capabilities development at the Belgian Defense Staff. He was also the Defense representative at the Belgian National Geographic Institute management board.

From 2007 to 2012, he was the operational manager and the Belgian ground segment commanding officer of the Helios2 multinational programme for military earth observation.

Previously to these postings, he was an intelligence officer already involved in space matters, in particular earth observation. He served at the Western European Union Satellite Centre.

Nicolas Stassin holds a Master in Aeronautical and Military Sciences from the Royal Military Academy (Brussels, Belgium) and a university certificate in Applied Geomatics from the Catholic University of Louvain (Louvain-La-Neuve, Belgium).

Simon Machin

Space Weather Manager, MET Office
Simon Machin

Theodore Janiec

Deputy Commander SYD 85, Space Systems Command, US Space Force
Theodore Janiec

Mr. Ted Janiec is the Director of Staff, System Delta 85, Space Systems Command, headquartered at Peterson SFB Colorado. In this capacity, he leads a 750-member team executing a $12B budget and directing all Space Force programs to deliver sensors, digital systems, and software for Battlespace Awareness, Operational C2, Battle Management and Space Intelligence capabilities to achieve decision dominance in the space domain.

Mr. Janiec’s most recent assignment was as Director of Staff, Battlespace Awareness Acquisition Delta, Space Domain Awareness and Combat Power, Space Systems Command, Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado. Mr. Janiec entered Federal service in 1985 with his commissioning as a 2nd Lt in the Air Force, with his first assignment at the 20th Missile Warning Squadron, Site C-6, Eglin AFB, FL. After several active duty assignments that included duties in Stan Eval at the 1st Space Wing, Program Element Monitor at HQ AFSPCOM/DOY and Chief, Theater Space Operations at HQ 5 AF, Yokota AB, Japan. Mr. Janiec separated from Active Duty in 1997.

In 2004 Mr. Janiec entered federal service as an Electronics Engineer for the 850th Electronic Systems Group (850th ELSG), Peterson AFB, CO, with responsibilities spanning SSA requirements development, Small Business Innovative Research (SIBR) task evaluation and development of the division’s approach to enabling SSA Sensor’s Net CENTRIC data exposure.

In 2007, Mr Janiec was promoted to the Position of Chief Engineer for the Air Force Space Surveillance system primarily responsible for the sustainment and modernization of the Very High Frequency (VHF) Fence until he was promoted to the position of DSC2-D Program Manager in 2013.

Toby Harris

Chair, SDA Working Group - UKSpace
Toby Harris

Beginning his space career in the UK Space Agency, Toby was Head of Orbital Systems within the Chief Engineer’s Office at the UK Space Agency, overseeing the technical aspects of UK spacecraft licensing and developing the UK licensing process and UK spaceflight policies, and supporting the creation of the 2018 Space Industry Bill. During this time, Toby developed technical licensing assessments for novel missions, including large constellations and active debris removal (ADR) missions. He headed the UK delegation to UN COPUOS several times, and represented the UK as policy lead for the IADC.

In 2020, Toby left the UK Space Agency to take up the role of Global Head of Space Situational Awareness (SSA) at Astroscale, later becoming Director of Government Relations and Space Policy. These roles involved supporting SSA needs and liaising with appropriate government departments, notably during Astroscale’s ELSA-d mission, an in-orbit demonstration of ADR technology. Subsequently, Toby became Head of HEO UK, developing novel space-based imaging, known as Non-Earth Imaging (NEI). Toby now works independently as director of SpaceROC, a consultancy company providing technical analysis and support within the space domain, predominantly in the fields of space safety, sustainability and resilience. Toby is also currently chair of the UKspace Space Domain Awareness (SDA) Working Group.

Why should you attend?

Stay Ahead of Emerging Threats
Understand the latest counterspace developments, orbital hazards, and operational risks impacting allied missions.

Hear from Those Delivering Capability
Gain direct insight from senior military leaders, programme owners, and international partners shaping national and coalition SDA strategy.

Turn Insight into Action
Leave with practical approaches to strengthen resilience, enhance data-sharing, and improve mission readiness.

Build High-Value Connections
Engage with 250+ defence, government, and industry professionals from 20+ nations in one focused environment.

This is where operational strategy meets real-world delivery!

