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Enabling you to Connect with, Learn from and Shape the MilSatCom Community

Free to attend for military and government worldwide, this conference, supporting SSAFA, the armed forces charity, is the largest gathering of MilSatCom professionals as it returns for its 26th year. Only at Global MilSatCom will you gain access to five ground-breaking events in one place – new for 2024 the SME Expo & Innovation Stage and the Champion Women in Space Forum!

It’s time to unlock unparalleled insights from over 100 of the biggest experts in the field to ensure you stay ahead in the dynamic landscape of military satellite communications. Join the hub of the MilSatCom community.

Advisory Board

Captain (RN) Phil Coope

Captain (RN) Phil Coope

Deputy Head – Space, UK Strategic Command
Captain (N) Jose Freitas

Captain (N) Jose Freitas

Head of Space Department, Portuguese Armed Forces General Staff
Colonel (Ret'd) Jennifer Krolikowski

Colonel (Ret'd) Jennifer Krolikowski

Former Chief Information Officer - Space Systems Command
CEO, Plan Z
Nik Smith

Nik Smith

Regional Director UK and Europe, Lockheed Martin Space
Brigadier Mike Cornwell

Professor Anna Moore

Director, ANU Institute for Space
Todd Gossett

Todd Gossett

Vice President, Space and National Security Initiatives SES Space & Defence
David Dean

David Dean

Space FBLOS Principal Advisor, DSTL
Chris Moore

Chris Moore

VP Defence & Security, Government Relations, Eutelsat Oneweb
David Black

Wing Commander David Black

SO1 Satellite Co-ordination Team, UK Space Command
Betty Bonnardel-Azzarelli

Betty Bonnardel-Azzarelli

Chairperson, UK Chapter, Space and Satellite Professionals International

FEATURED SPEAKERS

Dr Kate Ferguson

Dr Kate Ferguson

Associate Director Strategic Projects, Australian National University Institute for Space (ANU InSpace)
Dr Vincent Lenders

Dr Vincent Lenders

Director of Cyber-Defence Campus, Federal Office for Defence Procurement (armasuisse)
Joshua Broom

Joshua Broom

Head of Space, Department for Business & Trade
Major General Steven 'Bucky' Butow

Major General Steven 'Bucky' Butow

Military Deputy, Defense Innovation Unit
Mark Kitz

Mark Kitz

Program Executive Officer for Command, Control, Communications-Tactical PEO C3T, U.S. Army
Name Withheld for Security Reasons

Name Withheld for Security Reasons

Senior Representative, SMi Group Ltd
Philippe Bertrand

Philippe Bertrand

Chairman, EU Space Programme Security Accreditation Board (SAB)
Vice Admiral Dr Thomas Daum

Vice Admiral Dr Thomas Daum

Chief of German Cyber and Information Domain Service, German Cyber and Information Domain Service, Bundeswehr/ German Federal Armed Forces
Victoria Cope

Victoria Cope

Commercial Enterprise Director, Defence Digital, UK MOD

Andrea Loper

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

Ms. Loper possesses over 15 years of Program Management experience across the space enterprise. She currently manages projects at the Starfire Optical Range, the Air Force’s center of excellence for adaptive optics (AO) research and Maui unique world-class research facility, and the Air Force Maui Optical and Supercomputing Site. The AO research enables technology for high resolution imaging of space objects using ground-based telescopes. From 2009 – 2013, she served as the program integrator and segments lead for the U.S. DoD Enhanced Polar Protected SatComm System and returned to SATCOM in the Wideband Program Office in 2016. She joined the U.S. Government as a Presidential Management Fellow 2008 at the Space and Missile System Center in Los Angeles from a 6-year position in Germany, where she managed operations in Kuwait, Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq as a support services contractor.

Andrew D'Uva

Strategy and Policy Adviser, Space Data Association
Andrew D'Uva

Andrew D’Uva is Strategy and Policy Adviser to the Space Data Association as well as being President of Providence Access Company, a government affairs, technology, and satellite consultancy. He has supported international commercial satellite and telecommunications businesses on the regulatory, policy, legal, operational, and business fronts for more than 25 years, with a present emphasis on policy, government services, information assurance, and cybersecurity in support of national security missions. Representative clients include key communication satellite owner-operators, trade organizations, and U.S. Federal agencies. D’Uva coordinates the activities of the SATCOM Industry Group (SIG), dedicated to improving the communications capabilities afforded in support of U.S. and allied national security missions and helped instantiate the U.S. DoD’s leading edge Commercial Integration Cell (CIC). D’Uva is U.S. industry chair of the Commercial Space Cryptographic Cybersecurity Working Group of the U.S. Space Force / National Security Agency. He was a founding executive of commercial SATCOM operator New Skies Satellites (now SES) and an attorney at Willkie Farr & Gallagher.

Angela Owen OBE

Founder, Women in Defence UK
Angela Owen OBE

 Angela’s Army career spanned 30 years and included tours in the UK, Germany and NI during the ‘Troubles’. One of the very first mothers to re-join the Army after the rules changed in the early 90s, Angela has always cared deeply about helping women progress with a real passion for gender equity.

 
In 2011, Angela founded Women in Defence UK. Although best known for its annual Awards, now in their 9th year, its innovative Critical Mass work and its Challenge interviews with senior officers and MOD officials. Its ground-breaking cross-defence sector mentoring programme is in its fourth year and the group continues to collaborate with the MOD and industry on the Women in Defence Charter.
 
Angela recently reprised her early (Commonwealth Games) athletics career and enjoys sprinting in Masters’ competitions albeit very slowly. She was appointed OBE in the New Years’ Honours List 2021 for her services to women who work in the Defence Sector and was selected to join the Northern Power Women’s Power List in 2024. An exceptionally proud mother of a son and daughter, she is now an equally proud grandmother of two glorious granddaughters!    
 

Bernard Edwards

Deputy Communications & Navigation Lead, NASA Space Technology Mission Directorate
Bernard Edwards

Bernard Edwards is the Deputy Communications and Navigation Systems Capability Lead for NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate. In that role, he provides technical advice to NASA’s Science Mission Directorate and the Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate. He also serves as the Chief Communications Systems Engineer at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. He supports the NASA representative to the Interagency Operations Advisory Group (IOAG) and until 2024 chaired the Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems (CCSDS) Optical Communications Working Group. He also served as the Chief Engineer for the Laser Communications Relay Demonstration Project. He received a B.S. in Electrical Engineering in 1989, a M.S. in Electrical Engineering in 1991, and a M.S. in Computer Science in 1993 all from The Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland.

Blake Bullock

Vice President, Military Space Systems, Northrop Grumman
Blake Bullock

Blake Bullock is the vice president for the Military Space Systems business unit within the Strategic Space Systems division of Northrop Grumman Space Systems, a premier provider of space and launch systems serving national security, military, and civil space customers.

In this role, Bullock leads satellite communications and overhead sensing programs, proliferated systems, and wideband technology development for US Space Force and Department of Defense customers. She also leads operational programs for civil space missions, including NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope and Chandra X-Ray Observatory.
 
Prior to Bullock’s current position, she served as vice president of Communication Systems. She previously served as vice president of National Security Systems within Northrop Grumman’s Tactical Space Systems division, providing solutions across scientific, weather, and national security missions.
 
Bullock served in positions of increasing responsibility with Northrop Grumman involving systems engineering, strategic planning, business development and management. She also served as director of Civil Air and Space Mission Campaigns for business and advanced systems development for the
Aerospace Systems sector.
 
Prior to joining Northrop Grumman, Bullock was Director of Corporate Development for the University of California, Irvine. She served as a Presidential Management Fellow at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Headquarters, Goddard Space Flight Center, and in the Pentagon for the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Strategic and Space Programs. She also served as a Mass Media Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. She is a member of the Board of Directors for Women in Aerospace and serves on the American Astronomical Society Committee on Public Policy. Bullock holds a bachelor’s degree in astrophysics from the
 
 
 
 

Captain (N) Jose Freitas

Head of Space Department, Portuguese Amed Forces General Staff
Captain (N) Jose Freitas

Captain (N), José Matias de Freitas is a Navy Officer Commander graduated by the Naval Academy as a Weapons and Electronics Engineer. He served on board of various Portuguese navy war ships as a Weapon Engineer Officer (WEO) responsible for the performance and availability of the on-board weapons, sensors, Command Support Information Systems, combat, and communications systems. As Senior Engineer Officer supported the Executive Officer in resources management and information systems administration Ship Domain Administrator for IT. He was head of Weapon Systems Office for the Weapon and Electronic Systems Department at the Portuguese Navy - Technical Navy School and head of Communications and Cypher Department at Naval Communications Centre, being responsible for the transformation process in the naval communications infrastructures and implementation of main data center. After being deputy Director at Portuguese Navy IT and Communications Directorate, he was appointed as head of Planning and Programing Division, at the Portuguese MoD Directorate-General of National Defence Resources, since 2015 where he has been responsible for the coordination, monitoring and execution of Military Programming Law in the Armed Forces among other responsibilities, which includes the coordination of the implementing process of the Portuguese SST capability. Member of the EU-SST Steering Committee and PMO. He is the MoD representative at international forum, within UE, EDA, and NATO for the Space Domain (SATCOM, SST/SSA)

 

Captain (RN) Phil Coope

Deputy Head - Space , UK Strategic Command
Captain (RN) Phil Coope

Phil joined the Royal Navy in 1993 having graduated from the University of Liverpool in Electronics and Communication Engineering. Twenty-eight years later he was delighted to accept the role of Deputy Head Space at UK Strategic Command, leading the Capability Development of Satellite Communications (SATCOM) and Position Navigation and Time. This is his second assignment in the Space Sector having previously worked as and Capability Manager for SATCOM and Programme Manager for Skynet 6.

Phil has been engaged in numerous major projects, notably delivery and acceptance of HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH Aircraft Carrier. He has also described the then future Royal Navy short-range air defence missile and radar systems, generated lifing policy for Defence ordnance, munition and explosives and contributed to the education of junior Royal Navy Officers at the Joint Services Command and Staff College.

Phil has served on T21, T22 and T23 class of Frigates and conducted UK and multinational operations in the North Atlantic, Caribbean, Mediterranean and Arabian Gulf. He also served in Hong Kong for territorial integrity and anti-smuggling operations and conducted media operations in Sarajevo, Bosnia.
 

Charlotte Gerhart

Director, Acquisition Delta - Tactical SATCOM, Space Systems Command, USSF
Charlotte Gerhart

Ms. Charlotte Gerhart is the Chief, Tactical SATCOM Acquisition Delta, Military Communications and Position, Navigation, and Timing (MilComm & PNT) Directorate, Space Systems Command, Los Angeles Air Force Base (LAAFB), CA. She is responsible for the acquisition, production, and fielding of tactical satellite communications capabilities for the Nation’s warfighters.

In 1998, Ms. Gerhart joined the civil service supporting the US Air Force Research Laboratory Space Vehicles Directorate. In this assignment she was responsible for managing the development and demonstration of space system technologies including thermal systems, structural systems, vibro-acoustic suppression, and laser communications systems.

In 2009, Ms. Gerhart moved to be the Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) program as the manager of the WGS 7-10 program (also known as WGS Block II Follow-on), and later served as the Deputy Program Manager for the WGS program. From 2013 through 2018 she served as the WGS Program Manager delivering four satellites into operations, with two more in work.

In 2022, Ms. Gerhart transitioned to the newly formed MilComm & PNT Directorate and assumed leadership of the Tactical SATCOM Acquisition Delta. She has responsibility for the production and fielding of WGS 11+, the rapid acquisition and fielding of Protected Tactical SATCOM (PTS) Rapid Prototype payloads, Protected Tactical Enterprise Service (PTES) Rapid Prototype, Army & Air Force Anti-jam Modem (A3M), Air Force Wideband Enterprise Terminal (AFWET), and Enterprise Management and Control (EM&C).
 

Chris Moore

VP Government Defence & Security , Eutelsat OneWeb
Chris Moore
Chris is OneWeb’s Vice President for Defence & Security and Chief Information Security Officer. He retired from the Royal Air Force as a 2* Air Vice-Marshal in 2021, after serving in the British military for over 30 years. He has been involved with most major military campaigns over his career, including deployments to Afghanistan, Iraq and the Broader Middle East and has enjoyed an incredibly diverse career spanning satellite operations, special projects, supporting the Hercules C130 and Chinook CH47 Forces, the Directorate of Special Forces and capability procurement in the Ministry of Defence.
 
He has also had the rare privilege of commanding military forces at every rank up to and including 2 Star. In recent years he was the Commanding Officer of 90 Signals Unit, the RAF’s de-facto Chief Information Officer/Force Commander and Head of UK Defence’s global IT, network and defensive cyber operations.
In his last role he was Director Operations for the Defence Digital Operations HQ, where he was responsible for the operational planning, execution and multi-domain integration of MOD’s £3Bn pa core networks, defensive cyber, electro-magnetic spectrum and satellite operations globally. He also managed Defence’s cryptographic services and other more discrete capabilities. He is also a graduate of Defence’s Advanced and Higher Command and Staff Courses and was appointed CBE in the 2020 Queen’s Birthday Honours List. 
Outside of work he was a prominent Rugby Union player, having represented England at various junior levels, a professional player for Bristol in the 1990s and represented the RAF and Combined Services on many occasions. He has retired from playing rugby on multiple occasions, loves to experience life at the more adventurous end of the spectrum and has an unrivalled appreciation of Guinness!
 

Christopher McIntosh

CEO, Methera
Christopher McIntosh

 Chris is CEO of Methera, an early stage satellite company that is developing a highly flexible, multifunctional satellite service that will include dynamic broadband provision and the collection of Space Doman Awareness data, information and insights for Defence, Telecom Service Providers and Emerging countries, anywhere and anytime. Previously, as CEO ViaSat UK he led the inception and growth of ViaSat’s European satellite capabilities.

Before joining ViaSat Chris was CEO of Stonewood Group, developers of government grade cyber products and services. A retired British Army Officer, he has worked within the high threat cyber and satellite communications environment for over 35 years.

Chris is focused on leading the development and introduction of game changing satellite services, to meet existing and emerging international requirements. He holds an MSc in Design of Computer Systems and an MBA. He is a member of the UKspace trade association, the National Security and Resilience Consortium, and is also a Chartered Engineer.

As CEO of Methera, Chris is focused on leading the design, development and introduction of innovative and game changing satellite services and applications globally, to meet existing and emerging national requirements.

A keen sportsman, Chris plays squash and football to a relatively high standard, but still fails to control a golf ball over any distance.

 

Colonel (Ret'd) Cameron Stoltz

Director Space Requirements, DND
Colonel (Ret'd) Cameron Stoltz

Colonel Cam Stoltz enrolled in the Canadian Forces as a Communications and Electronics Engineering (Air) Officer. His postings include the Aerospace Maintenance Development Unit in Trenton, engineering and project support positions in Ottawa, and A6 of 1 Canadian Air Division and Canadian NORAD Region (Winnipeg). Senior staff positions at National Defence Headquarters include Director Strategic Communication Services and Director Air Support.

Colonel Stoltz has served as Commanding Officer of 8 Air Communications and Control Squadron (Trenton) and Commanding Officer of the Canadian Forces Joint Signal Regiment (Kingston). He also commanded the Operation APOLLO National Command Control and Information Systems Squadron in Camp Mirage.

In 2017, Colonel Stoltz was posted to his current position as Director Space Requirements. Colonel Stoltz holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering from the Royal Canadian Military College of Canada, as well as a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA) from University of Ottawa, and is a graduate of the Canadian Forces College in Toronto.

Colonel (Ret'd) Jennifer Krolikowski

Former Chief Information Officer - Space Systems Command, CEO, Plan Z
Colonel (Ret'd) Jennifer Krolikowski

Colonel (ret) Jennifer Krolikowski most recently served as the Chief Information Officer for Space Systems Command, the acquisition arm of the United States Space Force. In her first assignment, she served as a project engineer in the Manufacturing Technology Directorate at Wright Labs. After receiving a Master’s in Aeronautical Engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology, Jennifer was assigned to the 49th Test and Evaluation Squadron and accumulated 50+ flying hours in the B-52. She moved to the GPS Joint Program Office where duties included Executive Officer; Branch Chief, GPS III Acquisitions; and Air Force Program Executive Office’s GPS Staff Director. Col Krolikowski taught at the National Security Space Institute and became their Deputy Director for Mission Support. At HQ Air Force Space Command, she served as Chief, Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) Requirements. After graduating Air Command and Staff College, Jen consecutively worked as the Tactical Data Network Program Element Monitor; Deputy, Command and Control Division; and Chief, Executive Action Group under the Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisitions. She commanded as Materiel Leader of an ACAT I program, Base IT Infrastructure. Upon graduating Air War College with her third Master’s degree, Col Krolikowski became Branch Chief, Integrated Air and Missile Defense Global Requirements on Joint Staff. She then promoted to Military Assistant for DASD/Space, Strategic, and Intelligence Systems, Office of the Secretary of Defense. She commanded as Senior Materiel Leader for Space C2, establishing the USSF’s premier software factory, Kobayashi Maru.
 

Colonel A.J. Ashby

Senior Materiel Leader, Acquisition Delta-Strategic SATCOM, Space Systems Command, USSF
Colonel A.J.  Ashby

Colonel A.J. Ashby is the Senior Materiel Leader for the Acquisition Delta Strategic SATCOM Division, Space Systems Command, Los Angeles Air force Base, CA. In this role, he leads 100+ military, government civilians, and contractors in the development and acquisition of our nation’s most critical strategic space capabilities. His $20B portfolio includes the Evolved Strategic SATCOM and Enhance Polar Systems recapitalization Programs.

