Ali Hashem Al Hashemi
Chief Executive Officer,
Space Services
Space42
Speakers
Ali Al Hashemi is the Chief Executive Officer of Space Services at Space42. He leads the company’s satellite infrastructure strategy and drives efforts to build sovereign space capabilities for the UAE and beyond.
Prior to the merger of Bayanat and Yahsat to form Space42, Ali served as Group CEO of Yahsat, where he played a key role in the company’s transformation and growth. He led Yahsat’s successful listing on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) in 2021, and the strategic acquisition and integration of Thuraya.
With over 20 years of experience in the satellite and telecommunications sectors, Ali has delivered commercial growth, strengthened government amd global partnerships, and enabled infrastructure innovation across the industry.
He is Chairman of the Global Satellite Operators Association (GSOA) and the Arab Satellite Communications Organization (JOSOA). He also serves on the boards of the UAE Space Agency and the National Space Science and Technology Center.
Ali holds an MBA from London Business School and has been recognized by Forbes as one of the Middle East’s Top 100 CEOs and a sustainability leader.
Arne-Hendrik Klass
JPO, Radio Frequency Submission Request Officer
Space Strategy and Sustainability Division
ITU
Arne is a Junior Professional Officer at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), where he is developing 3D visualization software for satellite constellations subject Resolution 35. With a background in electrical engineering, Arne brings over five years of hands-on experience as an ICT Engineer and Coordinator with the International Committee of the Red Cross. He has worked in some of the world’s most challenging environments, including South Sudan, the Central African Republic, Ukraine, and Libya.
Driven by his passion for harnessing technology to create meaningful, positive change, and as firm believer in the power of open knowledge and collaborative innovation, he is eager to explore new ways how engineering can address pressing challenges in climate action, education, and humanitarian relief.
Chris Lewicki
Astrofuturist, Engineer, Entrepreneur
XPRIZE
Chris Lewicki is an entrepreneur, engineer and “near-futurist” focused on the economic development of space. He is fascinated by exponential technologies, integrating ideas from disparate industries, and creating space infrastructure upon which generations of progress can be made. He is most interested in increasing the in-space demand for infrastructure and services in space. Chris is Chair of the Space Domain at XPRIZE, co-founded gravityLab, and previously co-founded and as CEO led Planetary Resources, the asteroid mining company, launching satellites, creating new space policy, and changing the public discourse on space mining. He helped design, build and operate the Mars Rovers Spirit and Opportunity, as well as the Phoenix Mars Lander while at NASA. He has served on NASA review boards for the Insight Mars Lander, the Curiosity rover, and the Psyche mission to a metal asteroid. He is the recipient of two NASA Exceptional Achievement Medals, and has asteroid 13609 Lewicki named in his honor.
Lauren Payne
UK Legal Counsel
D-Orbit
United Kingdom (UK)
Lauren Payne is UK Legal Counsel at D-Orbit, responsible for legal and regulatory outputs on D-Orbit's major multi-jurisdictional In-orbit Service (IOS) projects. Lauren also works across the group drafting and negotiating cutting edge commercial contracts for the provision of in-orbit services including In-orbit Demonstrations (IOD), Space Cloud Services (SCS), and advising on legal and regulatory regimes applicable to these activities at international, regional and national space level. Lauren is involved with key UK space regulatory development projects in the UK and has joined the UK Delegation to UN COPUOS. Lauren has over 10 years' experience as an English qualified solicitor specialising in commercial and regulatory matters in aviation, aerospace and transport technology at leading international law firms in London. Lauren has an LLM in Air and Space Law (IIASL, Leiden University, NL 2008) and is an IISL Member.
Marko Keskinen
Managing Director Europe
Skylo Technologies
<span data-teams="true">Marko Keskinen is a seasoned leader in the technology and telecommunications sector, serving as Managing Director Europe at Skylo Technologies.
His career is distinguished by strategic leadership and innovation, including a significant tenure with Nokia, followed by co-founder and leadership positions in startup and scaleup space.
At Skylo, he is at the forefront of the company's groundbreaking advancements in direct-to-device (D2D) satellite connectivity. Skylo has created the world's first standards-based, commercial, software-defined network for D2D satellite service, which is now the world's largest of its kind. Skylo's network now provides coverage across five continents and serves well over 10 million subscribers. </span>
Mohamed-Slim Alouini
UNESCO Chair on Education to Connect the Unconnected
Mohamed-Slim Alouini, was born in Tunis, Tunisia. He earned his Ph.D. from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) in 1998 before serving as a faculty member at the University of Minnesota and later at Texas A&M University at Qatar. In 2009, he became a founding faculty member at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), where he currently is the Al-Khawarizmi Distinguished Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the holder of the UNESCO Chair on Education to Connect the Unconnected. Dr. Alouini is a Fellow of the IEEE, OPTICA, and SPIE and his research interests encompass a wide array of research topics in wireless and satellite communications. He is currently particularly focusing on addressing the technical challenges associated with the deployment of information and communication technologies (ICT) in underserved and disaster-prone areas.