"A fantastic conference covering current international SSA efforts, but in a smaller, more intimate setting, ideal for successfully
networking with the people you'd like to!"
- KRATOS
 

4 May: Focus Day – Space Control, Threats & Hazards

A deep dive into the realities of operating in a contested domain, covering:

  • Strategic and counterspace threats
  • Space control and deterrence
  • Civil–military cooperation
  • Space weather and environmental hazards
  • Sustainability and responsible operations
  • Designed for professionals seeking focused, high-level analysis and practical resilience strategies

5-6 May: Main Conference Days

Two days of strategic and operational insight, including:

  • UK and allied military SSA priorities
  • Five Eyes and European perspectives
  • Commercial integration and data-sharing at scale
  • Advanced sensors, battle management, and GEO capability development
  • Innovation pathways accelerating SDA delivery
  • A comprehensive view of how nations and partners are strengthening space security in 2026 and beyond

sponsors

We offer sponsorship, exhibition, advertising and branding packages, uniquely tailored to complement your company’s marketing strategy.

Should you wish to join the increasing number of companies benefiting from sponsoring our conferences please contact::

James Hitchen | Sponsorship Manager | james.hitchen@saemediagroup.com| +44 207 827 6054 |


 

Confirmed Speakers Include:

Integrator - Futures - Weapons and Tactics
Joint Commercial Operations, US Space Force
Interim Commander
UK Space Command
Researcher
RAND Europe
Managing Consultant - PA Consulting
PA Consulting
RDSP Acquisition Program Manager, Deputy Chief - RDSP
AFRL
Commander
3 Canadian Space Division
Commandant, National Security Space Institute
USSF
Head of the Operations Branch
Space Situational Awareness Centre, Italian Air & Space Operations Command
Chief of SSA Department
ARGUS - Space Operations Centre
Capability Manager
National Space Operations Centre
Principal Adviser, Protect & Defend
DSTL
Asst Hd Strategy - Space
UK Space Command
Chair
Global Network on Sustainability in Space
SDA Programme Manager
Canadian Department of National Defence
Commandant le COSMOS 42.542
French Space Command
Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations and Intelligence & Head for the NATO Space Operations Centre NSpOC
NATO Combined Force Space Component Command
Space Operations Officer
Swiss Space Command
Director Operations, German Space Situational Awareness Centre GSSAC
German Space Command
Project Director Space C2, Space Architecture and Systems Integration Capability Manager
Department of National Defence
Project Officer Defence in Space and Space Situational Awareness
European Defence Agency
Space Weather Manager
MET Office
Deputy Commander SYD 85
Space Systems Command, US Space Force
Chair
SDA Working Group - UKSpace

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

VENUE

To ensure the security of the event, the exact location will not be disclosed publicly. Once your booking has been confirmed and approved, you will receive the full event location and address, along with the hotel booking form.

Sponsors and Exhibitors


CGI

Gold Sponsors
http://www.cgi.com/uk

Founded in 1976, CGI is among the largest IT and business consulting services firms in the world. We are an IT Systems Integrator working to advise, build and operate bespoke, technically complex, mission-critical information systems. Bringing innovation to our clients using proven and emerging technologies, agile delivery processes and our expertise across space, defence, intelligence, aerospace and maritime, all underpinned by our end-to-end cyber capability.



Kratos

Gold Sponsors
https://www.kratosdefense.com/

Kratos is the leader in advanced solutions across the space ground segment with products and services that manage and optimize satellites, signals and networks. Kratos solutions are used by some 80% of global satellite operators and support more than 90% of U.S. government space missions. As the space industry evolves, Kratos’ advanced technologies are addressing the needs on the ground resulting from multi-constellations, HTS satellites, flexible payloads and other new space architectures, as well protecting communications in an increasingly competitive and contested space environment.

Kratos is at the forefront of virtualized space to ground systems with OpenSpaceTM, built to replace proprietary ground systems, it enables digital IF as an on ramp to the cloud, real-time data transport solutions, automated services and multi-domain management. Kratos operates the world’s most extensive global RF sensor network enabling interference intelligence and advanced space situational awareness services.



Leolabs

Gold Sponsors
https://leolabs.space/

LeoLabs provides a continuous watch of low Earth orbit (LEO), supplying the real-time data and critical insights needed to monitor on-orbit activities and detect threats at-scale. Our dashboards, powered by our independent radar network, use artificial intelligence to continuously monitor patterns-of-life, surveil maneuvers and proximity operations, identify unknown payloads, and characterize unusual events. Governments, use LeoLabs to stay informed and ready for any events in LEO.