Colonel Ashby enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1990 and received his commission after completing Air Force Officer Training School in 2001. He transferred to the U.S. Space Force in 2021. Col Ashby served in numerous acquisition and operations leadership assignments within the Department of the Air Force, Joint Staff, and National Reconnaissance Office. He is also an experienced Special Missions Unit operator with multiple global contingency and humanitarian deployments with 5,300 hours in a variety of aircraft with 133 combat missions. Prior to his current position he served as the Division Chief for Space Sensing and Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications, within the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

Colonel Clifford White

Director Space Services, Joint Capabilities Group
Colonel Clifford White

COL White is a senior satellite engineer serving with the Australian Military for over 20 years and Commercial Satellite Industry. He has deployed on several operations and recently returned with the last Australian contingent in Afghanistan. COL White recently joined the newly formed Defence Space Command being selected to lead the Australian Defence Force SATCOM capabilities.

COL White is a soldier at heart and understands the war fighter. His passion is to reshape the Australia Defence Force with the most modern telecommunications systems to increases the already effective Australian war fighter. He has successfully delivered several major telecommunications projects including Joint Project 2072 2B, ahead of schedule and budget delivering a fully integrated software defined network for the tactical environment. He has also delivered Australia’s first satellite on move capability integrated with the Bushmaster PMV.

Confirmed Representative

, UKSEDS
Confirmed Representative

Coraline Dalibot

Member, Women in Aerospace-Europe UK
Coraline Dalibot

 Coraline Dalibot is a Senior Spacecraft Thermal Engineer at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL) Space department, which is part of the UK Research and Innovation Science and Technology Facilities Council. She is a chartered engineer working on world-class science, technology, and innovations. Her passion for space and her career journey led her to encourage students and support colleagues within the aerospace sector as a STEM ambassador and mentor. She joined the Women In Aerospace Europe in 2020 and is now a UK group’s committee member taking part in initiatives to raise awareness about Space careers.

CWO5 Rilin Desamours

Space and Propagation Engineering Officer, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Pacific, G-6
CWO5 Rilin Desamours

CWO5 Rilin “Phil” Desamours, a native of Nyack, New York, graduated from Miami Edison Senior high school, June 2001. Enlisted July 2001, and was assigned a primary Military Occupation Specialty (MOS) of Field Radio Operator. Subsequently attained multiple follow-on MOS, Multi-Channel Radio Operator, SATCOM, Advanced Extremely High Frequency Systems Operator and Forward Observer. He was appointed to Warrant Officer February 2011, and commissioned in August 2012. He is a graduate of Marine Corps Expeditionary Warfare School and Command and Staff College. He possesses a bachelor’s degree in Information Systems Management from UMUC, an MBA from New England and Master of Science degree in Systems Engineering Management from the Naval Post Graduate School Monterey CA.

 

His service in the operating forces includes: Field Radio Operator, Wideband SATCOM Operator, Forward Observer within several echelons within both II MEF and I MEF. Deployed to OIF I & II with the II MEF Ground Commend Element (GCE). Multiple MEU deployments with I MEF. Platoon Commander, Tactical Communications Planning and Engineering Officer, Operations Officer, Space Operations Planner within multiple levels of III MEF, in the Pacific. His service outside the operating forces includes Reequipments Manager with Combat Development and Integration (CD&I), HQMC, and Project Officer with Marine Corps Systems Command.

CWO5 personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy, and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (with two gold stars), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.

Daniel Gizinski

Chief Strategy Officer & President CSNTI, COMTECH
Daniel Gizinski

Daniel Gizinski was named CSO & President, Comtech Satellite Network Technologies, Inc. in August of 2024. Previously, Daniel was the Chief Strategy Officer (2022-2024) and also served as President of Comtech Satellite Network Technologies, Inc. in 2022. He held various senior management positions at Comtech, including and Vice President of Product and Strategy for Comtech Systems Inc. Prior to joining Comtech in 2019, Daniel held program management and leadership roles at General Electric, Sierra Nevada Corporation, and L3Harris Technologies. Daniel holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Virginia and a Master’s degree from Duke University.

David Dean

Chief Engineer, Space FBLOS Principal Advisor, Cyber and Information Systems Division, DSTL
David Dean

I am a Chief Systems Engineer with over 37 years of experience in the Defence and Security Environment, which has included MOD PE, DERA and QinetiQ.

I joined Dstl in 2004 and I have been an Operational Analyst, systems engineer and consultant. I was the Theme Advisor for Combat Identification and currently work in the Cyber and Information Systems Division as the Principal Advisor for MilSatCom within the Dstl Space Programme.

My current role includes leading national and international research activities, and providing support to the UK Skynet 6 programme and Space Command.

My main areas of interest include Space Hybrid Networks, future MilSatCom bearers, secure waveforms and space platform protection, and space industrial policy.

I was born in Romford, Essex; have degrees in Electrical and Electronic Engineering and Systems Engineering and am a Fellow of the Institute of Engineering and Technology.

 

Deanna Ryals

Director, International Affairs, Space Systems Command, USSF
Deanna Ryals

Ms. Deanna L. Ryals is the Director, International Affairs, Space Systems Command, Los Angeles AFB, CA. In this role, she is responsible for driving innovative partnerships with Allies, InterAgencies, and Industry to build a joint robust and resilient military space enterprise that is “Allied by Design”. Ms. Ryals is the USSF lead in developing and executing space FMS and shapes the use of armaments cooperation to set the conditions for an allied inclusive space architecture in accordance with Department and Service strategic guidance.

Ms. Ryals entered federal government service in 1988, and for more than 25 years, she supported the DoD in both civil service and industry in financial management and acquisition. In 2000, Ms. Ryals moved to the Secretary of the Air Force staff in the Space Acquisition Directorate and managed a MILSATCOM terminal portfolio worth $10B, then took over as the single SAF/AQS focal point for international activities. In 2012, Ms. Ryals moved to the Air Force Program Executive Officer for Space Launch (AFPEO/SL) as the PM for Acquisition Strategy development and secured DoD Acquisition Executive approval of a new acquisition strategy for future DoD NSS launches that introduced a competitive environment for all certified U.S. launch service providers. Ms. Ryals rejoined MILSATCOM in January 2013 with her transition to Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC). After being named SMC’s Chief Partnership Officer in 2018, Ms. Ryals ascended to her current role as Director, Int’l Affairs with the stand up of Space Systems Command in August of 2021.

Douglas Loverro

President, Loverro Consulting, LLC
Douglas Loverro

Mr. Douglas Loverro is a highly regarded national space thinker and leader who currently serves as President, Loverro Consulting, LLC. He has served in a variety of very senior government positions including at NASA where he led Human Exploration, in the DoD where he lead space policy, and in multiple DoD and NRO space program leadership roles over a more than 40-year career.

Mr Loverro holds a Master of Science in Physics from the University of New Mexico, a Master of Political Science from Auburn University, and an MBA from the University of West Florida in addition to his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the US Air Force Academy. He was a distinguished graduate from the Air Force’s Air Command and Staff College and Squadron Officer School and was the top graduate from DoD’s Industrial College of the Armed Forces.
 
He is the recipient of multiple prestigious awards including the Secretary of Defense’s Medal for Outstanding Public Service, AIAA’s Durand Lecture for Public Service, the National Defense Industrial Association's (NDIA) Bob Hope Distinguished Citizen Award, the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Federation of Galaxy Explorers, the Society of Satellite Professional Engineers Stellar Award, and the Armed Forces Communicants and Electronics Association's (AFCEA) Benjamin Oliver Gold Medal for Engineering amongst many other civilian and military honors.

Dr Aurelie Trur-Mirahmetolu

Director, Space Diplomacy and International Cooperation, Foreign Policy Institute (DPE)
Dr Aurelie Trur-Mirahmetolu

Dr. Trur is an independent global space policy expert with two decades of involvement with
the international space community. Originally from France, Dr. Trur spent the better part of the last
decade between Türkiye, France and Japan. Developing global experiences, she graduated with a
Ph.D. from the Tokyo-based National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS), writing her
dissertation on space sustainability and debris governance. Her research interests combine
diplomacy, policy and governance of space activities, international cooperation, global governance,
security, and sustainability issues affecting the future of humankind.

Recently invited to head a new space diplomacy project at the Foreign Policy Institute of
Ankara DPE (Dis Politika Enstitüsü), Dr. Trur provides strategic advice for space policy, cooperation,
education and outreach projects globally including lately in Türkiye, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific
regions, besides contributing to editorial board and peer review roles for academic journals covering
space and international affairs. She publishes and peer reviews articles in Acta Astronautica,
Astropolitics, Eurasian World, Space Policy, The Hague Journal of Diplomacy, and Nature
(Astronomy) and is an editorial board member of Astropolitics and the Advanced Space Law Journal.

Involved in international affairs in various capacities across several continents, Dr. Trur
covered space diplomacy and strategy issues as a researcher starting twenty years ago in France
with her diplomatic and international studies’ master at École des Hautes Études Internationales
(HEI Paris) and her master in space studies at the International Space University (ISU Strasbourg).
She combined international academic and private sector experiences providing policy consultancy
and project management to a leading operator of satellite telecommunications, SES, at their
Brussels office following policy research internships with George Washington University’s Space
Policy Institute and with the United States Navy Department of Contemporary History.

Dr. Trur has been a member of the International Institute of Space Law (IISL) since 2016 and
of multiple space associations, committees, and boards, the latest being the International
Astronautical Federation IAF ACCESS MECA Subcommittee supporting emerging space nations. She
participates in United Nations-led space diplomacy initiatives and experts’ workshops, the latest
being the World Space Forum hosted at the United Nations’ Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA)
in Vienna, Austria, in preparation of the 2024 Summit of the Future.

Dr Brendan Mulvaney

Director, China Aerospace Studies Institute, USAF
Dr Brendan Mulvaney

Dr. Brendan Mulvaney is currently the Director of the China Aerospace Studies Institute at National Defense University. He was a Marine for a quarter of a century, where he flew more than 2000 hours as an AH-1W Cobra pilot, and was an Olmsted Scholar in Shanghai, China.

He enlisted in 1991 and was commissioned in 1993 after graduating from UC San Diego. He earned his Master’s in Leadership from the University of San Diego in 2002, and was selected as one of three Marine Olmsted Scholars for 2003. He studied at Fudan University in Shanghai, China from 2003-2005 where he earned his Ph.D. in International Relations.

He served several tours in California, Iraq, Japan, and the Western Pacific. He served as the first Director of the Commandant’s Red Team, and supervised the implementation of Red Teaming in the Marine Corps. In 2013 he transferred to the U.S. Naval Academy, where he was the Associate Chair for the Languages and Cultures Department, and taught Mandarin Chinese, Chinese culture, and cross-cultural literacy.

Dr Chiara Palla

Co-lead, Women in Aerospace-Europe UK
Dr Chiara Palla

 Dr Chiara Palla has been working as Project Manager at MDA Space UK since February 2020. She currently manages multiple projects focusing on the design and development of space sensors for exploration and on-orbit servicing missions, and space-based communication technology, including the Radiofrequency distribution network for HLCS, which will be onboard the Lunar Gateway. Her day-to-day job involves interactions with diverse teams, international space agencies, commercial customers and suppliers to ensure the programs are timely delivered.

Previously (2017-2020) she worked at Imperial College, Space Magnetometer Laboratory of Space Physics group, as Instrument engineer for Magnetometer payload on ESA RadCube, VIGIL and JUICE missions.
 
She holds a PhD from Cranfield University (2017) specialising in Space Debris Mitigation technologies for de-orbiting. During the PhD, she also worked as part time President for the Cranfield University Student Association.
She is co-lead for the non-profit organization WIA-Europe (WIA-E) UK Regional Network, which is committed to promoting female talent and leadership across all levels of the European aerospace sector.
 
Aside from the Space sector, Chiara is a qualified Ski Instructor with BASI.
 

Dr Joanna Hart

Director, Space Partnership
Dr Joanna Hart

Joanna thrives on bringing people together to address complex challenges and deliver change. The Space Partnership equally represents industry, academia and government, enabling shared priorities to identified and collective action agreed so that the ambition contained within the National Space Strategy. Director is delivered. Joanna started in the role in March 2023 after nine years working across the space and innovation ecosystems, first at the Satellite Applications Catapult and then at the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC, part of UK Research and Innovation).

As the Harwell Space Cluster Development Manager, Joanna worked with stakeholders to grow the Cluster from 80 organisations to over 100 today that collectively employ over 1,400 people (up from 800 in December 2017). As STFC’s Skills Factory Director, Joanna led the development of STFC’s Skills Factory proposal to address national technical skills shortages, resulting in a doubling of the STFC apprenticeship scheme.

With a first career in investment banking at UBS and Credit Suisse, a PhD in particle physics, Joanna has a strong financial and scientific background.

Dr John Huth

Chief, Office of Space & Counterspace, Defence Intelligence Agency
Dr John Huth

 Dr. John Huth is the Chief of the Office of Space and Counterspace. He leads DIA’s activities on collection, characterization, and analysis of foreign space and counterspace capabilities,

vulnerabilities, and intent. Prior to this assignment he served as the Defense Intelligence Officer for Space and Counterspace. In that role he was the senior intelligence advisor to the Director and Deputy Director of DIA on the full range of intelligence matter related to space and counterspace topics to include analysis, collection, counterintelligence, international engagement, intelligence policy, and outreach.
 
Dr. Huth earned his Doctorate in Computational Science from George Mason University, his
Master of Science in Physics from the University of Massachusetts, and a Bachelor of Science in
Astronomy from Penn State. He served as an Army Intelligence Officer, technology industry
leader, and program manager for over 25 years before joining the Defense Intelligence Agency
(DIA).
 
Dr. Huth is a lead contributor to several firsts in space and intelligence that have had long
lasting impacts to the space and intelligence communities. He has experience across the full
spectrum of intelligence activities from analysis to collection, and enterprise management. Dr. Huth has led multiple cross-discipline organizations at the office level.

Dr Kate Ferguson

Associate Director Strategic Projects, Australian National University Institute for Space (ANU InSpace)
Dr Kate Ferguson

Dr Kate Ferguson is the Associate Director Strategic Projects at the Australian National University Institute for Space (ANU InSpace) where she builds linkages between the space and research communities to develop the next space missions using space technology to solve society's challenges back on Earth. As part of this role, she has managed the industry engagement and translation of the ANU optical communications program including the ANU Quantum Optical Ground Station, opened in late 2023. She was awarded her PhD in 2016 from the Australian National University during which she developed quantum communication hardware, specialising in quantum memories and entangled light sources for long range quantum networking.

Dr Leah-Nani Alconcel

Member, Women in Aerospace-Europe UK
Dr Leah-Nani Alconcel

Dr Alconcel has almost 20 years of experience working as an engineer and manager on planetary exploration missions throughout the solar system including the Cassini mission to Saturn, JUICE mission to the Jovian system, and the Cluster multi-spacecraft mission investigating the Earth’s magnetosphere. She has worked on the full life cycle of space missions, from concept and design through to build, launch, operations and end-of-life.

Currently, she works as an Associate Professor at the University of Birmingham on space-based inverse synthetic aperture radar systems for improved Space Domain Awareness (SDA). Please see our dedicated page for this research: .

Dr Mamatha Maheshwarappa

Head of Research & Development, Co-Chair of WIA-E UK Regional Network, UK Space Agency
Dr Mamatha Maheshwarappa

 Dr Mamatha Maheshwarappa is the Head of Research & Development within Office of the Chief Engineer (OCE) at the UK Space Agency. Previously, as a Payload Systems Lead, she provided technical leadership on various UK Space Agency programmes and projects, by offering technical oversight/assurance. At RAL Space, she was the technical lead on SPEQTRE (Space Photon Entanglement Quantum Technology Readiness Experiment) satellite project. Mamatha has worked on transceivers for ExoMars and Lunar Polar Sample Return projects while at QinetiQ. She has a PhD in Software Defined Radios for Multi-Satellite Communications from the University of Surrey, UK. Mamatha is the co-chair of the Women in Aerospace-Europe (WIA-E) UK Regional Network representing UK Space Agency.  

Dr Martin Strohmeier

Senior Scientific Project Manager, Federal Office for Defence Procurement (armasuisse)
Dr Martin Strohmeier

Martin Strohmeier is a Senior Scientific Project Manager at the Cyber-Defence Campus in Switzerland and a Visiting Fellow at the University of Oxford. Before coming to Oxford for his PhD, he received his MSc from TU Kaiserslautern, Germany and worked as a researcher at Lancaster University’s InfoLab21 and Lufthansa. He is interested in wireless security, critical infrastructures and adversarial machine learning. Martin is also a co-founder and board member of the OpenSky Network.
 

Dr Rajeev Gopal

Vice President, Hughes Advanced Programs, Defense & Government Systems Division, Hughes Network Systems
Dr Rajeev Gopal

Dr. Rajeev Gopal, vice president at Hughes, leads the company’s advanced engineering programs, developing innovative solutions for resilient and protected communications in defense applications. Dr. Gopal’s work spans 5G, Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Geostationary Orbit (GEO) High-Throughput Satellite (HTS) technologies, leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), cloud, and cybersecurity innovations.

 
In his more than 25 years at Hughes, Dr. Gopal has held a variety of leadership roles in satellite network systems engineering and software development. Most recently, he has led the growth of the DoD program portfolio to include private 5G, LEO services, and protected communications; and productization of network management system and smart network edge software. Prior to joining Hughes, Dr. Gopal pioneered laboratory automation projects for clinical and cancer research and development at CTIS for the National Institutes of Health.  
 
Dr. Gopal holds 11 patents and has published more than 40 technical papers. A member of the IEEE 5G World Forum, he serves on the editorial board of Wiley’s International Journal of Satellite Communications and Networking (IJSCN). Dr. Gopal earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science from Vanderbilt University and a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering from the Birla Institute of Technology & Science.
 