Naman Chawla
CEO & Co-Founder
OrbitArch
Naman Chawla serves as Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of OrbitArch, an India-based space technology company specializing in AI-driven Space Situational Awareness and autonomous collision-avoidance solutions for satellite operators. Under his leadership, OrbitArch has become a signatory to the European Space Agency’s Zero Debris Charter, demonstrating commitment to debris-neutral space operations by 2030.
As Deputy Coordinator for Domain 3 (Prevent Debris Generation) of the ESA Zero Debris Technical Booklet, he develops comprehensive technical frameworks addressing critical space sustainability challenges. His expertise encompasses sensor fusion technologies, autonomous maneuver planning, and operator-ready safety interfaces designed for measurable risk reduction in space operations.
Naman’s engagement across United Nations and industry forums advances auditable and interoperable autonomy systems, recognizing that space traffic coordination must scale with LEO system growth. He leverages technology for global impact, positioning OrbitArch as both a technical innovator and active participant in multilateral space safety initiatives.
Samuel Jardine
Lunar Ledger Stakeholder Lead
Open Lunar Foundation
Samuel Jardine is the Lunar Ledger Stakeholder Lead for the Open Lunar Foundation. He is also an experienced geopolitical consultant and historian with a focus on strategic competition, security, and governance, specialising in space, the polar regions, and the seabed. Alongside this, Sam is the Policy Specialist at the Lunar Policy Platform, the Head of Research at London Politica, a Senior Advisor at Luminint and Research Associate for the Oxford University and Centre for Historical Analysis and Conflict Research’s Climate Change & (In)Security Project.
He previously, among other roles, served as Project Manager for Lord Kerslake’s independent crossbench Commision on UK Military Accommodation, was a former Consultant for RUSI’s Defence, Industry and Society Programme, and held Fellowships with the Foresight Institute, Open Lunar Foundation, Center for Space Governance, and the Arctic Institute, Ecologic Institute and MiH-RCN’s Arctic Geopolitics programme militarisation working group. Sam holds an MA in Modern History from King’s College London, a BA(Hons) in History from the Open University and was a RUSI Military Sciences “Rising Stars” mentee.
Frank Zeppenfeldt
Future Satellite Projects
ESA
Frank Zeppenfeldt works in the satellite communications group of the European Space Agency (ESA). Frank has been initiating several activities in IoT, automotive and 5G via satellite, and looks after a number of spectrum and regulatory aspects.
Before that, Frank worked on satellite communications and security for NATO and was responsible for the network architectures in operational deployments and various military technology exercises. Earlier, Frank was working in EUMETSAT (European Organization for Meteorological Satellites) and was implementing the ground segment.
Christopher Murphy
Associate General Counsel
Viasat
Mr. Murphy has been Associate General Counsel for Viasat, a broadband services and technology provider, for over a decade. Prior to joining Viasat, he was Vice President, Government Affairs, for eight years (2007-2015) at Inmarsat. Before moving to the private sector, Mr. Murphy worked for a decade at the Federal Communication Commission’s International Bureau with responsibility for satellites and domestic and international spectrum and broadband policy issues. Mr. Murphy has served on numerous U.S. delegations to international conferences including several ITU World Radio Conferences, Plenipotentiaries, and World Standards Assemblies and World Summits on the Information Society and as Vice Chair of the FCC’s WRC Advisory Committee (WRC-19). Mr. Murphy is a graduate of the University of California Irvine, where he received a BA in Political Science, the University of the Pacific, where he earned his Juris Doctorate, and Georgetown University Law Center where he received two Master of Laws degrees focusing on space, communications and international law.
Mariel Borowitz
Head of International Space Situational Awareness (SSA) Engagement
Office of Space Commerce (NOAA)
U.S. Department of Commerce
Mariel Borowitz is the head of International Space Situational Awareness (SSA) Engagement in the Office of Space Commerce. In this role, she focuses on the development and implementation of an approach to international coordination on space situational awareness and space traffic coordination. She also works directly with the team developing the Traffic Coordination System for Space (TraCSS), which will provide space safety services to civil and commercial users around the world. Dr. Borowitz joins the office as part of a three-year detail under the Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) program. Dr. Borowitz is also an Associate Professor in the Sam Nunn School of International Affairs at the Georgia Institute of Technology and head of the Nunn School Program on International Affairs, Science, and Technology. Her research deals with international space policy issues, focusing particularly on global developments related to remote sensing satellites and challenges to space security and sustainability.