Spaceflux

Gold Sponsors
https://spaceflux.io/

Spaceflux is a UK space intelligence company delivering sovereign space domain awareness and AI-driven intelligence to allied governments, defence and commercial operators.


Sponsors and Exhibitors


Astroscale

Silver Sponsors
https://www.astroscale.com/en

Astroscale is the first private company with a vision to secure the safe and sustainable development of space for the benefit of future generations, and the leading company dedicated to in-orbit servicing across all orbits.



Look Up Space

Silver Sponsors
http://www.lookupspace.com/

Look Up Space is transforming space defense with a global network of high-precision, ground-based radars integrated into a powerful, multi-source data fusion platform. Our solutions provide near real-time space surveillance and tracking (SST) and comprehensive space domain awareness (SDA), enabling our customers to quickly identify, assess, and respond to potential orbital threats. Our mission is straightforward: secure the orbital environment. Through our SaaS and on-premise deployments, governments, defense agencies, and commercial operators gain instant, actionable insights into space objects, collisions, and emerging risks. With Look Up Space, decision-makers safeguard critical assets, ensure mission continuity, and preserve the long-term viability of the orbital environment.


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WHAT IS CPD?

CPD stands for Continuing Professional Development’. It is essentially a philosophy, which maintains that in order to be effective, learning should be organised and structured. The most common definition is:

‘A commitment to structured skills and knowledge enhancement for Personal or Professional competence’

CPD is a common requirement of individual membership with professional bodies and Institutes. Increasingly, employers also expect their staff to undertake regular CPD activities.

Undertaken over a period of time, CPD ensures that educational qualifications do not become obsolete, and allows for best practice and professional standards to be upheld.

CPD can be undertaken through a variety of learning activities including instructor led training courses, seminars and conferences, e:learning modules or structured reading.

CPD AND PROFESSIONAL INSTITUTES

There are approximately 470 institutes in the UK across all industry sectors, with a collective membership of circa 4 million professionals, and they all expect their members to undertake CPD.

For some institutes undertaking CPD is mandatory e.g. accountancy and law, and linked to a licence to practice, for others it’s obligatory. By ensuring that their members undertake CPD, the professional bodies seek to ensure that professional standards, legislative awareness and ethical practices are maintained.

CPD Schemes often run over the period of a year and the institutes generally provide online tools for their members to record and reflect on their CPD activities.

TYPICAL CPD SCHEMES AND RECORDING OF CPD (CPD points and hours)

Professional bodies and Institutes CPD schemes are either structured as ‘Input’ or ‘Output’ based.

‘Input’ based schemes list a precise number of CPD hours that individuals must achieve within a given time period. These schemes can also use different ‘currencies’ such as points, merits, units or credits, where an individual must accumulate the number required. These currencies are usually based on time i.e. 1 CPD point = 1 hour of learning.

‘Output’ based schemes are learner centred. They require individuals to set learning goals that align to professional competencies, or personal development objectives. These schemes also list different ways to achieve the learning goals e.g. training courses, seminars or e:learning, which enables an individual to complete their CPD through their preferred mode of learning.

The majority of Input and Output based schemes actively encourage individuals to seek appropriate CPD activities independently.

As a formal provider of CPD certified activities, SAE Media Group can provide an indication of the learning benefit gained and the typical completion. However, it is ultimately the responsibility of the delegate to evaluate their learning, and record it correctly in line with their professional body’s or employers requirements.

GLOBAL CPD

Increasingly, international and emerging markets are ‘professionalising’ their workforces and looking to the UK to benchmark educational standards. The undertaking of CPD is now increasingly expected of any individual employed within today’s global marketplace.

CPD Certificates

We can provide a certificate for all our accredited events. To request a CPD certificate for a conference , workshop, master classes you have attended please email events@saemediagroup.com

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UK Office
Opening Hours: 9.00 - 17.30 (local time)
SAE Media Group , Ground Floor, India House, 45 Curlew Street, London, SE1 2ND, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7827 6000 Fax: +44 (0) 20 7827 6001
Website: http://www.smgconferences.com Email: events@saemediagroup.com
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