Dr Sharon Lemac-Vincere

Academic and Entrepreneur, University of Strathclyde
Dr Sharon Lemac-Vincere

Dr Sharon Lemac-Vincere is an interdisciplinary academic at the University of Strathclyde and visiting academic at the international Space University, Strasbourg. Sharon has also set-up and sold her own business and as such she brings real life experience to her work.
Sharon works at the intersection of space entrepreneurship and cyber security. She conducts research in this field. More recently she launched an executive space cyber security course at the University of Strathclyde in partnership with the International Space University. Sharon also hosts a podcast: Space: No Rocket Required and she has designed the first Space Tartan called ‘Vincere Ad Astra’.
 

Dr Ulpia-Elena Botezatu

Chair of the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee, UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN COPUOS)
Dr Ulpia-Elena Botezatu

Dr. Ulpia-Elena Botezatu is the Chair of the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee of the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) and currently serves as a Space Policy Officer at the Romanian Space Agency (ROSA). With extensive expertise in space security, Dr. Botezatu represents her agency as a delegate to prominent organizations such as the European Space Agency (ESA), the Europena Commission, the EU Space Surveillance and Tracking (EUSST) Partnership, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and NATO's Science and Technology Organization (STO), focusing on pivotal issues related to space security and the peaceful use of outer space. With a Doctorate in Engineering Sciences and a Master's degree in Urban Management, she has made substantial contributions to space situational awareness and the security of critical space infrastructure. Dr. Botezatu is not only an author of numerous academic articles but is also preparing a book on the confluence of space and urban environments. Her work is instrumental in fostering international collaboration towards the enhancement of space security and the promotion of peace in outer space. Currently, she is pursuing a degree in international law with a focus on space law, aiming to further contribute to the development of legal frameworks that support the sustainable and peaceful exploration of outer space.

Dr Vincent Lenders

Director of Cyber-Defence Campus, Federal Office for Defence Procurement (armasuisse)
Dr Vincent Lenders

Vincent Lenders is Director of the Cyber-Defence Campus at the Swiss Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport. He has been working in the field of cybersecurity since 20 years, mostly focusing on research and penetration testing. He has published over eighty papers in the field of aerospace cybersecurity and is the co-founder of the OpenSky Network. He holds a Master’s degree and a PhD in Electrical Engineering and Information Technologies from ETH Zurich.

Esteban Menargues

Head of Space RF Products, SWISSto12 SA
Esteban Menargues

Esteban Menargues (born in 1986, in Alicant, Spain) joined SWISSto12 in 2015 to develop RF components and Antennas using Additive Manufacturing. He currently leads the development of products for Space Satcom, Ground Satcom or Surveillance applications.

Gael Derven

SATCOM Product Line Manager, Thales
Gael Derven

Gael Derven is responsible for satcom product line management at Thales SIX, in charge of satcom ground segment, terminals and protected modems. Gael has 30 years’ experience within defense, telecom and space industries with extensive international experience across Europe, North America and Asia.

Gus Anderson

Vice President, Strategic Business Development, SES Space & Defense
Gus Anderson

Gus Anderson has a diverse work experience spanning several industries and roles. Gus is currently serving as the Vice President of Strategic Business Development at SES Space & Defense since December 2022. Prior to this, they worked at Leonardo DRS for 12 years, holding positions such as Director of Business Development, Director of International Programs, and Program Manager. Gus also gained experience in business development at Apptis in 2008 and served as a Field Office Commander at the Defense Information Systems Agency from 2005 to 2008. Before that, they held the role of Regional Signal Group Commander at NATO Communications Information Services Agency from 2002 to 2005. Gus started their career in 1992 as an Executive and Operations Officer at the 58th Signal Battalion and subsequently held positions at Army ROTC as a Professor and at the Office of the Secretary of Defense as a Speechwriter. Gus served as a Commander at the 509th Signal Battalion from 1998 to 2000, where they successfully established communication networks between US and Eastern European forces and directed telecommunications planning for international peacekeeping and stability operations.

Gus Anderson has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Notre Dame, which they obtained from 1975 to 1979. From 1986 to 1988, they pursued a Master of Arts degree in Philosophy at the University of Connecticut. In 1991 to 1992, Gus attended the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, focusing on Military and Strategic Leadership. Gus also completed the Signal Officer Advanced Course in Telecommunications Management in both 1984 and 1979.

In terms of additional certifications, Gus obtained the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from the Project Management Institute in September 2010.

Heinrich Krispler

Project Officer GOVSATCOM & Project Officer Support to EU Operations, European Defence Agency
Heinrich Krispler

Helen Weedon

Managing Director, Satcoms Innovation Group
Helen Weedon

Helen Weedon is Managing Director of the Satcoms Innovation Group (SIG) which is dedicated to promoting innovation within the satellite industry. Helen has been involved with SIG since 2011, previously supporting the group with marketing, PR, and admin activities. Helen has over 20 years’ experience within the satellite and broadcast industries. She is the founder of Radical Moves, a specialist PR and Marketing agency. Helen is fluent in French and German, with a good knowledge of Welsh and a basic knowledge of Dutch and Spanish. Helen regularly addresses the industry on the challenges faced by the satellite industry and the innovative approaches needed to resolve them.

Jacob Smith

Director, SpaceCareers.uk
Jacob Smith

 Jacob is a Director of SpaceCareers.uk, a non-profit organisation supporting students and professionals throughout their careers in the space sector. He is also the founder of SpaceProjects.uk and a former Chair of UKSEDS. Jacob works for the Space Partnership as Space Partnership Lead, following roles at ESA Academy at SSTL.

Jared Reece

Branch Chief, COMSATCOM Solutions Branch, Space Systems Command - Commercial Services Office, Commercial Satellite Communications Office
Jared Reece

 Jared Reece is Chief, Commercial Satellite Communications (COMSATCOM) Solutions Program Office, assigned to the Space Systems Command, United States Space Force, Washington, D.C. He is responsible for delivering COMSATCOM capabilities to support the joint warfighter, federal agencies, and international partners. 

The COMSATCOM Solutions Program Office acquires COMSATCOM capability for any customer, anywhere in the world, and includes the Proliferated Low Earth Orbit (PLEO) Indefinity Delivery/Indefinite Quantity contract awarded in 2023 with a current ceiling of $13B. 

Mr. Reece started his career supporting the COMSATCOM Solutions Office in 2015, specializing in cybersecurity, overseeing the transition from DIACAP to RMF, and supported the cybersecurity assessments transition from DISA to USSF, and has been overseeing the development of the IA-PRE cybersecurity program. He served as a program analyst within the program office, managing a variety of contracts from managed services to complex COMASTCOM solutions for the joint warfighter, and federal agencies. He took over as the COMSATCOM Solutions Program Office Branch Chief in 2022 and continues to support the COMSATCOM mission across the US DoD.
 
Mr. Reece received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Homeland Security, which focuses on emerging technologies, cyber threats, infrastructure protection, and private-sector partnerships.
 

Jean-Francois Morizur

CEO & Co-founder, Cailabs
Jean-Francois Morizur

Before founding Cailabs in 2013, Jean- François was Senior Associate  at  the Boston Consulting Group in their Paris office. Jean-François holds two doctorate degrees  in  quantum  optics  from  the Sorbonne University and the Australian National University and is a graduate of the Ecole Normale Supérieure in Paris. He was selected in 2016 among Forbes 30 under 30  Science  &  Healthcare. 

During his thesis at the Kastler Brossel laboratory in Paris,  he  co-invented Multi-Plane  Light  Conversion  (“MPLC”), the technology behind Cailabs’ products. 

 

Jennifer Connell

Program Manager SATCOM portfolio, Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
Jennifer Connell

Mrs. Jennifer Connell is an SATCOM and Information Technology Cyber Subject Matter Expert for Next Generation Networks Priority Services Sub-Division. In her role, she helps lead the nationwide team effort to deliver priority capabilities in telecommunications commercial and government networks in support of Public Safety, Critical Infrastructure, and the National Security / Emergency Preparedness (NS/EP) community.

 
Prior to joining CISA in April of 2022, Mrs. Connell provided SATCOM, IT and cybersecurity capability and investment guidance to the Department of Defense for delivering SATCOM, command, control, communications, computers, and cyber capabilities to the warfighter. She developed strategic recommendations to support executive leadership decisions for key stakeholders from the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Joint Staff, Military Departments, Combatant Commands and Agencies during Integrated Program and Budget Reviews. She presented alternative capability investments and submissions as part of her evaluation of programs and/or portfolios of programs.
 
Mrs. Connell has a wide range of experience designing, installing, operating, maintaining, deploying, sustaining, and managing satellite communications networks using her extensive knowledge of multi-band systems and associated modems, RF and IF systems, routers, servers and related ancillary systems. She has 18 years of experience in the military and commercial sectors. 
 

Jeremy Wimble

Programme Manager, Defence, Tech UK
Jeremy Wimble

 Jeremy is the programme manager at techUK responsible for the defence programme which works to help the UK's defence technology sector align itself with the Ministry of Defence, in particular Defence Digital.

 
Prior to joining techUK, from 2016-2024 Jeremy was International Security Programme Manager at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI). In this role he coordinated the team’s research and impact activities for funders including the FCDO and US Department of Defense, as well as business development and strategy.
 
Jeremy has a MA in International Relations from the University of Birmingham and a BA (Hons) in Politics & Social Policy from Swansea University.

Jessie Hamill-Stewart

PhD Candidate, University of Bath and University of Bristol
Jessie Hamill-Stewart

Jessie Hamill-Stewart is a Cyber Security (TIPS-at-Scale) CDT (PhD) candidate at University of Bath and University of Bristol. She investigates the cyber resilience of space infrastructure through multidisciplinary research, which combines technical analysis of cyber attacks and more qualitative approaches such as document analysis and interviews.

 

Jim Hooper

Senior Vice President of Business Development of Cailabs US Inc., Cailabs US Inc.
Jim Hooper

Joan Johnson-Freese

Senior Fellow, Women in International Security
Joan Johnson-Freese

Dr. Joan Johnson-Freese is a University Professor Emeritus and former Chair of the National Security Affairs Department at the Naval War College, as well as serving as the Charles Bolden Chair on Science, Space & Technology. She has also been part of the Government Department faculty of Harvard Extension School and Harvard Summer School since 2004, and a Senior Fellow with Women in International Security. She is the author of Women v Women: The Case for Cooperation (2022), Women, Peace & Security: An Introduction (2nd edition, December 2023) and her new book Leadership in War & Peace: Masculine & Feminine is forthcoming in 2025. She is also the author of 7 books and dozens of articles on space security, testified on space security before Congress on multiple occasions, a faculty member of the International Space University and held positions on multiple space-related boards and advisory councils. 

 

John Irving

Security Engineering Manager, ESA Security Office, European Space Agency
John Irving

John Irving is the European Space Agency Security Engineering Manager in the Director General's Security Office. In this role, he supports security efforts to enhance the agency's overall security posture and resilience.

John initially focused on UK Tactical Datalinks. Later, both in the industry and at ESA, he made significant contributions to Europe's Global Navigation Satellite System, Galileo. He was entrusted with critical security elements and systems engineering throughout the entire system development lifecycle.

Since 2020, John has been at the forefront, spearheading the team in a collaborative effort with industry to develop the ESA Space & Security Cyber Centre of Excellence (SCCoE) and the Cyber-Security Operations Centre (CSOC). His contributions also extend to establishing the new ECSS European space system security standard.
 

Joshua Broom

Head of Space, Department for Business & Trade
Joshua Broom

Joshua Broom is the Head of Space at the UK Department for Business & Trade (DBT). He leads the Department’s space engagement with UK companies looking to export to global markets, and international companies wishing to invest and locate in the UK space sector, as well as investors looking to invest into UK companies and capabilities. He also coordinates the Department’s contributions to cross-government space policy and governance working with the Department for Science, Innovation, & Technology (DSIT), the UK Space Agency, Ministry of Defence (MOD), Foreign, Commonwealth, & Development Office (FCDO), and Cabinet Office.

Josh has worked in the UK Government on space since he joined the Civil Service in 2017. He has held four different roles in the Department for the Environment, Food, & Rural Affairs (DEFRA), the UK Space Agency, and Department for International Trade – now DBT. He has tackled many complex issues such as negotiating with the European Union on UK participation in EU space programmes, mobilising space-based assets and expertise for emergency responses to international crises in Australia and elsewhere, establishing precedent-setting agreements and partnerships with strategic space-faring allies, and landing companies from abroad across the UK space ecosystem.

Prior to his career in the Civil Service, Josh studied at Loughborough University and Cranfield University to secure bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering and environmental science respectively. He is a self-professed space ‘geek’, keen traveller, and rugby enthusiast.
 

Juliana Suess

Research Fellow, RUSI
Juliana Suess

Juliana is the Research Fellow on Space Security as part of the Military Sciences team at RUSI and is the host of the podcast War in Space. She was previously Project Officer and Research Analyst at RUSI International. Her research interests include global space governance, sustainability, counterspace capabilities and space warfare.

Juliana holds an MA in Conflict, Security and Development from King’s College London and a BA in Politics and International Relations from the University of Reading. Prior to joining RUSI, she was an intern for the Development, Concept and Doctrine Centre, the independent think tank of the Ministry of Defence. There she researched varied topic areas, including geo-strategic, security and stabilisation topics, as well as future and contemporary trends in warfare.

Junayd Miah

Member, Deloitte
Junayd Miah

 Dr Junayd Miah is a widely recognised UK space subject matter expert, having led the development and delivery of several critical space and ground segment capabilities for the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD). This includes leading the development of a £145 million, game-changing space programme for space-based Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), demonstrating the UK government operating satellites for the first time in over 17 years, and helping deliver two satellite missions for R&D purposes, CIRCE and Prometheus-2 respectively. He currently serves as Science Adviser for UK Space Command to direct investment towards beneficial technologies for future space operations.

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.
 

Kimberly Morris

Deputy, Space Operations Department, Naval Network Warfare Command, US Navy
Kimberly Morris

Kimberly Morris is the Deputy for Space Operations at Naval Network Warfare Command. In this role, she has supervision of Navy SATCOM Operations. She supervises the asset allocation and mission planning of the Navy’s Commercial Broadband Satellite Program. She is currently leading an initiative to demonstrate resilient SATCOM through proactive management and control techniques by using pre-allocated MILSATCOM compatible commercial capabilities as maneuver space.

Kimberly retired from the U.S. Marine Corps in 2014 after 20 years as a Communications Officer. During her career, she held several SATCOM centric billets including leading one of the first Joint Force wideband SATCOM “Enabler” detachments from amphibious shipping and after 9-11 as a Communication Company Commander in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Her last assignment was team lead for the Expeditionary SATCOM acquisitions program at MARCORSYSCOM

After retirement, she served as a program analyst in support of OPNAV N2N6 responsible for the Navy’s Commercial SATCOM and Wideband programs before accepting her current position at Navy Network Warfare Command.

She is the recipient of the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service award, the Meritorious Service Medal with three stars, the Joint Commendation Medal, the Navy/ Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and the Navy/ Marine Corps Achievement Medal.

 

Laetitia Cesari

Researcher in Space Law and Cybersecurity, University of Luxembourg
Laetitia Cesari

Laetitia Cesari is a Doctoral Researcher at the University of Luxembourg and is currently a visiting researcher at UNSW Canberra Space. She is also an external consultant for the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR). She specialises in Space Law and Policy, and has authored papers, articles and books focusing on security and safety aspects, including cybersecurity, space data, verification and monitoring, and space situational awareness.

Laryssa Patten

Head, Space Technology Adoption and Resilience, NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCI Agency)
Laryssa Patten

Ms Laryssa Patten is the Head of the Space Technology Adoption and Resilience (STAR) team at the NATO Communications and Information Agency. Laryssa has spent her career in the space field on civilian, government and military space programs. This includes working at the Canadian Space Agency on RADARSAT operations and International Space Station operations where she trained astronauts and cosmonauts to operate robotics in space. She also supported the European Commission on European Space Policy Development and Galileo Applications. For the last 10 years, Laryssa has been part of NATO, responsible for both Space and the Alliance Global Hawk activities within the Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance service center and the Chief Technology Office at NCI Agency.  

 
 

Leah DeLancey

Special Assistant and Lead Action Officer to the CISA Executive Assistant Director EAD Emergency Communications , Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
Leah DeLancey

As the Special Assistant and Lead Action Officer to the Executive Assistant Director for Emergency Communications at the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Ms. Delancey leads the Emergency Communications Division (ECD) strategic planning to execute internal and external actions and special projects. Ms. Delancey is also the ECD International Action Officer and responsible for executing actions that 

align with the CISA Strategic Plan, CISA Global and CISA International Strategic Plan across the subdivisions and Chief of Staff (COS). As the CISA International Action Group (IAG) lead for ECD, Ms. Delancey coordinates efforts across CISA Stakeholder Engagement Divisions (SED) 
and with key multiagency and international partners and stakeholders. Ms. Delancey leads the ECD International team internal and external strategic communications for the division. She works closely with the ECD Leadership and Senior Technology Advisor and other technical teams to manage multiple engagements simultaneously. With a focus on cyber resilient communications infrastructures – terrestrial and non-terrestrial (SATCOM and Underseas Cables), emerging technologies and stakeholder engagement, she is the is responsible for planning and supporting 
the execution of division-wide activities. She is responsible for International Cooperation activities including advanced team planning for International Delegation engagements and after-action execution strategies for Global Public Safety initiatives across each continent with multiagency partners at the State, Local, Tribal, Territorial and 
International Levels, including coordinating capability development planning with DHS S&T International Cooperation Program Office (ICPO) and the International Forum to Advance First Responder Innovation (IFARI). With particular 
focus on CISA Priority Communications Services, Ms. Delancey is facilitating coordination and after-action planning with the CISA Technology Standards teams supporting Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) including the 
North American Standards Bodies, NIST, NATO Standards Organization and maintaining situational awareness of the six other 3GPP Organizational Partners from Europe, Japan, India. Her team efforts to support ECD International 
Cooperation planning efforts for technology standards will enable trusted and secure networks world-wide. Her civ/mil activities support execution of the Global Public Safety mission. Per direction from COS and EAD, she facilitates meetings at all levels of government, industry and academia. Leah serves as a liaison for each of the ECD 
subdivisions to executive leadership on strategic, technical, and tactical topics. She serves as the CISA ECD representative for DHS Canadian Coalition for the division and she supported presentations to the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) on Global Public Safety and World Cup 2026 emergency communications 
readiness planning. As the C5 Principal representative to the CISA Infrastructure Security Division (ISD) C5 Resilient Communications Workgroup. Ms. Delancey is the ECD designee for the Collaborative Coalition for International Public Safety (CC:IPS), an international forum focusing on promoting, supporting and improving global 
emergency communications services utilizing the most current and commonly accepted technologies, standards, and best practices. She led the advanced team planning and execution for key international engagements, including: 
Mobile Deployable Communications and MILSATCOM, Mobile World Congress and British APCO.
 