Chehineze Bouafia
Manager for Regulatory Affairs
Space & Telecommunications
Eutelsat Group
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<p class="Normal tm5">Chehineze Bouafia is the manager for Regulatory Affairs Space & Telecommunications at Eutelsat Group.</p>
<p class="Normal tm5">In addition to her responsibilities for telecoms regulation in the context of the company’s connectivity activities, Chehineze is also in charge of matters related to space law and policy, in particular compliance with the French space law. In the context of vibrant changes in the sector, Chehineze also leads Eutelsat Group’s reflection on political and legal developments to address new developments such as constellations, space traffic management, in-orbit services, etc.</p>
<p class="Normal tm5">Chehineze previously worked as a lawyer at ALERION law firm, before joining the European Space Agency legal department where she was also responsible for the administration of the European Centre for Space Law (ECSL).</p>
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James Revill
Head of the WMD and Space Security Programmes
UNIDIR
James Revill is the Head of the WMD and Space Security Programmes at UNIDIR. His research interests focus on the evolution of regimes dealing with weapons of mass destruction, and he has published widely on this topic. He was previously a Research Fellow with the Harvard Sussex Programme at SPRU, University of Sussex, and completed research fellowships with the Landau Network Volta Centre in Italy and the Bradford Disarmament Research Centre in the UK. He holds a PhD focused on the evolution of the Biological Weapons Convention from the University of Bradford, UK.
James’ areas of expertise include biological weapons, biosecurity, bioterrorism, chemical weapons, chemical terrorism, chemical weapons convention, compliance, verification, and improvised explosive devices.
Khalid AlShathri
General Manager of Space Sector Development
CST
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
General Manager for Space Development, Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST), Saudi Arabia (Kingdom of)
Khalid has long-standing 20 years experience in the ICT and Space sectors staring with the telecom sector in the 2003. He worked then in opening Saudi Telecom market for competition with focusing on Mobile and New generation networks that is going to be enabling all sectors for digital transformation. Therefore, Khalid has been assigned to lead CST initiatives to increase the Emerging Technologies adoption in KSA. He is currently working in developing and activating the strategies for Space sector (e.g. Earth Observation, Satellite Operation, SATCOM, PNT, ..etc). He holds a Ph.D. degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology, NJ, USA.
Luciana Ferreira
Coordinator Spectrum Orbit Resource
ANATEL, Brazil
ITU-R SG-4 Vice Chair
Luciana Ferreira is an Electrical Engineer graduated in Brasília’s University (UnB), has a Post-Graduation in Telecommunications Systems in ESAB and is finalizing a Satellite Interference master’s degree, also in UnB.
Ms. Ferreira is the Landing Rights Coordinator since 2016 at the National Telecommunication Agency – Anatel, the Brazilian Telecommunications Regulator, and has more than 15 years of experience in spectrum and orbit resources. At Anatel, she is responsible for the Landing Rights technical, regulatory and coordination analysis, for the relationship with ITU on satellite networks and is the leader of Anatel’s group that follows ITU-R WP 4A.
Ms. Ferreira is one of the ITU-R Study Group 4 (SG4) Vice-Chairs, being elected in the Radio Assembly 2019 (RA) and reconducted to this position on RA-23. She participated in WRC-19 and WRC-23. In the cycle 2020 – 2023, was the Chair of WRC-23 Agenda Item 1.19. On the Second Conference Preparatory Meeting (CPM-2) 2023, she co-chaired the Working Group 4 – Satellite Services – being responsible in this meeting to chair AI 1.19 and to report to the Chair of the CPM the progress of Agenda Items 1.15, 1.16, 1.17, 1.18 and 1.19. Since the beginning of 2024, she was elected Chair of the Working Group of the Plenary of Working Party 4A, WG Plen of WP 4A, dealing with Resolution ITU-R 74 – Activities related to the sustainable use of radio-frequency spectrum and associated satellite-orbit resources used by space services.
Ms. Ferreira is also an active participant of the Inter‑American Telecommunication Commission (CITEL) in Region 2. Nowadays, she is the SGT-1 Chair, the subgroup of WRC-27 CITEL’s group, that discusses CITEL positions for WRC-27 FSS Agenda Items. Also, in CITEL, she is the Chair of the Ad-Hoc Group on the Revision and Updates of CCP.III/RES.86 (XII-99) concerning Procedures for the organization of seminars and is the National Coordinator for the organization of the 46º CCP.II Meeting that will be held in the end of September/2025 in Salvador/BA, Brazil.
Abdulhadi Al Harthi
General Manager of Radio Spectrum Planning
CST
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Abdulhadi serves as the General Manager of Radio Spectrum Planning at Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST) in Saudi Arabia. He leads efforts in implementing the Spectrum National Strategy, overseeing the National Frequency Plan, and developing policies and regulations to advance efficient spectrum management in the Kingdom.
Previously, Abdulhadi served as the General Manager of Radio Spectrum Monitoring, where he spearheaded the modernization of spectrum management and monitoring capabilities. His work included the development of advanced radio sensing infrastructure and leveraging data analytics to adopt a cutting-edge, data-driven spectrum management approach.
