Modern space technology has made significant advancements in exploration, deep space research, and aerospace operations, enabling safer and more sophisticated endeavors. At the forefront of this progress are technology leaders who are actively shaping the space domain as a significant area for defense companies and military entities to focus their efforts and accomplish mission objectives.
Below are notable space technology leaders who made significant contributions to the modernization of space-related technologies and operations, along with their visions for 2023 and beyond.
Note: The following list features esteemed industry leaders selected based on a comprehensive evaluation of their accomplishments, including their strategic vision, demonstrated impact on the industry, innovative contributions, and leadership prowess. However, this is not an exhaustive list. The industry is filled with talented professionals making significant contributions, warranting close attention for their achievements and potential impact.
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Scott T. Scheimreif, Executive Vice President of Government Division at Iridium
Scott T. Scheimreif, has served as our Executive Vice President, Government Programs since December 2012 and previously served as acting Executive Vice President, Government Programs from June 2012 to December 2012. He also served as Vice President, Government Programs from April 2008 to June 2012. He has a wealth of experience in the satellite telecommunications industry and a close working relationship with the Department of Defense (DoD).
In his current role, Scheimreif takes the lead in driving the business development of Iridium’s DoD sector and managing the company’s relationship with the Enhanced Mobile Satellite Services (EMSS) program. Through this collaboration, Scheimreif oversees the development and implementation of Iridium’s services, which cater to the needs of more than 30,000 warfighters and other federal government customers.
What’s Next For Iridium in 2023?
Scheimreif’s tenure has played a seminal role in the expansion of the company’s voice and data communications offerings for federal government agencies. On January 23, 2023, a significant development took place, granting agencies access to Iridium Certus’ mid-band connectivity and global satellite L-band broadband, as well as essential hardware platforms, airtime, and data services. Scheimreif underscored the importance of these offerings in supporting government personnel and critical DoD missions.
Geoff Crowley, Chief Executive Officer at Orion Space Solutions
Geoff Crowley, the visionary behind Orion Space Solutions, holds the position of founder and Chief Executive Officer. Orion Space Solutions is a pioneering technology development company that specializes in scientific research and offers a broad range of solutions for both space-based and ground-based initiatives.
Crowley brings to the table a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the fields of space weather, space physics, and ionospheric physics. With his deep understanding of these disciplines, he leads teams and spearheads initiatives focused on developing new technologies. His areas of focus include satellite development, space transport launchers, specialized GPS receivers, and other groundbreaking advancements.
What’s Next for Orion Space Solutions in 2023?
Guided by Crowley’s exceptional leadership, Orion Space Solutions successfully deployed the Electro-Optical/Infrared Weather Systems (EWS) CubeSat. This remarkable series of satellites has been purposefully designed to deliver swift and precise weather imagery data specifically tailored for military applications. One of the primary objectives behind the deployment of EWS CubeSat is to replace the aging Defense Meteorological Satellite Program satellites. These legacy satellites are nearing the end of their operational life, with their fuel expected to deplete between 2023 and 2026.
Rob Geckle Jr., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at Airbus US Space & Defense Inc.
Robert “Rob” Geckle Jr. has been an invaluable asset to Airbus US Space & Defense Inc. since 2005, bringing with him a wealth of experience spanning over 20 years. Throughout his career, Geckle has held numerous leadership positions in general counseling, compliance activities, global team leadership, aircraft manufacturing, and aerospace defense from his various leadership roles at Airbus.
In his current role as Chairman and CEO, Geckle assumes the responsibility of driving Airbus’ operations across multiple various international rotations. He also oversees critical areas such as mergers and acquisitions (M&A), commercial aviation, defense government contracting, and mitigated defense businesses.
What’s Next for Airbus US Space & Defense in 2023?
Geckle’s exemplary leadership and rich professional background were recognized when he received his inaugural Wash100 award in February 2023. This prestigious accolade, bestowed upon him by Executive Mosaic, acknowledged his visionary approach to driving growth in the satellite technology and national security markets, not just for the present year but also for the foreseeable future.
In June 2022, Geckle unveiled Airbus’ ambitious plans to develop satellite laser communication terminals within the next two years. This strategic move aims to meet the growing demand for LCTs in the US space market. Geckle emphasized the increasing need and investment in laser communication terminals, star trackers, and other aerospace elements.
With Geckle at the helm, Airbus continues to chart a path of innovation and expansion, leveraging cutting-edge technologies to address the evolving demands of the satellite and national security sectors. Airbus achieved a noteworthy milestone by signing a study contract with the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) to embark on the development of commercial radar systems. The NRO tapped into Airbus’ expertise for this project to advance innovation and allow the US government to conveniently access commercial remote-sensing technologies.
Robert Zitz, President and Independent Consultant at Robert Zitz & Associates
Robert Zitz is a highly-respected industry veteran with a remarkable career spanning over 40 years. Throughout his professional journey, Zitz has closely collaborated with government agencies, focusing on the development of communications, analytics, intelligence, and geospatial data for defense and homeland security missions. He has garnered invaluable expertise from his leadership roles at prominent organizations such as Leidos Inc. and Maxar Technologies.