As the Director of Partnerships and Cybersecurity Engagement at the National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCA), Ms. Delancey developed and led the organization’s education program for business owners and employees to promote cybersecurity best practices. She played a key role in the organization’s growth and led stakeholder engagement efforts. Prior to NCA, she worked for the U.S. House of Representatives as a legislative analyst on multiple projects providing legislative research to support the generation congressional reports. She managed special event requests 
with the Government Relations Office for multiple organizations. She was responsible for conducting weekly Capitol Tours for visitors and special groups. Leah earned a BA in Political Science and Sociology from Pennsylvania State University with Magna Cum Laude honors

Lieutenant Colonel (Ret'd) Abde Bellahnid

SATCOM Program Manager, DND Canada
Lieutenant Colonel (Ret'd) Abde Bellahnid

Lieutenant Colonel Luis Santiago

Division Chief, Space Warfighting Analysis Centre
Lieutenant Colonel Luis Santiago

Lieutenant Colonel Phil Alvarez

Commander, 1st Air and Space Communications Operations Squadron, United States Air Force
Lieutenant Colonel Phil Alvarez

Lt Col Phillip N. Alvarez is the commander of the 1st Air and Space Communications Operations Squadron at Ramstein Air Base, Germany where he commands 149 total force personnel across six career fields delivering, operating, and defending nine diverse C5ISR network platforms used by over 3,400 users and intelligence analysts at 19 locations in the United States Air Forces in Europe, Air Forces Africa, and United States Air Forces Central Command-Forward theaters of operations. He leads the management and sustainment of the command’s $90M Air Force Joint Worldwide Intelligence Communications System (JWICS) net-centric enterprise, the operation and mobilization of the Air Force’s only deployable JWICS communications suite, the only approved black network, and two global command and control systems.

Lt Col Alvarez is a prior-enlisted Airmen and achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant before earning a Reserve Officer Training Corp (ROTC) scholarship. Lt Col Alvarez received his commission from the University of South Florida ROTC program, earning Distinguished Graduate honors. He is a cyberspace operations officer and has held positions at the Squadron, Group, Wing, Numbered Air Force, Combatant Command, Joint and NATO levels. Lt Col Alvarez most recently served as Deputy Division Chief, Warfighting Capabilities and Integration Division for United States Air Forces in Europe and Africa. In this capacity, he led 191 personnel and managed a $260 million budget, directing command, control, communications, cyber defense, development, modernization, nuclear command and control program management, and operational analysis to provide reliable, resilient and interoperable technology for 9 Wings, 6 Main Operating Bases, and 92 Geographically Separated Units across 2 Combatant Commands.
 

Linda Ngozwana

Member, Women in Aerospace-Europe UK
Linda Ngozwana

 Linda Ngozwana, born and raised in South Africa, is a Systems Engineer at MDA UK Space and Robotics with experience in developing sensors used in spacecraft. Prior to this, Linda completed her Masters in Astronautics and Aerospace Engineering at Cranfield University, with research experience in applying Model Based Systems Engineering to complex satellite manoeuvres and its impact on satellite design.

 
Linda believes in breaking boundaries and is determined to inspire other young girls to do the same by leading in the promotion of gender equality and access to quality education. To this end, she has been actively working in various Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs) which help expose learners from all over the world to careers in space. Linda aims to play a pivotal role in inspiring the next generation of young people who want to come into space so they too can create monumental changes to uplift their communities. As a result, Linda is a co-founder of Moonshot Africa, a South African based talent accelerator that aims to launch future generations of African rocket scientists into space. Linda is also a fervent volunteer of the Space Generation Advisory Council and has served as mentor and in 2023 as part of the Organising Team for the 21st Space Generation Congress. Linda has also been part of the Women in Aerospace UK committee since 2023.
 
As a pinnacle of her work, she has been recognized by various organisations from all over the world including getting a career feature on CNN. She also had many articles published by media houses in Africa on how she empowers and inspires young girls and women to take on careers in these fields.
Linda proudly represents a generation of African engineers that will not be defined by their origins and environment, rather by their bravery and ambition.
 

Lorenzo Arona

Standard Member Director, Space Data Association
Lorenzo Arona

Lorenzo is Standard Member Director, Space Data Association and a Senior Manager in the Spacecraft Operations department of Avanti Communications, where he leads the team responsible for Flight Dynamics and Space Traffic Coordination, and he is the company delegate for Space Safety & Sustainability matters.

Lorenzo has more than 15 years of experience in satellite operations, first at the European Space Agency, where he worked on interplanetary probes like Rosetta and Venus Express, then at Avanti Communications. There, he set up the company Spacecraft Operations Centre, then turned it from a cost centre into a revenue-generating department by implementing spacecraft operations as a service.
Lorenzo participates in several industry-led working groups focused on space safety and sustainability, and is a UK Space Agency (UKSA) delegate at the European Cooperation for Space Standardization (ECSS).


 

Major General Sami Nurmi

Deputy Chief of Staff – Strategy, Finnish Ministry of Defence
Major General Sami Nurmi

Major General Sami Nurmis Deputy Chief of Staff, Strategy of the Finnish Defence Forces as of 1 April 2024.

Previously, he has served as Head of Unit, Ministry of Defence, Head of Defence Courses at the National Defence Uni-versity, Director of Communications for the Finnish Defence Forces and assistant to the Chief of the EU Military Staff in Brussels.

Major General Steven 'Bucky' Butow

Military Deputy, Defense Innovation Unit
Major General Steven 'Bucky' Butow

Steve “Bucky” Butow is the Director of the Space Portfolio at the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU). He joined the team in 2015 as a plank owner when DIU was known as the Defense Innovation Unit Experimental (DIUx) and helped establish the organization’s operating locations in Silicon Valley; Boston, Massachusetts; and Austin, Texas.

In his reserve capacity, Butow is a Major General serving as the Commander of the California Air National Guard where he leads 4,900 Airmen assigned to five wings and a headquarters staff. Prior to this assignment, he was a Special Assistant to the Director, Air National Guard.

Butow is a former Commander of the 129th Rescue Wing at Moffett Federal Airfield, CA, where his responsibilities included organizing, training, equipping, and maintaining 970 combat-ready forces and $1 Billion dollars of special mission aircraft and equipment supporting the U.S. Air Force's combat rescue and personnel recovery missions. He has previously served as the Deputy Director of the Joint Search and Rescue Center for U.S. Central Command in 2005, and as Chief of Personnel Recovery for U.S. Air Forces Central in 2007 supporting Operations IRAQI and ENDURING FREEDOM. Prior to joining DIU, Butow was the Vice Chief of the Joint Staff, California Military Department with responsibilities including cybersecurity, incident awareness and innovation. He has more than 3,500 flying hours in T-37, T-38, C-130, HC-130 and MC-130P aircraft.

As a researcher with the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) Institute, Butow worked on instrument concepts for Mars surface soil analysis at NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, CA. He later served as co-principal investigator for a series of airborne science missions for which he was recognized for outstanding achievement and contributions to the Space Science Division in 1999 and received an Ames Honor Award as a member of an Astrobiology Mission Project Team in 2000.

Butow graduated from San Jose State University with a B.A. in Physics & Astronomy and earned a M.S. in Management with specialization in Air and Space Strategic Studies from the University of Maryland. He has also completed executive courses at Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, and was a member of the National Leadership Preparedness Initiative (NPLI) Cohort 16.

Major Sean Miller

Director of Operations, 1st Combat Communications Squadron
Major Sean Miller

Major Semra Turkalp

Senior Legal Counsel Space, Royal Netherlands Air Force - Defence Space Security Center
Major Semra Turkalp

Major Semra Turkalp joined the Defence Space Security Center at the Royal Netherlands Air Force in March 2020. As Senior Legal Counsel Space, she provides legal support to the civilian and military space experts and operators of the Defence Space Security Center, and to the high level policymakers and the Military Staff within the Ministry of Defence. In addition, as a Subject Matter Expert she takes part in various international consultations and conducts negotiations on behalf of the Minister of the Netherlands space related projects, agreements and cooperation with allied nations, NATO and/or the EU.

Major Turkalp obtained her law degree, with a specialization in Space Law at the University of Leiden in the Netherlands. Prior to joining the Royal Netherlands Air Force, she served at the Netherlands Public Prosecution Service involving cases of international crimes at the Appeals Court of the Hague and the Supreme Court of the Netherlands.

Mark Kitz

Program Executive Officer for Command, Control, Communications-Tactical PEO C3T, U.S. Army
Mark Kitz

 As the Program Executive Officer for Command, Control, Communications-Tactical (PEO C3T), Mr. Mark C. Kitz guides a workforce of more than 1,600 personnel who acquire, field and support the communications networks, radios, satellite systems and other hardware and software Soldiers require for information dominance on the battlefield. Mr. Kitz took command of PEO C3T in June 2023.

Mr. Kitz came to PEO C3T after serving as the Program Executive Officer (PEO) for Intelligence, Electronic Warfare and Sensors (IEW&S) since May 2021. In this position, he provided technical and managerial oversight of the development, acquisition, fielding, and life cycle support of the Army’s portfolio of intelligence; electronic warfare; cyber; integrated base defense; force protection; position, navigation, and timing; biometrics; and target acquisition programs.  
 
Prior to that, Mr. Kitz served as the Deputy PEO for IEW&S from June 2019 to May 2021; the Director for Acquisition and Engineering in PEO IEW&S from 2015 to 2019, and during this time, he also served as the Acting Deputy PEO for IEW&S. Prior assignments include serving as the Technical Director for Project Manager Distributed Common Ground Systems–Army (PM DCGS-A), and multiple assignments as an Engineer and Scientist with the Intelligence Information Warfare Directorate of the Communication Electronics Research and Development Command, including Chief Engineer and Project Lead for TROJAN, as well as Director for the Intelligence Processing laboratory. Mr. Kitz also served as Research Engineer for Defense Science and Technology in Edinburgh, Armed Forces Overseas Australia, where he launched collaborative research between the Army and Australian laboratories in the intelligence and electronic warfare domains.
Mr. Kitz earned a Master’s Degree from the New Jersey Institute of Technology and a Bachelor’s from Lafayette College.  
 

Martin Coleman

Board Member, Satcoms Innovation Group
Martin Coleman
Martin Coleman is a Satcoms Innovation Group (SIG) board member. Since 2011, Martin has been active in spearheading several significant initiatives, leading the advance in new tools to resolve all types of VSAT interference such as SatGuard and the campaign to introduce Carrier ID across all SCPC/MCPC transmissions. Now focusing on the next generation of tools and automation techniques required to meet the demand of LEO and MEO network expansion to better manage spectrum and ground infrastructure. In addition, and on behalf of SIG, Martin engages with local schools through STEAM (Arts inclusive STEM) helping to mentor and educate students from primary school to university for careers in space and telecoms.
 
Martin’s own company, Colem Engineering, a software design and project management company, developing innovative technology and processes, network management systems and automation control of satellite ground systems. Prior to setting up Colem, Martin was executive engineer in charge of various BT projects for Madley, Goonhilly and other ground station systems within the UK as well as working at London’s international switching centres, starting his career in 1970.
 

Martin Rowse

Campaign Director, Airbus Defence and Space
Martin Rowse

 Martin is currently the Campaign Director for Airbus Defence and Space in the UK. In this role, Martin is responsible for bringing the world-class solutions that Airbus offer to meet the requirements of the UK MOD. This includes working alongside specialist companies within the UK to develop future capability and solutions, with the aspiration of developing a long-standing business as a partner to the government and industry. 

Previously, Martin was the Director, Space, leading the business growth of Airbus in Australia and New Zealand. In addition, Martin was the Campaign Lead for the JP9102 Military Satellite Communication opportunity in Australia. 
 
Before this, Martin was seconded to work as part of the Defence Growth Partnership (DGP) initiative, based at the British Embassy, Tokyo. Martin’s role was to support British and Japanese defence companies in collaboration and joint working as part of the UK Government’s wider strategy. This role was focused on finding mutually beneficial opportunities for British and Japanese companies to work together to develop joint capabilities and research projects. 
 
Prior to this role, Martin was the Head of Strategy and Marketing for the UK. He has worked at Airbus for over ten years, gaining a wide-ranging experience around marketing, strategy, business development and change. 
 
Martin has previously worked for several of the company’s CEO’s and Senior Management team in realising change and transformation across Europe. This has included implementing European organisational transformation, rationalisation, as well as developing new business development and procurement teams.
 
Martin graduated the University of Plymouth with a BSc (Hons) in Politics and Business Studies in 2004. This was followed by a Masters in International Security and Strategy from King’s College London as part of the Royal College of Defence Studies in 2012.
 

Michael Usowski

Senior Defense Intelligence Analyst, Office of Space & Counterspace, Defence Intelligence Agency
Michael Usowski

 Mr. Michael A. Usowski was appointed as the Senior Defense Intelligence Analyst for Space & Counterspace (SCS) in August 2022. In this role, he is the analytic authority for the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) on space and counterspace issues. He leads the planning, directing, and management of space and counterspace intelligence analysis and production across the Defense Intelligence All-Source Analysis Enterprise (DIAAE). He develops and implements strategies and analytic capabilities to support combatant command, policymaker, and defense acquisition community intelligence requirements. Mr. Usowski joined the DIA in 2007 and has served the agency in numerous roles since then. He holds a B.S in political science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

 

Michelle Hanlon

Executive Director, Center for Air and Space Law at the University of Mississippi
Michelle Hanlon

Michelle L.D. Hanlon is the Executive of the Air and Space Law Program at the University of Mississippi School of Law and its Center for Air and Space Law. She is the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Space Law, the world’s oldest law journal dedicated to the legal problems arising out of human activities in outer space and its sister publication, the Journal of Drone Law and Policy. Michelle is a Co-Founder and President of For All Moonkind, Inc., a nonprofit corporation that is the only organization in the world focused on protecting human cultural heritage in outer space. In this capacity, she was instrumental in the development of the recently enacted One Small Step Act in the United States. For All Moonkind has been recognized by the United Nations as a Permanent Observer to the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space and recently launched its Institute on Space Law and Ethics.

Michelle received her B.A. in Political Science from Yale College and her J.D. magna cum laude from the Georgetown University Law Center. She earned her LLM in Air and Space Law from McGill University. Prior to focusing on aviation and space law, Michelle was engaged in a private business law practice.

 

Mike Assid

Director, SATCOM Integrated Operations Division
Mike Assid

 Mike Assid is the Director of the Satellite Communications (SATCOM) Integrated Operations Division (SIOD), responsible for synchronizing, integrating and coordinating global Enterprise SATCOM operations in support of Commander, U.S. Space Command priorities. The SIOD provides real-time, cross-spectrum SATCOM situational awareness to inform senior leader decisions, leads space electromagnetic interference (EMI), electronic attack (EA) and anomaly resolution, and supports communications restoral for Joint and Allied warfighters worldwide.

 
Mr. Assid has more than 35 years of experience in leadership, management, space operations and national security affairs in private industry and the military. He commanded at the squadron and group level, and served at the Vice President level in the commercial SATCOM industry, principally in support of Department of Defense and other U.S. government customers.
 
Mr. Assid was founding cadre for the Air Force (now Space Force) Space Aggressor and defensive Space Electronic Warfare programs, U.S. Space Force’s Space Training and Readiness Command, U.S. Space Command’s Joint Operations Center, and the SIOD, itself, having served as its first Deputy Director and Enterprise Integration Lead.
 

Mike Dean

Director, Command, Control and Communications Infrastructure (C3I), C3 Infrastructure, US DoD CIO
Mike Dean

Mr. Mike Dean became a member of the Senior Executive Service (SES) in 2024. He currently serves as Director, Command, Control, and Communications Infrastructure (C3I) office of the Department of Defense Chief Information Officer (DoD CIO). In this position, he leads the governance, oversight and policy development of DoD tactical communications, tactical data links, combat identification systems, public safety communications, satellite communications, positioning, navigation and timing, and mobility/5G systems.

 
Previously, Mr. Dean served as Satellite Communications (SATCOM) Division Chief for C3I, providing technical expertise, oversight and broad guidance on policy, programmatic and technical issues relating to DoD SATCOM as well as serving as the DoD CIO’s focal point for international partnership activities in SATCOM to include the NATO SATCOM Services 6th Generation (NSS6G) activities.
 