With over 15 years of experience in radio spectrum and wireless technologies, Abdulhadi has held diverse leadership roles. At Mobily, he contributed to the design and operation of the Radio Access Network (RAN), driving initiatives in service management, quality enhancement, and network expansion.
Abdulhadi holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, specializing in communications and electronics, from King Saud University.
Revathi Mannepalli
Joint Wireless Adviser
& RRB Member
Ministry of Communications
India
<span data-contrast="auto">Ms Revathi Manneppalli is working as a Joint Wireless Adviser in the Wireless Planning and Coordination Wing of the Ministry of Communications of the Government of India. She is currently serving as a Member of the Radio Regulations Board (RRB) of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). She has actively contributed for the development of ICT in various meetings on spectrum management at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and Asia Pacific Telecommunity (APT) including World Radiocommunication Conferences, World Telecommunication Development Conferences and World Telecommunication Standardisation Assembly.</span>
<span data-contrast="auto">She has around 29 years’ of experience in Satellite Filing, Frequency Coordination and Spectrum Management. She played a lead role in the first ever spectrum auction conducted by India during the year 2010 for 3G and Broadband Wireless Access (BWA) spectrum and the subsequent spectrum auctions during the years 2012 to 2016.</span>
<span data-contrast="auto">Since 2015, Ms. Revathi has been advising Director General, International Telecommunications Satellite Organization (ITSO) as a Frequency Expert from the Asia Pacific Region on all matters related to the Space Spectrum. She also played a pivotal role in obtaining the orbital rights for South Asia Satellite launched by India during the year 2017 to provide essential services viz. telemedicine, tele-education and connectivity to remote areas in SAARC Countries.</span>
<span data-contrast="auto">Ms. Revathi received her Bachelor of Technology in Electronics and Communications Engineering from Jawaharlal Nehru Technology University, Hyderabad and Post Graduate Programme in Public Policy Management from Management Development Institute (MDI), Gurgaon, India.</span>
Sulyna Abdullah
Chief of Strategic Planning and Membership Department
Special Advisor to the Secretary-General
ITU
Sulyna Abdullah is the Chief of Strategic Planning and Membership, and Special Advisor to the Secretary General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a position she took up from 1 October 2023. She is also the Executive Director of the ITU-UNESCO Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development. Sulyna joined the ITU in April 2021 as the Chief of the Digital Knowledge Hub in the Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT).
Prior to that, she spent close to two decades at the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) where she held various positions including Chief Officer for Corporate Strategy and Chief Transformation Officer.
After MCMC, Sulyna had a short stint in the private sector taking up a position in Netflix as Director of Public Policy for Southeast Asia.
Throughout her career, Sulyna has held numerous positions on the international front representing Malaysia, focusing on public policy issues.
Julie Kearney
Co-Chair, Space Exploration and Innovation Practice
Partner, Telecom Group
DLA Piper
Julie Kearney is a Co-Chair of the Space Exploration and Innovation Practice and a partner in the Telecom group at DLA Piper. She is a globally recognized and dynamic lawyer in the technology, satellite, space, and telecommunications field. For more than 25 years, Julie has worked with governments, industries, and the public sector around the world to promote legal and regulatory frameworks and policies that enable life-changing technologies.
As the first Chief of the Space Bureau at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Julie represented and spoke for the Chairwoman and Commissioners on satellite and space-based communication matters and represented the Commission at the domestic and international level. Under Julie's leadership, the FCC unanimously adopted several regulatory frameworks and launched initiatives to successfully advance industry leadership in the New Space Age. Additionally, during her tenure as Chief, the FCC adopted a regulatory structure for Supplemental Coverage from Space, which made the FCC the first regulator in the world to issue a framework for connecting satellites directly to consumer handsets using spectrum previously allocated only to terrestrial service.
Before joining the FCC, Julie served as the Vice President of Communications Regulatory Affairs and Policy at Twilio Inc., a publicly traded Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS) provider, where she developed and implemented the company’s global telecommunications regulatory and policy and law enforcement response strategy. She also served as the Global Head of Communications Regulation and Policy for Loon, an Alphabet Inc. company, where she led international and US regulatory initiatives to bring internet access to unserved and underserved communities around the world via a network of balloons on the edge of space. She also held roles at the Consumer Technology Association, National Public Radio, MCI, and private legal practice.
Julie is a past president of the Federal Communications Bar Association (FCBA – The Tech Bar) and she also served as chair of the FCBA Foundation. She was a long-serving member of the Federal Communications Commission’s Consumer Advisory Committee and also served on its Broadband Deployment Advisory Committee. Other Board positions include USTelecom and the United States Technical Training Institute (USTTI).