Presently, Zitz serves as the President and Independent Consultant at Robert Zitz & Associates, where he offers consulting services to both private companies and government agencies involved in defense, intelligence, and homeland security initiatives. Additionally, Zitz advises clients on propelling business growth and achieving mission objectives.
What’s Next for Robert Zitz & Associates in 2023?
Zitz’s exceptional leadership and influential contributions to both the private and public sectors have been widely recognized, exemplified by his appointment as one of the co-chairpersons of the Space Situational Awareness working group by the US Geospatial Intelligence Foundation (USGIF).
The announcement, made on May 2, 2023, marked a significant breakthrough, as Zitz assumed a pivotal role in this important working group. The primary objective of the Space Situational Awareness working group is to disseminate information and knowledge to public, private, and educational partners regarding the integration of enhanced, multi-modal, and ground and space-based sensors in government agencies’ information technology structures.
Under Zitz’s co-chairmanship, the working group will provide stakeholders with continued access to space and equip them with the necessary tools to effectively monitor the aerospace domain.
Alex Fox, Executive Vice President and Chief Growth Officer at HawkEye 360
Alex J. Fox has been HawkEye 360’s Executive Vice President and Chief Growth Officer since February 2019. In this role, he oversees the company’s sales, marketing, and business development functions, as well as actively contributing to HawkEye’s mission assurance and aerospace defense initiatives.
Fox has over 20 years of experience in engineering, executive leadership, and innovative space technology. He acquired these valuable competencies from his previous leadership roles at Harris Corporation, IBM, Digital Globe, and Northrop Grumman, among others.
What’s Next for HawkEye 360 in 2023?
During Fox’s tenure at HawkEye 360, the company achieved a significant milestone by successfully deploying Cluster 6 of radio frequency (RF) sensing satellites in March 2023. These satellite constellations have been meticulously designed to capture RF-based data and analytics multiple times per day, with a frequency as high as once every hour.
The Cluster 6 RF-based satellites represent a pioneering breakthrough, as they are the first-of-its-kind terminals launched in an inclined orbit. They are specifically tailored to detect, assess, and mitigate military threats in mid-latitude areas. Fox underscored that these offerings enable HawkEye 360 to provide timely, accurate, tactical, and relevant data that address customers’ RF intelligence needs.
Jon Check, Executive Director of Cyber Protection Solutions at Raytheon Intelligence & Space
Jonathan “Jon” Check has been the Executive Director of Cyber Protection Solutions at Raytheon Technologies’ Intelligence & Space business segment since May 2018. In this role, Check leads teams focused on the development and implementation of cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions to proactively safeguard organizations against evolving threats.
Before joining Raytheon Technologies, Check assumed leadership roles at leading defense and cybersecurity companies such as CRSA Inc., Dell, Synarc, Northrop Grumman, and IBM Global Business Services.
What’s Next for Raytheon Intelligence & Space in 2023?
The 19th of January, 2023 marked a significant milestone for Raytheon Intelligence & Space, as it proudly assumed the role of the inaugural sponsor for the US Cyber Games & Team. This momentous initiative emerged from a collaboration between Katzcy, a woman-owned small business, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE).
As a distinguished member of the US Cyber Games Advisory Board, Check highlighted the pivotal nature of this partnership in honing talents who will shape and fortify cybersecurity measures to protect the country from potential threats. He further highlighted that this collaborative endeavor guarantees the future of cybersecurity and equips customers with exceptional and unparalleled security solutions that prioritize their safety.
Dean Bellamy, Executive Vice President of National Security Space at Redwire Space
Dean Bellamy, a retired US Air Force Colonel, embarked on a new chapter in May 2021 when he assumed the role of Vice President of National Security Space at Redwire Space. In his distinguished career, Bellamy gained valuable experience in aviation, mission support, strategy programs, satellite operations, and launch spacecraft operations, competencies to his former executive positions at Peraton’s Space Strategy sector.
In his current role, Bellamy will leverage his extensive professional background to lead Redwire’s strategic planning, program management, and space development efforts while meeting the requirements of national space security clients.
What’s Next for Redwire Space in 2023?
Despite being a relatively new company, Redwire Space has swiftly established itself as a formidable player in the realm of space technology. A testament to its prowess was witnessed on April 3, 2023, when Redwire was chosen to install ExoAnalytic Solutions’ advanced space-tracking software onto a navigation camera situated aboard a currently orbiting satellite.
Renowned for its expertise in engineering machine-vision cameras tailored for spacecraft, Redwire excels in facilitating efficient navigation in close proximity to other celestial objects. Bellamy highlighted that installing these specialized cameras will have ExoAnalytic’s space-tracking algorithms and work as space domain awareness sensors for stars and resident bodies.