Before joining federal government service, Mr. Dean served as a career Army Signal Corps and Cyberspace officer for more than 27 years (including multiple command positions and combat deployments within the 82d Airborne Division and finally as the Space Branch Chief in the Joint Staff J6). Following his military career, Mr. Dean served as a defense contractor in multiple roles supporting the DoD CIO in satellite communications and information enterprise management. One of Mr. Dean’s most notable roles in DoD SATCOM was the architectural development and digital modernization of Enterprise SATCOM Management and Control. This enterprise architecture is currently being implemented by a DoD-wide plan endorsed in December 2022 by the principal leadership of the DoD CIO, U.S. Space Command, and the U. S. Space Force.
 
Mr. Dean holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Information Systems Management from Western International University, a Master of Arts in History from Western Illinois University and he is a 2023 alumni of the Federal Executive Institute’s “Leadership in a Democratic Society” course.

Name Withheld for Security Reasons

Senior Representative, SMi Group Ltd
Name Withheld for Security Reasons

A senior representative from the UK National Cyber Security Centre will join us to provide the keynote of the Cybersecurity for Space & SATCOM Focus Day. Name withheld for security reasons.

Naomi Kurahara

CEO / Co-Founder, Infostellar
Naomi Kurahara

Naomi Kurahara is the Co-Founder and CEO of Infostellar, a newspace communications technology company based in Tokyo that manages a satellite antenna sharing platform called StellarStation. Using this platform, users can share their unused antenna time and access antennas worldwide for their satellite operations.

 
Prior to founding Infostellar, Naomi worked as a System Engineer at Integral Systems Japan and received her Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the Kyushu Institute of Technology. During that time, she conducted ion engine and space plasma environment research with JAXA. She was also a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Tokyo, where she led development of satellite operations and ground systems for the Hodoyoshi Project.
 
 

Nimmi Patel

Head of Skills, Talent, and Diversity, Tech UK
Nimmi Patel

Nimmi Patel is the Head of Skills, Talent and Diversity at techUK. She works on all things skills, education, and future of work policy, focusing on upskilling and retraining. Nimmi is also an Advisory Board member of Digital Futures at Work Research Centre (digit). The Centre research aims to increase understanding of how digital technologies are changing work and the implications for employers, workers, job seekers and governments. She is a member of Chatham House's Common Futures Conversations.

Prior to joining the team, she worked for the UK Labour Party and New Zealand Labour Party, and holds a BA in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from the University of Manchester and is currently studying MA Strategic Communications at King’s College London.
 

Ori Naor

RVP Defense, Gilat Satellite Networks, Gilat Satellite Networks
Ori Naor

Mr. Ori Naor is Vice President, Global Defense Sales, for Gilat Satellite Networks. 

 
In this role, he is spearheading various innovative projects at the forefront of Military SATCOM. 
Previously, Mr. Naor served as Director of Programs & Business Development, Elbit Land Systems, and was responsible for securing significant defense contracts around the world.   
 
Before joining Elbit, Mr. Naor served in various operational and technology positions within the Israeli Defense Forces, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Patricia Cooper

President & Founder, Constellation Advisory, LLC and Former VP, Space X
Patricia Cooper

 Patricia Cooper is a leading expert on satellite communications, regulation and space policy, and is the founder of the space consultancy, Constellation Advisory, LLC, where she advises smart space and satellite ventures and international projects.

 
For six years, Cooper led Government Affairs for the Starlink satellite broadband constellation project at Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX), where she secured Federal Communications Commission authorization for a record 12,000 satellites, and market access in more than 30 countries. She advocated for updates to spectrum, telecom competition and space safety regulations in the US and around the globe to support the coming generation of satellite networks. Today, Starlink serves over 2 million users worldwide with a constellation of over 6,000 satellites in over 70 countries.    
 
Prior to SpaceX, Patricia was an executive at geostationary satellite fleet operator Intelsat and as for nearly 7 years, President of the Satellite Industry Association (SIA), the leading trade organization representing U.S. satellite operators, manufacturers and service providers. At SIA, Patricia advocated in regulatory and national security arenas, for fair trade and competition rules internationally, and spearheaded a successful bipartisan, bi-cameral legislative initiative to reform satellite export control legislation.  Previously, Patricia had served in both the U.S. Federal Communications Commission and the Department of Commerce, and led international outreach at two start-ups, CoreExpress, an Internet fiber infrastructure play and PanAmSat Corporation, a disruptor in the early satellite services market.   
 
Patricia holds a Master’s Degree with Distinction in International Economics from the John Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies and a Bachelor’s Degrees in Political Science and German from Kansas State University (summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa).  
 

Peter Trussell

Skills for Space Lead, UK Space Agency
Peter Trussell

 Peter Trussell is a Civil Servant working at the UK Space Agency as the Future Workforce Lead, partnering with experts in industry, academia, and across government to provide a skilled workforce for the growing UK space sector.

 
Prior to joining the UK Space Agency, Peter worked in the Leadership College for Government within the Cabinet Office as a Learning and Development Specialist, designing and delivering leadership development programmes, courses, and events for public sector Chief Executive Officer equivalent leaders in local government, health, education, emergency services, armed forces, and civil services.
 
Having completed Rolls-Royce’s HR Graduate Training Programme, Peter has experience across the entire employee lifecycle through various HR roles, including recruitment, induction, training and development, workforce planning and voluntary and mandatory redundancy. Peter is also an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development having completed the CIPD Advanced Level 7 Diploma in Strategic People Management.

Philippe Bertrand

Chairman, EU Space Programme Security Accreditation Board (SAB)
Philippe Bertrand

Philippe Bertrand was elected by the European Union Member States as the Chairman of the Security Accreditation Board (SAB) of the EU Space Programme in May 2022. The SAB is the security accreditation authority for all of the EU Space Programme’s components where Member States take decisions in a strictly independent manner.

Prior to that, Mr. Bertrand worked as a European affairs coordinator at the Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) in France. Philippe Bertrand has a vast experience in space-related activities and more specifically in satellite navigation. He has held several managerial positions in the public sector, namely in the French Armed Forces, the office of the French Prime Minister and the European Commission.

 

Pinar Yasar Orten

Head of SATCOM Technology, NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCI Agency)
Pinar Yasar Orten

Mrs. Pinar Yasar Orten is a SATCOM professional who leads the efforts related to SATCOM technology roadmaps and bringing those technologies to NATO as Head of SATCOM Technology in NATO Communications and Information Agency Chief Technology Office (CTO).
She is part of CTO-STAR (Space Technology Adoption and Resilience) team, where the team deals with all space domain technology related matters in NCIA.

Having almost 2 decades of experience in the domain, Pinar joined the NCI Agency after working in defence industry over a decade.

Her experience spans from design, development and acquisition of Electronic Warfare and SATCOM Systems for space, land, maritime and air domains as well as managing diverse engineering teams. Providing latest SATCOM technology to the Alliance, Pinar applies sound engineering principles using both traditional and innovative methods.

She has her B.Sc. degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering as well as M.Sc. in the same domain with a focus on electromagnetics and novel RF materials, which is one of the disruptive technologies and has published papers in this domain. She is alumni of NATO-wide Executive Development Program.
 

Prof Joanne Wheeler

Chair, Alden
Prof Joanne Wheeler

 Joanne is a leading expert in the field of satellite and space law, policy, regulation and spectrum issues and commercial contracts, having worked at Ofcom, the European Space Agency and for over 20 years in private legal practice in this area. She was awarded an MBE for services to the UK space industry in 2017. She is ranked Tier 1 in legal directories.

Joanne won the Financial Times European Legal Innovator of the Year award in 2014. She is the co-founder and Chair of the Satellite Finance Network (www.satellitefinancenetwork.org). She is a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society, the Royal Aeronautical Society, Deputy Chair of the National Space Centre and chair of the National Space Academy steering board. She Co-Chairs the UK Government’s Spaceflight Safety and Regulatory Council and was appointed as an honorary Professor by the University of Leicester in 2022.

Raniah Admed

Chair, UKSEDS
Raniah Admed

Richard Budd

Head of Space Digital UK, US & Asia, Airbus Defence & Space
Richard Budd

Richard is responsible for Space Digital business in UK, US and Asia Pacific, primarily ensuring the evolution of the space and ground networks & associated services business to meet growing customer demands. This includes maintaining the high quality delivery of Skynet services and the next generation Skynet 6a satellite, with a significant focus on securing a lead role for the company in the next generation of UK military space programmes.

Prior to joining Airbus in 2018, Richard was the Operations Director responsible for the delivery of one of Capita’s largest government outsource contracts across a wide remit of services including IT, Customer Services, HR, Finance, Procurement and Estates Management. Richard also spent 12 years at Cable & Wireless in various roles including: commercial, large scale programme delivery and leading telecommunications and IT outsource contracts, this included forming and growing the Application Services business to deliver secure cloud based services to UK government.
 
Richard studied Mathematics and Computing at Durham University.
 
In addition to spending time with his family Richard enjoys cycling, running and skiing.
 
 

Robert Cleave

Chief Technology Officer, Neo Space Group - NSG
Robert Cleave
Robert R. Cleave has over 35 years’ experience in the space industry as an engineer, program manager and executive leader with profit & loss responsibilities. He has worked nearly every mission area, from rovers on Mars to remote sensing and communication satellites. Robert has also worked every segment of the value chain, spanning spacecraft and payloads, launch vehicles and ground systems. He managed over $2B in business at Lockheed Martin, was President and Chairman of Lockheed Martin Commercial Launch Services business unit, and successfully delivered secure networking solutions to the US Government, and the Governments of Spain and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He managed investment portfolios and led multiple strategic investments into several emerging companies in the space ecosystem.
 
Robert continuously seeks to create use cases where space-based solutions are leveraged to improve life on earth. In the mid-1990s, he invented a satellite-enabled machine-to-machine solution which remains in use today, and later was the founder of XTAR, LLC, the worlds’ first satellite operator to exclusively offer communication services at the coveted X frequency band. 
More recently, Cleave has focused on ground-based technologies, and co-founded NewSpace Networks Inc., a software company building technologies to improve networking efficiency leveraging virtualization and edge computing. Robert is also a co-founder of Secure PNT Inc., a company building digital satellite antenna technologies for noise suppression and signal enhancement. 
 
He is a member of the founding team, a technical advisor and Executive Committee member to the Neo Space Group in Saudi Arabia; a strategic advisor to ABL Space; a strategic advisor to a satellite operator in South-East Asia; and a Subject Matter Expert to multiple corporations and national labs.
 
Robert has published over 25 technical and business papers and an active speaker at multiple conferences, including a TED event. He has originated or co-authored seven patents related to space and received multiple awards throughout his career. Robert earned an Aerospace Engineering degree at Arizona State University and a Systems Engineering Certificate from the University of Southern California. He is an angel investor in multiple non-space businesses and is a leading investor in a non-profit that he hopes will eventually leverage satellite technology for tracking and eliminating plastic waste in our oceans.
 

Roy Sielaff

Vice President, SES Space & Defence Europe, SES Space & Defence
Roy Sielaff

Roy Sielaff is currently the Vice-President Europe for SES Space & Defence. Roy is a Dutch National who served more than 20 years in the Dutch Government. Between 1993 and 2003 Roy served as a (police) officer at the Royal Marechaussee, where he had several roles at Schiphol Amsterdam Airport and various criminal investigation teams. Between 2003 and 2013 Roy was a member of the Military Intelligence and Security Agency (MIVD) where he held various senior management roles in the operational department. Roy participated in numerous international NATO and UN missions.

In 2014 Roy started his career in the satcom industry, where he had Sales Director and VP-roles at Network Innovations, Datapath, LuxGovSat and currently at SES.
Roy graduated at the Royal Dutch Military Academy and holds a Master of Science degree in Organizational Science and Public Administration from Utrecht University.
 

Samuel Visner

Chair, Board of Directors, Space Information Sharing and Analysis Center
Samuel Visner

 Samuel Sanders Visner serves as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Space Information Sharing and Analysis Center and as a Technical Fellow at the Aerospace Corporation. Sam is also a Senior Advisor to the Cybersecurity Solarium Commission. Sam served previously as Director of the National Cybersecurity Federally Funded Research and Development Center (MITRE), sponsored by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Sam is as a member of the Board of Directors of the Oak Ridge Associated Universities and also serves as a member of the Cyber Council of the Intelligence and National Security Alliance and the Cyber Committee of the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association. Sam served as an adjunct professor at Georgetown University, where he taught a course on cybersecurity policy, operations, and technology, and has also established a charitable trust for the University for the continued development of curricula in the study of information technology in international security. Sam is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the Atlantic Council and is a former member of the Intelligence Community Studies Board. Sam is also a member of the Army Science Board. Sam served previously as Senior Vice President at ICF (Cybersecurity and Resilience), Vice President at CSC (General Manager, CSC Global Cybersecurity), Senior Vice President at SAIC, and as Chief of Signals Intelligence Programs at the National Security Agency, from which he received the Agency's highest award for civilian service in recognition of work done to transform the Agency’s signals intelligence infrastructure following 9/11.  Sam holds a bachelor’s degree in International Politics from Georgetown University and a master’s degree in Telecommunications from the George Washington University.

Sarah Casenove

Head of Portfolio & Transformation, Airbus Defence & Space
Sarah Casenove
Sarah Casenove, Head of Portfolio and Transformation within Space Digital in Airbus has been working in the Defence and Space domain for over a decade in Sales, Strategy, Future Programmes and Portfolio Positions. She joined Airbus in 2013. 
 
Her main areas of activities have been Satcom based Solutions and innovative partnerships deals in the Satcom and Milsatcom domain, supporting the provision of Satellite Based Capacities for NATO and EU Nations. In her current role she is driving the future of Airbus solutions in Satcom, Military Space and Earth Observation domain to foster the emergence of full End of End solutions able to support the information superiority needs of allied nations. 
 
She holds a Master degree in International Relations and Defence Studies from Sciences Po Lille. 
 

Senior Representative

, UK Ministry of Defence
Senior Representative

Squadron Leader Rebecca Kirk

Project Engineering Lead, RAF Waddington
Squadron Leader Rebecca Kirk

 Becky Kirk is a qualified and experienced Chartered Engineer with a strong background in space systems engineering. With many years of experience in the field, she has proven expertise in Systems Engineering processes and Satellite architecture.

 
Prior to her current role at e2E Services as a Deliver Manager and Engineering Consultant, Becky served in the Royal Air Force for 19 years, where she developed valuable leadership and teamwork skills that have been instrumental in her success as a space systems engineer. She spent time with NATO, DE&S and multiple overseas detachments.
 
Not wanting to leave the military fully, she remained as a Part Time Voluntary Reservist, where she now instructs on the Space Operations Courses and is assisting defence with their Space System requirements.
 
She has worked as a STEM Ambassador and is passionate about demonstrating the virtues of a career in this field.

Tales Gaspar

Programme Manager, UK SPF and Satellite, Tech UK
Tales Gaspar

 Tales has a background in law and economics, with previous experience in the regulation of new technologies and infrastructure. In the UK and Europe, he offered consultancy on intellectual property rights of cellular and IoT technologies and on the regulatory procedures at the ITU as a Global Fellow at the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI). Tales has an LL.M in Law and Business by the Getulio Vargas Foundation (FGV) and an MSc in Regulation at the London School of Economics, with a specialization in Government and Law.

Trond Hermansen

Special Advisor SATCOM, Norwegian Armed Forces Cyberdefence
Trond Hermansen

Trond Hermansen is a SATCOM specialist within operational use of military SATCOM. He is now working as a special advisor in SATCOM to the Norwegian Armed Forces Cyberdefence. He is a former naval operational officer and has specialized in operational use of military SATCOM. He is presently engaged as operational project officer for the Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission project and the HEO-2 project that both will deliver 2 communication satellites in a high elliptical orbit in 2023 and 2026 respectvely.

Tulay Aydin

Strategic Innovation in Defence Technology Manager, University of the Bundeswehr
Tulay Aydin

Tülay is a Research Associate specializing in Cyber Security in New Space at the University of the Bundeswehr Munich. An accomplished aerospace engineer, she brings extensive experience in the defense industry to her role, adeptly managing cutting-edge technology projects. Her passion for space technology and the space economy drives her commitment to advancing security measures and innovations in this dynamic field.

Vanessa Viney

Innovation Manager, Airbus Defence & Space
Vanessa Viney

Vanessa is UK and US Innovations Manager at Airbus Defence and Space, based at the company’s UK HQ in Stevenage. With over 26 years’ experience in the aerospace sector and a MEng in Aerospace Systems Engineering, Vanessa has worked on Mission Systems design for Earth Observation satellites, Project Management, Bid Management and Product Management.


Today, she is responsible for a portfolio of Innovation projects and is experienced in Innovation methods and tools – she is a ThinkWrong facilitator, motivator and ecosystem connector. Vanessa is also involved in outreach activities – such as the UK Youth Rocketry Competition – and is a ‘Women in Defence’ mentor as well as an active member of the internal Equality and Gender Diversity Working Group.

Vice Admiral Dr Thomas Daum

Chief of German Cyber and Information Domain Service, German Cyber and Information Domain Service, Bundeswehr/ German Federal Armed Forces
Vice Admiral Dr Thomas Daum

Vice-Admiral Dr Thomas Daum joined the Bundeswehr as an officer candidate in 1981. After studying computer science at the Bundeswehr University in Munich and completing his naval officer education, he received first command assignments on seagoing units. From 1996 onwards, he took part in the two-year admiral staff officers’ training at the Bundeswehr Command and Staff College in Hamburg.

His career as a senior officer was characterised by assignments at command headquarters and at the Federal Ministry of Defence, where he served in the areas of CIS support/C4ISR as well as concepts and capability analysis. He was also given command assignments at home and abroad, especially as commander of a fast patrol boat squadron, also on NATO operations.

He served as Head of the Information Technology Directorate at the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) from 2012 to 2015 and as Chief of Staff and Deputy General Manager as well as Chief Operating Officer of the NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA) in Brussels, Belgium, from 2015 to 2019.