Julie earned her B.A. from Mount Holyoke College and a J.D. from Catholic University’s Columbus School of Law, with a certificate from its Law and Technology Institute. She recently completed a 3.5 year term on the Columbus School of Law’s Board of Visitors. A trained singer, she has sung with choruses in the San Francisco Bay Area and Washington, DC area, most recently with Schola Cantorum (CA) and the Choral Arts Society of Washington (DC).
Doreen Bogdan-Martin
Secretary-General
ITU
With over three decades of leadership experience in global telecommunications policy, Ms. Bogdan-Martin has emphasized the need for digital transformation to achieve economic prosperity, job creation, skills development, gender equality, and socio-economic inclusion, as well as to build circular economies, reduce climate impact, and save lives. Her historic election by ITU Member States in September 2022 made her the first woman ever to head the nearly 160-year-old organization. Known for mobilizing innovative partnerships, she aims to promote meaningful connectivity, intensify cooperation to connect the unconnected, and strengthen the alignment of digital technologies with inclusive sustainable development.
<a href="https://www.itu.int/en/osg/Pages/biography-itu-sg-doreen.aspx" target="_blank">Full biography</a>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtHJvm_2RPU" target="_blank">Video interview</a>
Patricia Cooper
Advisor to the ITU
ITU
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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).
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Aarti Holla-Maini
Director
UNOOSA
Aarti Holla-Maini is the Director of the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), having taken up post on 18<sup>th</sup> September 2023 following her appointment by United Nations Secretary-general António Guterres.
Ms. Holla-Maini brings over 25 years of experience in the space and satellite sector, working predominantly with international organizations and regulators. Prior to the United Nations, she held the post of Secretary-General of the Global Satellite Operators Association.
Ms. Holla-Maini is a recognized leader with a strong track record in forging public-private and cross-sector partnerships; high-level advocacy at the international level; strategic communication and managing diverse stakeholders. Under her leadership, Ms. Holla-Maini expanded the association from being a regional organization to a global one representing commercial satellite operators around the world.
She was one of the chief architects of the Crisis Connectivity Charter established in 2015 for emergency telecommunications via satellite with the UN World Food Programme’s Emergency Telecommunications Cluster and has, on multiple occasions, secured recognition and policy support for space technologies to play their rightful role in connecting the unconnected, in Europe, Africa and beyond.
The appointment of Ms. Holla-Maini comes at a time when activities in space are being increasingly driven by the private sector. Her deep experience in high-level advocacy with international organizations and regulators, along with her understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing the space sector, will serve Member States well as they seek to access and leverage the benefits of space to accelerate sustainable development.
Ms. Holla-Maini’s experience has included service as a member of the World Economic Forum's Global Future Council on Space; member of the Advisory Group of the Space Sustainability Rating managed by eSpace at EPFL Space Center; member of the Advisory Board of the Satellite Industry Association of India; Senior Space Policy Advisor to Forum Europe and an Expert Advisor on Space Traffic Management for European Union studies 2021-2023. Since October 2024, Ms. Holla-Maini is a member of the International Academy of Astronautics.
Ms. Holla-Maini holds a bachelor’s degree in law with German law from Kings College London and a master’s degree in business administration from HEC in France. She is fluent in French, German and Punjabi alongside her native English and has moderate knowledge of Dutch.
Amy Mehlman
EVP and Chief Global Affairs Officer
Lynk Global
Amy Mehlman is EVP and Chief Global Affairs officer at Lynk Global. She is a senior telecommunications professional with nearly three decades hands-on experience helping innovative companies secure establish favorable public policies and secure market access by working with government policymakers, industry partners, and multilateral NGOs.
Most recently, Mehlman worked as VP for Global Affairs and Stakeholder Relations at E-Space Inc. where she led global policy efforts shaping the rapidly growing non-geostationary satellite market, successfully-pursued government contracts, obtained market access, spearheaded partnerships, and oversaw legislative efforts. Prior to that Amy served as VP of U.S. Government Affairs and Global Policy at Viasat, leading their domestic and international policy efforts on satellite licensing, space safety and equitable access to spectrum. Earlier in her career, Amy was Founder and President of a successful boutique telecommunications public policy firm (Mehlman Capitol Strategies) representing over 30 companies before the U.S. Congress, FCC & Executive Branch. Amy began her career at the prestigious Washington, D.C. law firm Wiley, Rein & Fielding where she represented leading wireless, satellite, telecom equipment and broadcast companies before the US Congress and Administration.
Thomas González Roberts
Assistant Professor
International Affairs and Aerospace Engineering
Georgia Institute of Technology
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Thomas González Roberts is an Assistant Professor of International Affairs and Aerospace Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology.
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He also currently serves as the International Telecommunication Union’s first Academic in Residence. Using tools from observational astronomy and computational astrodynamics, Roberts studies the behavior of Earth-orbiting satellites to understand how space actors—from superpowers to start-ups—engage with outer-space governance.
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His research interests include international coordination, sustainability, and security in space. Roberts’ work has been supported by the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation, the National Science Foundation, and the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research, and Innovation.
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Roberts has earned numerous recognitions, including the Prize for Open Data from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the Geneva Centre for Security Policy’s Prize for Innovation in Global Security, and a placement on Forbes Magazine’s “30 Under 30 in Science” list.
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He holds a PhD and SM in aeronautics and astronautics from MIT, an SM in technology and policy from MIT, and a BA in astrophysical sciences from Princeton University.
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Rodolphe Muñoz
Legal Officer
European Commission
As a lawyer by training (College of Europe, Bruges), Rodolphe Muñoz has worked for several international organisations (WHO, OSCE, EFTA Surveillance Authority …) and taught in different universities (Bruges, Sciences Po Paris, the Law University of Strasbourg …).
For 8 years, at the European Commission in DG DEFIS Unit B1 (secure connectivity and space surveillance), he is Team Leader responsible for the implementation of the Space Situational Awareness (SSA) component of the Space Regulation that comprises Space Surveillance and Tracking, Space Weather and Near Earth Object.
In addition, he oversaw the drafting of the 2022 STM Communication and now he is following its implementation, including the development of the EU space law.
Hamza Hameed
Head of Space & Development
Access Partnership
Hamza Hameed is the Head of Space & Development at Access Partnership in Singapore. He is a member of the ITU Secretary-General’s Youth Advisory Board and served as the Chair of the Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC) from 2022 to 2024. He leads the firm’s engagements with governments and the private sector on issues related to space, satellite, and connectivity in the Asia-Pacific, and the firm’s global work on space sustainability. Prior to this, Hamza worked as part of the Secretariat of UNIDROIT in Rome. He led the effort towards establishing an international system of secured transactions law for the space sector and advised governments on issues related to blockchain and crypto law.
Hamza holds an LLM from the International Institute for Air and Space Law at Leiden University. He teaches spacecraft financing at Leiden University and is a member of the International Institute for Space Law (IISL).
Audrey Allison
Senior Policy Analyst
Center for Space Policy and Strategy
Aerospace
Audrey L. Allison is a Senior Policy Analyst at the Center for Space Policy and Strategy at The Aerospace Corporation, a U.S. federally funded research and development center, where she provides policy and strategy support for government and commercial space activities with a focus on domestic and international policy, legal, and regulatory issues related to spectrum and orbital use. She leads the Policy and Regulation Focus Area of the Consortium for ISAM and Space Mobility (COSMIC).
She is also a long-time member of the Adjunct Faculty of the International Space University in Strasbourg, France, and is a Member of its Board of Trustees.
Allison was previously Vice President of Global Spectrum Management at The Boeing Company where she managed Boeing’s spectrum portfolio, and supported its aviation, satellite and space exploration businesses, including representing them at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Earlier, she was an attorney-advisor in the Satellite Division of the Federal Communications Commission’s International Bureau and at Iridium LLC.
Allison was Chair of the Satellite Industry Association (SIA) in 2021 and served on its Board of Directors for many years. She also was Chair of the United States ITU Association (USITUA) in 2009 and 2016 and serves on its Board. She is author of The ITU and Managing Satellite Orbital and Spectrum Resources in the 21st Century (Springer, 2014) and many papers relating to the ITU and its role in space.
Allison earned a Master of Laws, with distinction, in international and comparative law from Georgetown University; a Juris Doctor from Catholic University of America’s Institute for Communications Law Studies; an executive Master of Business Administration, <em>cum laude,</em> from the International Space University; and a Bachelor of Arts on Communications from the Pennsylvania State University.
Clémence Poirier
Senior Cyber Defense Researcher
Center for Security Studies (CSS)
ETH Zürich
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Clémence Poirier is a Senior Cyberdefense Researcher at the Center for Security Studies (CSS) at ETH Zurich, Switzerland.
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Prior to joining CSS, she was a Research Fellow seconded by CNES (the French Space Agency) at the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI) in Vienna, Austria where she conducted multidisciplinary research on space affairs. She also worked as a Researcher for Flinders University in Adelaide, Australia where she carried out policy and legal research on the cybersecurity of the Australian space infrastructure.
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She is a guest lecturer at the NATO Defense College, the University of Oxford, the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, and ETH Zurich. She is also a Board Member of the CyberSat Summit and Women4Cyber Switzerland.
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Her research interests focus on space cybersecurity, cyber conflict in outer space, and electronic warfare on space systems.
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Clémence holds a Master’s degree in International Relations, International Security and Defense as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Foreign Applied Languages from University Jean Moulin Lyon III, France.
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Martin Coleman
Board Member
Satcoms Innovation Group (SIG)
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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 S3A (…putting Spectrum into the SSA mix) and the next generation of tools and automation techniques required to meet the demands 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.