After becoming Chief of Staff at the German Cyber and Information Domain Service Headquarters on 1 April 2019, Dr Daum was appointed as Chief of the Cyber and Information Domain Service on 25 September 2020.
 

Victoria Cope

Commercial Enterprise Director, Defence Digital, UK MOD
Victoria Cope

Victoria joined Defence Digital in May 2023 as Commercial Director with responsibility for functional leadership of the directorate and commercial leadership of digital across the defence enterprise.

The enterprise focus includes digital category management, commercial optimisation & market innovation.

Prior to joining Defence Digital Victoria was the Commercial & Category Director for the UK Health Security Agency within the Government Commercial Function. Where she established and led the Commercial and Business Development functions.

Victoria has over 20 years’ experience in the Defence & Security sector, leading corporate procurement, commercial and finance functions within FTSE100/250 organisations including BAE Systems, QinetiQ, Airbus, Unilever and the UK Health Security Agency.

Victoria’s achievements were recognised by World Commerce and Contracting in the Inspiring Women list 2023. The Times & Sunday Times in 2019 as the winner of We Are the City Top 100 Women 2019 – Defence. Victoria was also awarded the Marshall of Cambridge Medal by the Duke of Edinburgh for her contribution to the industry.

Victoria is a chartered Aeronautical Engineer by background and holds an Executive MBA from Henley Business School. Victoria is a Fellow and Global Advisory Board Member of World Commerce & Contracting, a Non-Executive Council Member of The Air League Trust and a Non- Executive Director and Chair of Audit, Risk & Assurance Committee of the Inspiring Leadership Foundation
 

Wing Commander Daniela Nowalski

Deputy Commandant, Tedder Academy of Leadership, Royal Air Force / representing alta
Wing Commander Daniela Nowalski

 Wing Commander Daniela Nowalski joined the RAF in 1999. Her posts have primarily been at the forefront of the UK’s air movements & transport operations and included operational tours of Iraq and Afghanistan. She has served in the Joint Force Logistics HQ during Op HERRICK drawdown and in the UK’s Permanent Joint HQ supporting emergent UK operations in the broader Middle East. She commanded Logistics Squadron at RAF Waddington, supporting and enabling the RAF’s ISTAR Force.  She has served as the Aide de Camp to Commander British Forces Cyprus and as the Military Assistant to the Assistant Chief of Defence Staff. Following a year planning and executing the world-wide baton relay to commemorate RAF100 in 2018, she then served as Executive Officer on 85 (Expeditionary Logistics) Wing at RAF Wittering, the home of the RAF’s high readiness deployable logistics capability. 

Daniela assumed the role of Deputy Commandant of the Tedder Academy of Leadership in 2021, a role that shapes and influences leadership training and education across the RAF Whole Force.  As coaching & mentoring desk-lead for the RAF she sets the conditions for mentoring to be adopted as best practice and as part of an individual’s continued pursuit of excellence in leadership.   

An experienced mentor Daniela represents the RAF on the alta steering group - an award winning mentoring initiative for women, by women, in the air, aviation and space sector. Additionally, she has led cross-organisational mentoring circles within the Business in the Community initiative and is a CV-mentor with the Young Women’s Trust. Daniela sits on the coveted Women in Defence mentoring scheme selection panel, and in 2021 as a member of the scheme, she won the national Most Committed Mentee Award. 
 
Daniela is also an Alumni of the Windsor Leadership Trust, a graduate of the Advanced Command and Staff Course (Reserves), a CAS Fellow and a mum of 2. 
 

Wing Commander David Black

SO1 Satellite Co-ordination Team, UK Space Command
Wing Commander David Black

At UK Space Command I lead the MODs Satellite Management Team, managing strategic capability risks and working on satellite constellation strategies and spectrum related issues with ITU, Ofcom, UK Govt departments, International Partners and the global Space Industry in support of the MODs current and future Space missions in all orbits.

 
Prior to Space Command I led the strategically important, hugely complex and politically focussed Skynet 6 Enduring Capability programme to deliver the MOD's next generation of Military Communications Satellites. This includes a single Narrowband free-flyer and the MODs next constellation of wideband X/Mil-Ka space systems.
 
This role also included management of strategic risks to defence SATCOM, orchestrating Space Wargame activities to support Operational Analysis, and technology development to de-risk future MILSATCOM capability.
 
I'm an Engineer with 26 years experience across executive leadership and managerial roles in the fields of Satellite Procurement and technology development, Threats to Space, Military and Commercial Satellite Communications (technical management and service delivery), Space and Industrial Policy development, International relations, networked communications, and IT delivery and service management.
 
In other recent roles I have assisted in the formation of the MOD's Space Command and Space Directorate, been responsible for overseeing the development and delivery of services from the MOD's Skynet 5 MILSATCOM system, managed aspects of MOD SATCOM Policy and delivered Communications and Information Systems to MOD forces deployed Worldwide.
 
I'm creative and passionate about developing Military and Civilian applications for the use of Space. I enjoy promoting Space development with industry and doing other STEM activities.

Ten reasons why Global MilSatCom is the chosen premier gathering for industry experts

1. NEW: Over 500 military in attendance
Connect with the largest ever military audience, as for the first time, the Global MilSatCom doors open for military to attend for free.

2. 45 nations in attendance
Intrinsically global – not just part of the name but part of our philosophy. No other event brings together SATCOM experts from over 45 countries.

3. NEW: SME Expo & Innovation Stage
This is where groundbreaking ideas meet practical solutions. Experience firsthand the innovation and expertise showcased at our SME Expo & Innovation Stage, and stay ahead of the curve in your industry.

4. Pre-conference highly topical Focus Day
Participate in an engaging and timely Focus Day, gaining valuable insights into the most relevant topics shaping the MilSatCom community in 2024, before the main conference kicks off.

5. Unmatched line-up of over 100 market leading speakers
The unparalleled military, government, and industry speaker line-up deliver enlightening and interactive presentations that will leave you inspired and equipped with the knowledge to excel.
 


6. NEW: A steer from the biggest industry and military experts
The first ever Advisory Board is powered by the titans within SATCOM, from across Industry and Military organisations. Their advice and guidance will support the events 25 years heritage to ensure Global MilSatCom continues to be the premier meeting place in the market.

7. NEW: Championing Women in MilSatCom
Support the ground-breaking women shaping the future of MilSatCom at this brand-new dedicated forum.

8. NEW: The Global Connect App
Arrive with a full diary of meetings, arrange closed-door discussions, and interact in Q&A sessions with the new Global Connect App. Prepare to be amazed by the connections waiting to be made.

9. The Graduate Space Careers Conference
Meet the future of space talent at this co-located conference, attended by over 150 university students – supported by the SAE Foundation.

10. More than a quarter of a century of heritage
Be a part of the longest standing MilSatCom conference and exhibition in the world.

sponsors

Seize this unparalleled opportunity to align your brand with excellence and innovation in the MilSatCom industry. Act now to secure your sponsorship and elevate your presence in this critical and dynamic field.

For sponsorship enquiries contact the Sponsorship Sales Team on +44 (0) 20 7827 6000 or salesenquiries@saemediagroup.com

Build | Win | Grow

Join the longest-standing event in MilSatCom which brings together the largest ever military audience.

There is nowhere else where you will get this level of access, as for the first time we open the doors for military and government to attend for free.

With a range of packages and bespoke options available tell us what you want to achieve and we will help you get there.

Enquire Now

Testimonials

Attending Global MilSatCom Conference & Exhibition in London this year was truly delightful, engaging with customers and partners to discuss the advancements in our market. A big thank you to SAE Media Group Defence for the organisation of this year's event. It was a blast!
Eric Even, Head of Integrated Space Solutions, Airbus Defence & Space
The differentiator for this event is that we as human beings, designers, engineers, business people, customers, are all here. We can network, we can identify problems, create solutions and that's the best part of this conference.
Dr. Rajeev Gopal, VP Advance Solutions, Hughes
This is the first time we've exhibited at Global MilSatCom. The key contacts and the network that we are going to gain from this is like nothing else. This is the event to be at for this year, for sure.
Matthew Humphreys, Sales Director, Intellian
Global MilSatCom has existed for more than a quarter of a century. This is a testament to just how important and relevant this event is. It just gives us the opportunity to network, to build up partnerships and to interact with customers and innovators across the sector.
Nik Smith, Regional Director UK and Europe, Lockheed Martin UK Space
Global MilSatCom is a really crucial Satellite and Communications conference bringing people from across the world, both customers and suppliers. It's a great opportunity for us to come together and exchange, learn what each other are doing and look at those future capabilities.
Patrick Wood, SVP Space systems UK, Airbus

Advisory Board

Captain (RN) Phil Coope

Captain (RN) Phil Coope

Deputy Head – Space, UK Strategic Command
Captain (N) Jose Freitas

Captain (N) Jose Freitas

Head of Space Department, Portuguese Armed Forces General Staff
Colonel (Ret'd) Jennifer Krolikowski

Colonel (Ret'd) Jennifer Krolikowski

Former Chief Information Officer - Space Systems Command
CEO, Plan Z
Nik Smith

Nik Smith

Regional Director UK and Europe, Lockheed Martin Space
Brigadier Mike Cornwell

Professor Anna Moore

Director, ANU Institute for Space
Todd Gossett

Todd Gossett

Vice President, Space and National Security Initiatives SES Space & Defence
David Dean

David Dean

Space FBLOS Principal Advisor, DSTL
Chris Moore

Chris Moore

VP Defence & Security, Government Relations, Eutelsat Oneweb
David Black

Wing Commander David Black

SO1 Satellite Co-ordination Team, UK Space Command
Betty Bonnardel-Azzarelli

Betty Bonnardel-Azzarelli

Chairperson, UK Chapter, Space and Satellite Professionals International

New for 2024!

1. Over 500 military in attendance

Connect with our largest ever military audience as for the first time we open the doors for military to attend for free.

2. A steer from the biggest industry and military experts

For 2024 we are bringing together the Titans of MilSatCom to create a distinctive programme comprising of five integrated conferences.

3. Championing Women in MilSatCom

Support the ground-breaking women shaping the future of MilSatCom at this brand new dedicated forum.

4. The Global Connect App

Arrive with a full diary of meetings, arrange closed-door discussions, and interact in Q&A sessions. Prepare to be amazed by the connections waiting to be made.

5. SME Expo & Innovation Stage

Specifically for SMEs, showcase your services and be at the centre of the conversation shaping tomorrow’s technology.

View Sponsor Prospectus

With a range of packages and bespoke options available tell us what you want to achieve and we will help you get there.
Contact the Sponsorship Sales Team on +44 (0) 20 7827 6000 or salesenquiries@saemediagroup.com

Conference agenda

We’ve changed our approach to the agenda for Global MilSatCom in 2024. This year the entire event is focussed on the theme of 'Building Resilient & Robust SATCOM' and as such the agenda is not split on geographic lines but instead on key topic areas within this theme, each with a varied mix of perspectives from across the world. We’ve moved away from purely longform individual presentations and are instead prioritising a mix of short presentations and interactive panels, punctuated by highly topical keynotes.

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8:00

Focus Day - Cybersecurity for Space & SATCOM: Registration & Coffee

This brand-new pre-conference Focus Day will be entirely dedicated to the vital topic of Cybersecurity for Space & SATCOM. As we have seen in the Ukraine Conflict, Cyber-attacks on space systems are becoming increasingly prevalent and this runs the risk of undermining the capability of Military Satellite Communications, whether at war or not.
Cyber-attacks are the most likely and potentially the most dangerous form of attack on SATCOM and as such it is vital the topic is thoroughly explored.

The day itself will focus on cybersecurity standards and regulation, innovative concepts, increased awareness, cyber solutions and threat knowledge across the MILSATCOM enterprise in order to help the community embrace security-by-design and ensure continuity of communications.

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9:20

Chair's Opening Remarks

Colonel (Ret'd) Jennifer Krolikowski, Former Chief Information Officer - Space Systems Command, CEO, Plan Z

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9:30

Enhancing Cybersecurity for the UKs Critical Space Infrastructure

Name Withheld for Security Reasons, Senior Representative, SMi Group Ltd

  • Understanding the enduring and significant threat to the UK’s critical infrastructure, including the implications for the space sector
  • The danger from state and non-state actors
  • What we need to do to raise resilience of the sector
     
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    10:00

    Global Public Safety: EMCyber Resilience

  •  Addressing the global SATCOM EMCyber threat matrix with a focus on civ/mil emergency communications requirements and priority services
  • Identifying SATCOM resiliency challenges and capabilities to strengthen cybersecurity and address those challenges i.e. NextGen, AI, Electromagnetic
  • Sharing Collective Defense Approach to Global Public Safety: EMCyberSAT Cooperation
  •  

    Jennifer Connell, Program Manager SATCOM portfolio, Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)

    Leah DeLancey, Special Assistant and Lead Action Officer to the CISA Executive Assistant Director EAD Emergency Communications , Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)

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    10:30

    Morning Coffee

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    11:00

    Ensuring the Cybersecurity of EU Space Programs

    Philippe Bertrand, Chairman, EU Space Programme Security Accreditation Board (SAB)

  • Ensuring security accreditation for all governmental users (civilian and military)
  • The SAB Security Accreditation Strategy standards
  • Approach to cyber security
  • Long term planning and vision
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    11:30

    ESA Activities to address Space and Cyber Security Resilience

    John Irving, Security Engineering Manager, ESA Security Office, European Space Agency

  • The collaborative effort with industry to develop the ESA Space & Security Cyber Centre of Excellence (SCCoE) and the Cyber-Security Operations Centre (CSOC)
  • Improving the security posture and resilience of the Agency and its partner: collaborating with defence entities
  • Establishing the new ECSS European Space System Security Standard
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    12:00

    Networking Lunch

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    13:00

    Space/SATCOM Cybersecurity Challenges and Scalable Solutions

  • The intersection between cyber security, data science, networking, and crowdsourcing
  • System-oriented research and the transfer of research results to real-world solutions
  • The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Cyber-Defence for MILSATCOM
  • GNSS spoofing detection/defense, particular with regards to aviation
  • Dr Vincent Lenders, Director of Cyber-Defence Campus, Federal Office for Defence Procurement (armasuisse)

    Dr Martin Strohmeier, Senior Scientific Project Manager, Federal Office for Defence Procurement (armasuisse)

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    13:30

    Cybersecurity for Space and SATCOM: The Role of AI in Defense and Satellite Communications

    Tulay Aydin , Strategic Innovation in Defence Technology Manager, University of the Bundeswehr

  • Emerging cyber threats and collaborative solutions
  • Use cases for AI to enhance security
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    14:00

    The Space Information Sharing and Analysis Center

    Samuel Visner, Chair, Board of Directors, Space Information Sharing and Analysis Center

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    14:30

    Afternoon Tea

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    15:00

    Enhancing our Understanding and Capabilities in Securing Space Assets Against Emerging Cyber Threats

    Dr Ulpia-Elena Botezatu, Chair of the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee, UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN COPUOS)

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    15:15

    The Complex Safeguarding Challenges for Evolving Commercial Space Sector

    Dr Sharon Lemac-Vincere, Academic and Entrepreneur, University of Strathclyde

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    15:30

    Cybersecurity of Space infrastructure: The Legal Aspects

    Laetitia Cesari, Researcher in Space Law and Cybersecurity, University of Luxembourg

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    15:45

    Threats Against Satellite Ground Infrastructure: A Retrospective Analysis of Sophisticated Attacks

    Jessie Hamill-Stewart, PhD Candidate, University of Bath and University of Bristol

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    16:00

    Joint Q+A: Technical and Legal Approaches to Space Cybersecurity

    Dr Ulpia-Elena Botezatu, Chair of the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee, UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN COPUOS)

    Dr Sharon Lemac-Vincere, Academic and Entrepreneur, University of Strathclyde

    Laetitia Cesari, Researcher in Space Law and Cybersecurity, University of Luxembourg

    Jessie Hamill-Stewart, PhD Candidate, University of Bath and University of Bristol

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    16:30

    Chair’s Closing Remarks and Close of Focus Day

    Colonel (Ret'd) Jennifer Krolikowski, Former Chief Information Officer - Space Systems Command, CEO, Plan Z

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    19:00

    Networking Reception Hosted By Lockheed Martin (Invitation Only)

    Lockheed Martin

    Lockheed Martin, Networking Reception, Invitation Only

    An Invitation-only pre-main conference dinner, hosted by Lockheed Martin.

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    7:30

    Registration & Coffee

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    8:50

    Chair's Opening Remarks

    Dr Joanna Hart, Director, Space Partnership

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    9:00

    Host Nation Opening Keynote Presentation

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    9:20

    Exploring UK MilSatCom Programmes & Priorities

    The Global MilSatCom Main Conference will open with a through exploration of our host nation’s MilSatCom programs and priorities with a particular focus on resiliency and UK Space Command’s ‘Protect & Defend’ mission. Updates from 2023 will be discussed, along with the next steps of the SKYNET 6 Program, Commercial partnerships at Defence Digital and the challenges the UK MOD faces.

    Short Presentations and Interactive Q+A with:

    Captain (RN) Phil Coope, Deputy Head - Space , UK Strategic Command

    Victoria Cope, Commercial Enterprise Director, Defence Digital, UK MOD

    David Dean, Chief Engineer, Space FBLOS Principal Advisor, Cyber and Information Systems Division, DSTL

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    10:05

    Session Reserved for Lead Sponsor Airbus

    Richard Budd, Head of Space Digital UK, US & Asia, Airbus Defence & Space

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    10:25

    Morning Coffee

    SME Presentations on the Innovation Stage:

  • 10:25 - Reflex Aerospace GmbH
  • 10:40 - Methera Global Communications Limited & Oxford Dynamics - Chris McIntosh, CEO, Methera Global Communication Ltd.
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    10:55

    KEYNOTE - Enhancing the German Armed Forces through Increased Exploitation of Space, Cyber and SATCOM

    Vice Admiral Dr Thomas Daum, Chief of German Cyber and Information Domain Service, German Cyber and Information Domain Service, Bundeswehr/ German Federal Armed Forces

  • The increasing dependency of the armed forces on space-supported data, services and products
  • Controlling and protecting the SATCOMBw Military Communications Satellite System
  • Advancing capability through allied partnership and exercises
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    11:15

    Session Reserved for Gold Sponsor All.Space

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    11:35

    Session Reserved for Silver Sponsor Lockheed Martin

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    11:55

    International Partnerships & Collaboration to Ensure Reliable Communications

    This section of the agenda will bring together those experts who focus on enhancing worldwide collaboration in MilSatCom to ensure communications, no matter the circumstances.

    Short Presentations and Interactive Q+A with:

    Deanna Ryals, Director, International Affairs, Space Systems Command, USSF

    Heinrich Krispler

    Heinrich Krispler, Project Officer GOVSATCOM & Project Officer Support to EU Operations, European Defence Agency

    Colonel Clifford White, Director Space Services, Joint Capabilities Group

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    12:55

    Session Reserved for Sponsor Northrop Grumman Corporation

    Blake Bullock, Vice President, Military Space Systems, Northrop Grumman

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    13:15

    Session Reserved for Gold Sponsor Eutelsat Oneweb

    Chris Moore, VP Government Defence & Security , Eutelsat OneWeb

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    13:35

    Networking Lunch

    SME Presentations on the Innovation Stage:

  • 13:35 - UK Defence & Security Exports 
  • 13:50 - 3S Northumbria Ltd
  • 14:05 - InfoStellar - Dr Naomi Kurahara, CEO & Co-Founder 
  • 14:20 - Aerospacelabs
  •  

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    14:35

    Session Reserved for Sponsor Thales

    Gael Derven, SATCOM Product Line Manager, Thales

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    14:55

    Why Robust & Resilient SATCOM is Key: Understanding the Threat

    Experts in the intentions and capabilities of hostile actors in space will provide the audience with a thorough understanding of the threat to MilSatCom systems is now and will be in years to come.

    Short Presentations and Interactive Q+A with:

    Dr Brendan Mulvaney, Director, China Aerospace Studies Institute, USAF

    Dr John Huth, Chief, Office of Space & Counterspace, Defence Intelligence Agency

    Michael Usowski, Senior Defense Intelligence Analyst, Office of Space & Counterspace, Defence Intelligence Agency

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    15:25

    Session Reserved for Sponsor Viasat

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    15:45

    Afternoon Tea Sponsored by PA Consulting

     SME Presentations on the Innovation Stage:

  • 15:45 - Anywaves
  • 16:00 - OQ Technology 
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    16:15

    Neo Space Group - Framework for Sovereignty in Global Military Satellite Communications: Securing National Interests While Promoting International Cooperation

    Robert Cleave, Chief Technology Officer, Neo Space Group - NSG

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    16:35

    Utilising Laser Communications Technology to Enhance SATCOM Security

    Technical experts in field of Laser Communications and Free-Space Optics will provide insight not only into their specific programs, but also how they see the field developing as a whole.

    Short Presentations and Interactive Q+A with:

    Bernard Edwards, Deputy Communications & Navigation Lead, NASA Space Technology Mission Directorate

    Dr Kate Ferguson, Associate Director Strategic Projects, Australian National University Institute for Space (ANU InSpace)

    Jim Hooper

    Jim Hooper, Senior Vice President of Business Development of Cailabs US Inc., Cailabs US Inc.

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    17:15

    Chair’s Closing Remarks and Close of Day One

    Dr Joanna Hart, Director, Space Partnership

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    18:00

    Networking Drinks Reception - Hosted by Lead Sponsor Airbus

    Airbus

    Airbus, Networking Reception , The Greenwood Pub, Victoria

    Lead Sponsor Airbus nvite you to join them at the Tuesday evening reception, taking place in the  The Greenwood Pub, Victoria from 18:00.

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    8:00

    Registration & Coffee

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    8:50

    Chair's Opening Remarks

    Douglas Loverro, President, Loverro Consulting, LLC

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    9:00

    KEYNOTE - Transforming U.S. Army satellite communications in support of Large Scale Combat Operations

    Mark Kitz, Program Executive Officer for Command, Control, Communications-Tactical PEO C3T, U.S. Army

  • Joint All-Domain Command and Control efforts
  • Taking advantage of scalable data transport architecture
  • Data fusion tools for secure data aggregation and analysis
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    9:20

    Hybrid Architecture as the Key to Resilient & Robust SATCOM

    There is a growing focus on ensuring resilient SATCOM networks through Hybrid Architecture. Day Two of Global MilSatCom will begin by exploring this focus in depth, through a variety of expert perspectives.

    Short Presentations and Interactive Q+A with:

    Charlotte Gerhart, Director, Acquisition Delta - Tactical SATCOM, Space Systems Command, USSF

    Mike Dean, Director, Command, Control and Communications Infrastructure (C3I), C3 Infrastructure, US DoD CIO

    Mike Assid, Director, SATCOM Integrated Operations Division

    Major General Steven 'Bucky' Butow, Military Deputy, Defense Innovation Unit

    Lieutenant Colonel Luis Santiago

    Lieutenant Colonel Luis Santiago, Division Chief, Space Warfighting Analysis Centre

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    10:35

    Session Reserved for Lead Sponsor Airbus

    Martin Rowse, Campaign Director, Airbus Defence and Space

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    10:55

    Morning Coffee

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    11:25

    Session Reserved for Sponsor SES Space & Defense

    Gus Anderson, Vice President, Strategic Business Development, SES Space & Defense

    Roy Sielaff, Vice President, SES Space & Defence Europe, SES Space & Defence

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    11:45

    Session Reserved for Sponsor Hughes

    Dr Rajeev Gopal, Vice President, Hughes Advanced Programs, Defense & Government Systems Division, Hughes Network Systems

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    12:05

    Leveraging COMSATCOM & Commercial Partnerships

    Utilising commercial capability has become vital in ensuring mission resiliency for SATCOM. This section will explore the growing commercial satcom sector, as well as evaluate how government can best take advantage of these capabilities.

    Short Presentations and Interactive Q+A with:

    Joshua Broom, Head of Space, Department for Business & Trade

    Heinrich Krispler

    Heinrich Krispler, Project Officer GOVSATCOM & Project Officer Support to EU Operations, European Defence Agency

    Jared Reece, Branch Chief, COMSATCOM Solutions Branch, Space Systems Command - Commercial Services Office, Commercial Satellite Communications Office

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    12:50

    Session Reserved for Sponsor Gilat

    Ori Naor, RVP Defense, Gilat Satellite Networks, Gilat Satellite Networks

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    13:10

    Session Reserved for Sponsor COMTECH

    Daniel Gizinski, Chief Strategy Officer & President CSNTI, COMTECH

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    13:30

    Networking Lunch

     SME Presentations on the Innovation Stage:

  • 13:30 - Airbus SME Engagement - Martin Lee, UK SME Champion, Airbus Defence & Space
  • 13:45 - Orbit Fab
  • 14:00 - WolfSSL 
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    14:30

    KEYNOTE - Global, Reliable, Partnered SATCOM: Reorienting the Enterprise for Future Force Design

    Colonel (Ret'd) Cameron Stoltz, Director Space Requirements, DND

  • CAF Joint Space 2024
  • Defence SATCOM Program 2040
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    14:50

    Session Reserved for Sponsor Swissto12

    Esteban Menargues, Head of Space RF Products, SWISSto12 SA

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    15:10

    Ensuring SATCOM Security through Diplomacy, Deterrent & Law

    Whilst it is vital to discuss the technology and capability that keeps SATCOM robust and resilient, it is just as imperative to discuss the legal and diplomatic means by which space systems can be kept secure and crises averted.

    Short Presentations and Interactive Q+A with:

     

    Dr Aurelie Trur-Mirahmetolu, Director, Space Diplomacy and International Cooperation, Foreign Policy Institute (DPE)

    Juliana Suess, Research Fellow, RUSI

    Major Semra Turkalp, Senior Legal Counsel Space, Royal Netherlands Air Force - Defence Space Security Center

    Michelle Hanlon, Executive Director, Center for Air and Space Law at the University of Mississippi

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    16:10

    Afternoon Tea

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    16:40

    Session Reserved for Sponsor Cailabs

    Jean-Francois Morizur, CEO & Co-founder, Cailabs

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    17:00

    Utilising LEO & Multi-Orbit SATCOM for Military Operations

    Commercially as well as government developed LEO SATCOM capability offers many advantages in regard to secure SATCOM compared to traditional GEO assets, but also comes with challenges of its own.

    Short Presentations and Interactive Q+A with:

    Pinar Yasar Orten, Head of SATCOM Technology, NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCI Agency)

    Kimberly Morris, Deputy, Space Operations Department, Naval Network Warfare Command, US Navy

    Captain (N) Jose Freitas, Head of Space Department, Portuguese Amed Forces General Staff

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    17:45

    Chair’s Closing Remarks and Close of Day Two

    Douglas Loverro, President, Loverro Consulting, LLC

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    18:00

    Networking Drinks Reception - Hosted by Gold Sponsor ALL.SPACE

    ALL.SPACE

    ALL.SPACE, Networking Reception , QEII Exhibition Area

    Gold Sponsor ALL.SPACE invite you to join them at the Wednesday evening reception, taking place in the Exhibition Area immediately after the conference sessions conclude.

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    8:30

    Registration & Coffee

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    8:50

    Chair's Opening Remarks

    CWO5 Rilin Desamours, Space and Propagation Engineering Officer, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Pacific, G-6

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    9:00

    KEYNOTE - Developing the Next-Generation of Communications Satellites Critical to the Nation’s Nuclear Command, Control and Communications Network

    Colonel A.J. Ashby, Senior Materiel Leader, Acquisition Delta-Strategic SATCOM, Space Systems Command, USSF

  • The legacy of AEHF, what capabilities do we need to enhance?
  •  Plans and project goals for the ESS program
  •  What challenges are we facing and what do we need to hear from industry?
     
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    9:20

    Terminal & On-The-Move Resilience for the User

    To ensure truly robust and resilient SATCOM, the User segment is vital. Key warfighter perspectives from combatant commands will explore the importance of secure battlefield communications.

    Short Presentations and Interactive Q+A with:

    Lieutenant Colonel Phil Alvarez, Commander, 1st Air and Space Communications Operations Squadron, United States Air Force

    CWO5 Rilin Desamours, Space and Propagation Engineering Officer, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Pacific, G-6

    Major Sean Miller

    Major Sean Miller, Director of Operations, 1st Combat Communications Squadron

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    10:20

    Session Reserved for Lead Sponsor Airbus

    Sarah Casenove, Head of Portfolio & Transformation, Airbus Defence & Space

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    10:40

    Morning Coffee

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    11:10

    KEYNOTE - Ensuring the Effective Defence of Finland Through Effective and Integrated SATCOM

    Major General Sami Nurmi, Deputy Chief of Staff – Strategy, Finnish Ministry of Defence

  • Maximising levels in connectivity across the High North,
  • Asserting influence across the strategically important Arctic region
  • The role of effective and allied SATCOM for Finnish Defence Strategy
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    11:30

    Polar SATCOM as an Element of Robust & Resilient Networks

    It is vital to ensure continuous SATCOM coverage in the polar region to ensure secure, jam-resistant, strategic and tactical communications to support operations in war and peace. Key players in the region will discuss the field.

    Trond Hermansen, Special Advisor SATCOM, Norwegian Armed Forces Cyberdefence

    Lieutenant Colonel (Ret'd) Abde Bellahnid

    Lieutenant Colonel (Ret'd) Abde Bellahnid, SATCOM Program Manager, DND Canada

    Colonel A.J. Ashby, Senior Materiel Leader, Acquisition Delta-Strategic SATCOM, Space Systems Command, USSF

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

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    12:30

    Networking Lunch

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    13:30

    Developing Standards for Military Satcom: Collaboration Between Defence and Industry - Hosted by Global Satellite Operators Association (GSOA)

    Exploring the critical role of developing standards in military satellite communications (SATCOM) and the importance of collaboration between defence organisations and industry partners. Discussion topics will include the implementation and impact of the Digital Intermediate Frequency Interoperability (DIFI) standard, the benefits of unified standards for operational efficiency and security, and how collaborative efforts can drive innovation and interoperability in military SATCOM. Join us to gain insights from experts on how these partnerships are shaping the future of military communications.

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    14:00

    Ensuring Longterm Sustainability of Space & Spectrum - Hosted by the Space Data Association & Satcoms Innovation Group

    As the amount of objects in orbit continues to rise, space is becoming increasingly congested and contested. Ensuring longterm sustainability means ensuring both safety of flight and continued and protected use of spectrum. This session will explore the tools and processes already in place, as well as asking what more commercial and military operators need to do to ensure longterm sustainability in an increasingly complex environment.

     

    Martin Coleman, Board Member, Satcoms Innovation Group

    Andrew D'Uva, Strategy and Policy Adviser, Space Data Association

    Lorenzo Arona, Standard Member Director, Space Data Association

    Helen Weedon, Managing Director, Satcoms Innovation Group

    Wing Commander David Black, SO1 Satellite Co-ordination Team, UK Space Command

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    14:30

    Afternoon Tea

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    15:00

    Advisory Board Panel Discussion & Event Wrap Up

    The Global MilSatCom 2024 Advisory Board will reflect on the discussions and key points of the conference, discuss the year to come and take your questions.

    Including:

  • Captain (RN) Phil Coope, Deputy Head – Space, UK Strategic Command
  • Captain (N) José Freitas , Head of Space Department, Estado-Maior-General das Forças Armadas
  • Nik Smith, Regional Director UK and Europe, Lockheed Martin Space
  • Todd Gossett, Vice President, Space and, National Security Initiatives, SES Space & Defense
  • Betty Bonnardel-Azzarelli MBE, Chairperson, UK Chapter, Space and Satellite Professionals International (SSPI)
  • David Dean, Space FBLOS Principal Advisor, Dstl
  • Dr Mamatha Maheshwarappa, Head of Research & Development, UK Space Agency
  • Wing Commander David Black, SO1 Satellite Co-ordination Team, UK Space Command
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    15:20

    Round Table Facilitated Networking Session

    The final session of Global MilSatCom will be a facilitated networking session built around the key themes we have discussed over the previous three days. Each round table will have a subject matter expert on it, ready to lead deeper discussion of the most important aspects of Building Resilient & Robust SATCOM.

    Round Tables hosted by:

  • David Dean, Chief Engineer, Space FBLOS Principal Advisor, Cyber and Information Systems Division, DSTL
  • CWO5 Rilin Desamours, Space and Propagation Engineering Officer, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Pacific, G-6
  • Charlotte Gerhart, Director, Acquisition Delta - Tactical SATCOM, Space Systems Command, MilComm & PNT
  • Colonel AJ Ashby, Senior Materiel Leader, Acquisition Delta-Strategic SATCOM, Space Systems Command, USSF 
  • Heinrich Krispler, PO GOVSATCOM, PO Support to EU Operations, EDA
  • Dr Ulpia-Elena Botezatu, Chair, Scientific and Technical Subcommittee, United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS)
  • Jessie Hamill-Stewart, PhD Candidate, University of Bath and University of Bristol
  • Todd Gossett, Vice President, Space and, National Security Initiatives, SES Space & Defense
  • Helen Weedon, Managing Director, Satcoms Innovation Group
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    16:00