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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.
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Emmanuel Houdet
Director
Business Development
Kratos
<span data-teams="true"> Emmanuel Houdet is Kratos Business Development Director in charge of frequency regulators market. Emmanuel graduated from French “Ecole des Mines” in 1996. Emmanuel works in space industry since 1999 and in Kratos since 2005. </span><span data-teams="true">Emmanuel has been project manager, system engineer and expert in many Satellites Radio monitoring projects for satellite operators and Frequency Regulators.</span>
Robin Geiss
Director
UNIDIR
Dr Robin Geiss is the Director of the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR). He was appointed by Secretary-General António Guterres and assumed the post in April 2021. As Director, Dr. Geiss charts UNIDIR’s strategic direction, mobilizes resources and manages the Institute’s staff.
He brings to the position over 20 years of experience in peace, security and international affairs. Previously, he served as tenured Professor and Director of the Glasgow Centre for International Law and Security at the University of Glasgow. He was also the Swiss Chair of International Humanitarian Law at the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights and Visiting Professor at the Paris School of International Affairs, Sciences Po, Paris. He served as Legal Adviser and delegate to the UN Human Rights Council for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). He is an ex officio member of the UN Secretary General’s Advisory Board on Disarmament Matters and remains (affiliate) Professor at the University of Glasgow.
He has published widely on international and humanitarian matters and is a former editor of the Yearbook of International Humanitarian Law. He has served on the advisory boards of the German Institute for International and Security Affairs, the Foundation for Peace Research and on the Red Cross’ National Committee on International Humanitarian Law.
Dr. Geiss holds a PhD in international law from the University of Kiel, studied at the University of Edinburgh, and obtained a master’s degree in international legal studies from New York University (NYU).
Mario Neri
Director, Spectrum Strategy
Innovation and Space Sustainability
Telesat
With more than 18 years of experience in the satellite industry, Mario Neri is responsible for directing Telesat’s strategy and innovation for the use of spectrum and orbital resources. Mario is also Telesat’s lead on policies related to the sustainable use of space.
In his previous role as Director, International Coordination, Mario was responsible for securing the spectrum and orbital resources for Telesat’s Low Earth Orbit satellite constellation, including coordinating access to these scarce resources by engaging other satellite operators and government agencies. Mario has assumed various leading roles on satellite issues at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), including chairing WRC-19 Agenda Item 1.5 and WRC-23 Agenda Item 1.16 related to earth stations in motion communicating with GSO and non-GSO satellites in the Ka-band, respectively. Currently, within the ITU-R Working Party 4A, he chairs the Working Group dealing with all regulatory issues related to satellite systems using non-geostationary orbital and spectrum resources.
Before Telesat, Mario led the team at the UK communications regulator Ofcom that was responsible for managing the ITU filings for more than 20 stakeholders, collaborating with the rest of the Satellite & Space Science team for regulating the spectrum used by the various space applications in the UK. Mario joined Ofcom after working for Eutelsat and Inmarsat, two of the world’s largest global satellite operators.
Mario is a Chartered Engineer accredited by the British Engineering Council. He holds a BSc. and a MSc. in Telecommunications Engineering from the University of Pisa (Italy) and a MSc. in Finance and Investment from Bayes Business School (formerly known as CASS Business School) – City, University of London (UK).
Mekhi Dhesi
Account Executive
Slingshot Aerospace
Dr. Mekhi Dhesi is Account Executive at Slingshot Aerospace Ltd. Slingshot Aerospace is a world-leader in commercial SSA/SDA data and associated insights. Mekhi is responsible for boosting Slingshot’s capabilities to the European and Canadian markets. Mekhi previously worked for Astroscale Ltd. as their Space-Based SSA Strategy Lead, where she led several UK MOD funded studies into space-based SSA sensing technologies and mission concepts.
Mekhi holds a PhD in Theoretical Astrophysics from the University of Southampton, an MSc in Theoretical Physics from Kings College London and a BSc in Physics from University College London. Mekhi is passionate about space outreach and participates in as many engagement programs as possible, to help convey the importance of space sustainability to the general public.
Kattia Flores Pozo
Director
Mission Operations
Planet
Kattia Flores Pozo is a seasoned professional with over 10 years of experience in satellite operations and engineering. As Director of Mission Operations at Planet, her strategic leadership has been pivotal in building a multi-mission operations team that now manages the world's largest Earth Observation satellite fleet in Europe.
Since joining Planet in 2014, she has led the operations and safe sunsetting of the legacy RapidEye constellation before scaling the operational framework for the PlanetScope constellation, growing the team's oversight from tens to hundreds of satellites. Her team now oversees all of Planet's diverse constellations—including Doves, SkySats, Tanager, and Pelicans—applying consistent principles of optimization to ensure efficient data delivery to customers. Under her leadership, the team has successfully executed multiple launch and commissioning campaigns, maintained safe operations in space, and continuously improved the efficiency and reliability of operations by applying automation and agile principles.