    Chair’s Closing Remarks and Close of Conference


    Chief of German Cyber and Information Domain Service
    German Cyber and Information Domain Service, Bundeswehr/ German Federal Armed Forces
    Commercial Enterprise Director
    Defence Digital, UK MOD
    Director, International Affairs
    Space Systems Command, USSF
    Program Executive Officer for Command, Control, Communications-Tactical PEO C3T
    U.S. Army
    Director, Command, Control and Communications Infrastructure (C3I)
    C3 Infrastructure, US DoD CIO
    Military Deputy
    Defense Innovation Unit
    Senior Representative
    SMi Group Ltd
    Deputy Chief of Staff – Strategy
    Finnish Ministry of Defence
    RDSP Acquisition Program Manager, Deputy Chief - RDSP
    AFRL
    Strategy and Policy Adviser
    Space Data Association
    Founder
    Women in Defence UK
    Deputy Communications & Navigation Lead
    NASA Space Technology Mission Directorate
    Vice President, Military Space Systems
    Northrop Grumman
    Head of Space Department
    Portuguese Amed Forces General Staff
    Deputy Head - Space
    UK Strategic Command
    Director, Acquisition Delta - Tactical SATCOM
    Space Systems Command, USSF
    VP Government Defence & Security
    Eutelsat OneWeb
    CEO
    Methera
    Director Space Requirements
    DND
    Former Chief Information Officer - Space Systems Command, CEO
    Plan Z
    Senior Materiel Leader, Acquisition Delta-Strategic SATCOM
    Space Systems Command, USSF
    Director Space Services
    Joint Capabilities Group
    Member
    Women in Aerospace-Europe UK
    Space and Propagation Engineering Officer
    U.S. Marine Corps Forces Pacific, G-6
    Chief Strategy Officer & President CSNTI
    COMTECH
    Chief Engineer, Space FBLOS Principal Advisor, Cyber and Information Systems Division
    DSTL
    President
    Loverro Consulting, LLC
    Director, Space Diplomacy and International Cooperation
    Foreign Policy Institute (DPE)
    Director
    China Aerospace Studies Institute, USAF
    Co-lead
    Women in Aerospace-Europe UK
    Director
    Space Partnership
    Chief, Office of Space & Counterspace
    Defence Intelligence Agency
    Associate Director Strategic Projects
    Australian National University Institute for Space (ANU InSpace)
    Member
    Women in Aerospace-Europe UK
    Head of Research & Development, Co-Chair of WIA-E UK Regional Network
    UK Space Agency
    Senior Scientific Project Manager
    Federal Office for Defence Procurement (armasuisse)
    Vice President, Hughes Advanced Programs, Defense & Government Systems Division
    Hughes Network Systems
    Academic and Entrepreneur
    University of Strathclyde
    Chair of the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee
    UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN COPUOS)
    Director of Cyber-Defence Campus
    Federal Office for Defence Procurement (armasuisse)
    Head of Space RF Products
    SWISSto12 SA
    SATCOM Product Line Manager
    Thales
    Vice President, Strategic Business Development
    SES Space & Defense
    Project Officer GOVSATCOM & Project Officer Support to EU Operations
    European Defence Agency
    Managing Director
    Satcoms Innovation Group
    Director
    SpaceCareers.uk
    Branch Chief, COMSATCOM Solutions Branch
    Space Systems Command - Commercial Services Office, Commercial Satellite Communications Office
    CEO & Co-founder
    Cailabs
    Program Manager SATCOM portfolio
    Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
    Programme Manager, Defence
    Tech UK
    PhD Candidate
    University of Bath and University of Bristol
    Senior Vice President of Business Development of Cailabs US Inc.
    Cailabs US Inc.
    Senior Fellow
    Women in International Security
    Security Engineering Manager, ESA Security Office
    European Space Agency
    Head of Space
    Department for Business & Trade
    Research Fellow
    RUSI
    Member
    Deloitte
    Chair
    Global Network on Sustainability in Space
    Deputy, Space Operations Department
    Naval Network Warfare Command, US Navy
    Researcher in Space Law and Cybersecurity
    University of Luxembourg
    Head, Space Technology Adoption and Resilience
    NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCI Agency)
    Special Assistant and Lead Action Officer to the CISA Executive Assistant Director EAD Emergency Communications
    Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
    SATCOM Program Manager
    DND Canada
    Division Chief
    Space Warfighting Analysis Centre
    Commander
    1st Air and Space Communications Operations Squadron, United States Air Force
    Member
    Women in Aerospace-Europe UK
    Standard Member Director
    Space Data Association
    Director of Operations
    1st Combat Communications Squadron
    Senior Legal Counsel Space
    Royal Netherlands Air Force - Defence Space Security Center
    Board Member
    Satcoms Innovation Group
    Campaign Director
    Airbus Defence and Space
    Senior Defense Intelligence Analyst, Office of Space & Counterspace
    Defence Intelligence Agency
    Executive Director
    Center for Air and Space Law at the University of Mississippi
    Director
    SATCOM Integrated Operations Division
    CEO / Co-Founder
    Infostellar
    Head of Skills, Talent, and Diversity
    Tech UK
    RVP Defense, Gilat Satellite Networks
    Gilat Satellite Networks
    President & Founder
    Constellation Advisory, LLC and Former VP, Space X
    Skills for Space Lead
    UK Space Agency
    Chairman
    EU Space Programme Security Accreditation Board (SAB)
    Head of SATCOM Technology
    NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCI Agency)
    Chair
    Alden
    Chair
    UKSEDS
    Head of Space Digital UK, US & Asia
    Airbus Defence & Space
    Chief Technology Officer
    Neo Space Group - NSG
    Vice President, SES Space & Defence Europe
    SES Space & Defence
    Chair, Board of Directors
    Space Information Sharing and Analysis Center
    Head of Portfolio & Transformation
    Airbus Defence & Space
    UK Ministry of Defence
    Project Engineering Lead
    RAF Waddington
    Programme Manager, UK SPF and Satellite
    Tech UK
    Special Advisor SATCOM
    Norwegian Armed Forces Cyberdefence
    Strategic Innovation in Defence Technology Manager
    University of the Bundeswehr
    Innovation Manager
    Airbus Defence & Space
    Deputy Commandant, Tedder Academy of Leadership
    Royal Air Force / representing alta
    SO1 Satellite Co-ordination Team
    UK Space Command

    Gold Sponsor

    Silver Sponsor

    Sponsors

    Exhibitors

    SME Zone Exhibitor

    Supporters

    Five events in one

    Only at Global MilSatCom will you benefit from five ground-breaking events in one place – in addition to the 26th annual Global MilSatCom Conference, you'll gain access to the new Focus Day and the new SME stage. This year continues to evolutionise with the addition of the Women in MilSatCom Forum and welcomes the return of the Space Careers Forum. Further details on both events can be found below.

    SME Expo And Innovation Stage

    SME Expo And Innovation Stage

    The Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre
    5 November - 7 November 2024
    London, United Kingdom

    Graduate Space Careers Forum

    Graduate Space Careers Forum

    The Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre
    6 November 2024
    London, United Kingdom

    Women in MilSatCom Forum

    Women in MilSatCom Forum

    St James' Court
    7 November 2024
    London, United Kingdom

    FOCUS DAY VENUE

    St James' Court

    Buckingham Gate, London, United Kingdom

    In a country that values understatement, St. James' Court is an English classic typifying the concealed charm of one of Britain's finest hotels. With a distinguished pedigree shaped over more than a century, this discreet masterpiece offers elegant service, with an easy charm that’s reserved, yet attentive. Exceeding the expectations of today’s discerning traveller, St. James' Court is a slice of the past served up on a contemporary platter.

    MAIN CONFERENCE VENUE

    The Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre

    Broad Sanctuary, Westminster, London, United Kingdom

    Located opposite Westminster Abbey, the QEII Centre is less than a five minute walk from the Thames, and a two-minute walk from a royal park. Major train hubs within a 15-minute walk include Victoria, Charing Cross and Waterloo. Whilst there are five international airports with an hour’s transfer.

    A number of our clients have been approached by third party organisations offering to book hotel rooms. We would advise that you do not book through them as they are not representing the SMi Group. SMi Group books all hotel rooms directly. If you are approached by a third party organisation then please contact us before making any bookings. If you have already booked a hotel room using a third party organisation, we would highly recommend contacting the hotel you were booked into to ensure a booking has been made for you. We would also advise you to please check the terms and conditions of the booking carefully.
    HOTEL BOOKING FORM

    Attendee List 2024

    Download

    Delegate Social Media Tool Kit

    Download

    Daily Show Guide 2024

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    GLOBAL MILSATCOM 2024 FACTS AND STATS

    Download

    The Global Connect App

    Download

    SME Expo & Innovation Stage

    Download

    Space Portfolio

    Download

    Major General Dr. Michael Färber, Bundeswehr 2023 Presentation

    Download

    Brigadier General Davide Cipelletti, 2023 Presentation

    Download

    Colonel David Pheasant, Space Delta 8, USSF 2023 Presentation

    Download

    Colonel Clifford White, Australian Defence Space Command 2023 presentation

    Download

    2023 Global MilSatCom Attendees

    Download

    Global MilSatCom 2023 Facts, Figures and Stats

    Download

    Global MilSatCom Portfolio

    Download

    Commentary: Major General Philippe Adam

    Download

    Commentary: Major General Dr. Michael Färber

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    Commentary:Holger Lueschow

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    Commentary: Captain (RN) Phil Coope

    Download

    Sponsors and Exhibitors


    ALL.SPACE

    Gold Sponsor
    http://www.all.space/

    Founded in 2013 with headquarters in Reading, UK, ALL.SPACE is a fast-growing innovative deep tech company and builder of the world’s first and only field-proven smart terminal to simultaneously deliver full-performance connections across all significant orbits from a single device.

    ALL.SPACE’s pioneering technology moves the industry beyond multiple antennas and terminals for different networks with a fully reconfigurable and flexible platform that converges infrastructure, networks, edge computing, intelligent routing and software-defined capabilities all through one device. We deliver assured communications across multiple orbits and networks for a smarter, safer, more resilient world.

    Initially serving defence and government mobility markets, including NATO, we will enable ubiquitous connectivity to remote locations on land, in the air and at sea. Our platform enables military users to leverage emerging satellite technologies in multiple orbits (LEO/MEO/HEO/GEO), giving them the needed resiliency, assured bandwidth and lower latency for multi-domain operations in congested and contested environments. This game-changing solution will bring a new level of connectivity to mobility users globally.



    Eutelsat OneWeb

    Gold Sponsor
    https://www.eutelsat.com

    Eutelsat Group is a global leader in satellite communications, delivering connectivity and broadcast services worldwide. The Group was formed through the combination of Eutelsat and OneWeb in 2023, becoming the first fully integrated GEO-LEO satellite operator with a fleet of 35 Geostationary satellites and a Low Orbit earth constellation of more than 600 satellites. The Group addresses the needs of customers in four key verticals of Video, where it distributes more than 6,500 television channels, and the high-growth connectivity markets of Mobile Connectivity, Fixed Connectivity, and Government Services. Eutelsat Group’s unique suite of in-orbit and on-ground assets enables it to deliver integrated solutions to meet the needs of global customers. The Group is committed to delivering safe, resilient, and environmentally sustainable connectivity to help bridge the digital divide

    Sponsors and Exhibitors


    Lockheed Martin

    Silver Sponsor
    http://www.lockheedmartin.com

    Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 100,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.


    Sponsors and Exhibitors


    3S Northumbria Ltd

    SME Zone Exhibitor
    http://northumbrianspace.co.uk

    3S Northumbria Ltd, is the latest commercial venture from Ralph “Dinz” Dinsley, an RAF veteran with more than 25 years’ experience in Space Surveillance and Tracking (SST), Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and Space Domain Awareness (SDA). Based in Alnwick, in the Northeast of England, the company provides Sustainable Space Solutions grounded in the principles of a circular economy for space and evidenced through assured SSA. Its vision is to lead the market in the development of a circular economy for Space by creating and enabling opportunities for increasing the skills and experience needed to support long-term space sustainability.

    Trading since June 2024, 3S Northumbria Ltd is an SME dedicated to the need for preserving the benefits provided from space for future generations. SSA underpins all space activities and the company is committed to applying a cross-disciplinary approach to future Space operations through key strategic partnerships. This innovative company works closely with ExoAnalytic Solutions, a world leader on SSA/SDA of high Earth orbits and beyond, to focus unprecedented expertise on developing future space operational concepts whilst accelerating the development of skills and experience essential to support the UK Space sector.

    Alongside general consultancy projects, 3S Northumbria Ltd is working with Durham University Business School “valuing Space debris”, exploring innovative applications of AI/ML to space object optical tracking with NuData – the Doctoral Training Centre for ‘big’ data in Newcastle - and developing a passive module for satellite identification. Furthermore, 3S Northumbria is establishing 2 observatories in the North of England to create an opportunity for collaborative SST R&D and to place North East England as a centre of excellence for SSA skills development.

    3S Northumbria is building the relevant experience and understanding of space to enable foundational support to the needs of industry, government, and academia for the long-term sustainability of space.



    Aerospacelab

    SME Zone Exhibitor
    http://https://www.aerospacelab.com/

    Founded in 2018, Aerospacelab is an emerging figure in the aerospace sector, showcasing a remarkable achievement of 8 satellites successfully deployed in orbit. We pride ourselves on our dedication to vertical integration and TRL-9 implementation, solidifying our commitment to driving innovation in the space industry. With our operations strategically placed in various locations, including the U.S., Aerospacelab remains steadfast in its mission to deliver pioneering solutions for our diverse customer community. Aerospacelab recently broke ground on its Megafactory, the world’s third largest satellite manufacturing facility, scheduled to begin operations in 2026.



    ANYWAVES

    SME Zone Exhibitor
    http://anywaves.com/

    Anywaves excels in designing, developing, and manufacturing high-performance space antennas. Our COTS range offers flight heritage and compactness for TT&C, Data Downlink and Navigation, along with state-of-the-art custom antennas. Serving clients worldwide, we exceed expectations with industry expertise and innovation. Trust Anywaves for top-tier antenna solutions that drive your mission's success.



    Infostellar

    SME Zone Exhibitor
    https://www.infostellar.net/

    We connect Earth and Space to empower the future. Until recently, almost all space technology was used for governments and for countries to compete with other countries. Now we’re seeing more people and companies who want to use space technology to improve people’s everyday lives. It is imperative that we continue to explore ways of improving the living conditions of all human beings. We strive to make our society safer, more productive, and a peaceful place. We make people more connected. We make the world smaller and closer. We make everyone's life more interesting, exciting, and fun.



    Methera

    SME Zone Exhibitor
    http://www.metheraglobal.com

    Methera will fulfil the growing, global, transient requirements for ultrafast satellite broadband connectivity and Space Domain Awareness to complement various communications infrastructures, where high-capacity focused broadband will increasingly be required for short and long-term demand-driven frequently changing locations, the protection of space assets, and for critical infrastructures, which will fundamentally rely on information collected from space-based sensors.

    Methera’s services shall include ultrafast broadband to the underserved and hard-to-reach regions, Space Domain Awareness including growing Military & Defence needs, Interference Management, Payload Hosting for third parties, and Geolocation. Methera will deliver services through its constellation of up to 128 satellites at 19,500km in Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) to proprietary Low-cost User Terminals (LCUT), and will also enable real-time data access through its unique and secure Engine for Space Data Analysis (ESPADA).



    OQ Technology

    SME Zone Exhibitor
    http://oqtec.com

    OQ Technology is the world’s first satellite telecom operator dedicated to providing global IoT connectivity using 5G protocols. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Leudelange, Luxembourg, the company focuses on bridging the connectivity gap in underserved regions, enabling seamless communication and data transfer for various industries.

    • Global IoT Connectivity: Utilizing a constellation of 10 Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, OQ Technology provides reliable 5G NB-IoT communication for asset management, tracking, and monitoring. • Industry Solutions: Serving sectors such as Oil & Gas, Maritime, Industry 4.0, and Transport, the company offers tailored solutions for digital oilfield applications, offshore monitoring, SCADA applications, fleet management, smart metering, and predictive maintenance. • Plug & Play Technology: Thei dual-mode satellite-cellular IoT modem and tracker is a plug-and-play, low-cost, and low-power solution that supports 5G NB-IoT with bi-directional satellite links.



    Orbit Fab

    SME Zone Exhibitor
    http://www.orbitfab.com

    Orbit Fab was founded in 2018 to eliminate the single-use spacecraft paradigm with in-space refueling. Spacecraft are still limited to the amount of fuel they are launched with, which limits flexibility and poses long-term risks to the space environment. As space becomes more congested and contested there is a growing need for allied satellites to use their precious fuel to maneuver without regret.

    We resupplied water to the ISS and launched the first commercial fuel depot into LEO. Our UK office was established in 2022 to develop the technology needed to refuel electric propulsion fuels. Our RAFTI refueling interface has become the industry-standard, and we have signed the first commercial and U.S. Government fuel delivery services deals.



    Oxford Dynamics

    SME Zone Exhibitor
    http://www.oxdynamics.com

    Award winning, UK-based Oxford Dynamics (OD) is developing a highly scalable and modular generative AI platform for the search, interrogation, and summarisation of complex multi-modal data, typified by that encountered for Space Domain Awareness. The enterprise level platform, known as AVIS™, surrounds a Large Language Model (LLM) with OD’s proprietary AI Modules, to resolve the critical shortcomings of hallucination and latency inherent in LLMs. AVIS is LLM-agnostic meaning as newer, more capable models become available AVIS can take immediate advantage. AVIS is also able to utilise multiple LLMs in parallel this unlocking specific advantages can capabilities of fine-tuned, application specific models.

    Real-time data can be processed alongside archived data, with alerts and answers provided to the human operator including references and confidence scoring. AVIS is designed to augment human decision making, not replace it – effectively ‘force multiplying’ the throughput of a human operator by freeing them to focus on value-add strategic decision making, rather than the distraction of low-level data processing.

    AVIS can operated completely offline for sensitive data processing, as a cloud-only solution, or as a hybrid. The platform is available for integration into existing SDA tools, with AVIS being called via appropriate APIs – essentially “AVIS Inside”.



    Reflex Aerospace

    SME Zone Exhibitor
    https://www.reflexaerospace.com/

    Reflex Aerospace offers rapid, payload-centric, dual-use, secure-by-design small satellite solutions. They apply modern manufacturing advancements to a unique design process resulting in enhanced reliability, the highest-performing core avionics in class, and improved delivery times.



    Space Impulse

    SME Zone Exhibitor
    http://spaceimpulse.com

    Our team represents a global mix of industry experts, developers, engineers, researchers, former investors, journalists and more.



    UK Defence and Security Exports, part of the Department for Business and Trade

    SME Zone Exhibitor
    http://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-defence-and-security-exports

    UK Defence and Security Exports is part of the UK Department for Business and Trade (DBT). Our role is to provide support to the UK defence, security and cyber security sectors, to promote exports and inward investment, working with industry, the UK Ministry of Defence, the UK’s global network of British Embassies and High Commissions, and other government departments. With a focus on “Export. Invest. Win”, our ambition is to be recognised as the most knowledgeable, ethical, and effective defence and security export support organisation in the world.



    WolfSSL

    SME Zone Exhibitor
    http://wolfssl.com/

    wolfSSL’s Cybersecurity products are currently in service in the sky protecting space based assets from compromise.

    wolfSSL’s TLS, secure boot and cryptography libraries are used by every branch of the military, deployed in satellites, tanks, missile systems and aircraft. wolfBoot, our secure bootloader, secures satellites by ensuring that any firmware update is signed and verified by our wolfCrypt FIPS 140-3 cryptography library.

    WolfSSL fully supports the latest TLS 1.3 and DTLS 1.3 protocols. Our simplified API and OpenSSL compatibility layer are backed by the robust wolfCrypt library. Our solutions meet rigorous standards, including DO-178 DAL A and FIPS 140-3 certification #471