Kattia holds a Master's degree in Aerospace Science and Technology from Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya and was recognized by the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) as an Emerging Space Leader.
Piero Benvenuti
Director
International Astronomical Union (IAU) CPS
Piero Benvenuti is Professor Emeritus of Astrophysics at the University of Padua and was recently appointed Director of the International Astronomical Union Centre for the Protection of Dark and Quiet Skies from Interference by Satellite Constellations (CPS). He carried out part of his activity for the European Space Agency (ESA) as manager of the astronomical satellite International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) and the Hubble Space Telescope (HST).
He was President of the Italian National Institute for Astrophysics (INAF) and Commissioner of the Italian Space Agency (ASI). He was Secretary General of the International Astronomical Union for the three years 2015-18 and, ad interim, in 2024. He is interested in the relationship between science and theology and served as a consultant for the Pontifical Council for Culture for the decade (2013-2023).
Federico Di Vruno
SKAO Spectrum Manager
IAU CPS Co-Director
Federico Di Vruno is the Spectrum Manager at the SKA Observatory and a Co-Director of the IAU Centre for the Protection of the Dark and Quiet Sky from Satellite Constellation Interference (IAU CPS). He has been involved in technical studies and regulatory discussions on Low Earth Orbit satellite constellations and radio astronomy since 2019 and represents the SKAO as a sector member of the ITU Radiocommunication Sector as well as a Permanent Observer at the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS).
Before his involvement in Radio Astronomy, he worked in the space industry as an electronic engineer, specifically in electromagnetic compatibility and radio frequency interference of communication and scientific spacecraft.
Emmanuelle David
Executive Director
EPFL Space Center
Swiss Institute of Technology
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Emmanuelle David is the executive director of EPFL Space Center at the Swiss Institute of Technology (EPFL) in Lausanne. The center launched in 2023 the sustainable space hub to foster an interdisciplinary research to measure, understand and act toward space sustainability.
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Before joining EPFL in 2020, Emmanuelle has gathered more than 10 years’ experience in space transportation in academia, agency and industry from pre-development projects up to launch operations. She holds aerospace Engineering degrees both from the University of Technology of Compiegne, France, and the Technical University of Braunschweig, Germany.
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Elina Morozova
Executive Director
Intersputnik
Elina Morozova is Executive Director at the Intersputnik International Organization of Space Communications, an intergovernmental satellite telecommunication organization which brings together member states from Africa, Americas, Asia and Europe. At Intersputnik, she is responsible for relations with member states and the United Nations system, including the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space and the International Telecommunication Union, and manages the International Legal Service.
Ms. Morozova combines her career at Intersputnik with research. She teaches a course on international space law and telecommunications law at St. Petersburg University and works on her JSD dissertation at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She also seats on the editorial boards of internationally recognized academic journals and is the author (co-author) of more than fifty publications on satellite communications and other aspects of space activities in English and Russian.
Ms. Morozova earned two master’s degrees in International Law and World Economy from the All-Russian Academy of Foreign Trade under the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of the Russian Federation and holds an LLM degree in International Business Law from the University of Manchester.
Krystal Azelton
Senior Director
Program Planning
Secure World Foundation
<span class="TextRun SCXW6112536 BCX8" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW6112536 BCX8">With over 1</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW6112536 BCX8">8</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW6112536 BCX8"> years of international and domestic space, public policy, and management experience, Krystal Azelton (nee Wilson) is the </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW6112536 BCX8">Senior </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW6112536 BCX8">Director</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW6112536 BCX8">, Program Planning</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW6112536 BCX8"> at Secure World Foundation, a private, operating foundation dedicated to the secure and sustainable use of space. </span></span>
<span class="TextRun SCXW6112536 BCX8" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW6112536 BCX8">There, she focuses </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW6112536 BCX8">provides support for organizational strategic goals and program planning as well </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW6112536 BCX8">on the Human and Environmental Security initiative, which promotes improved governance and cooperation in the delivery and use of information derived from space systems. </span></span>
<span class="TextRun SCXW6112536 BCX8" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW6112536 BCX8">She is also the co-chair the annual Summit for Space Sustainability. </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW6112536 BCX8">In this role, she represents herself and the organization at the United Nations, the Group on Earth Observation, and at topical conferences, events and workshops around the world. </span></span><span class="EOP SCXW6112536 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"> </span>
Jing Chen
Senior Director
Spectrum and Orbit Resources
Center of China Satellite Network Group
Ms. CHEN Jing is the Senior Director of the Spectrum and Orbit Resources Center of China Satellite Network Group Co. Ltd. She has 25 years of professional experience in the field of satellite communications, including satellite operation and traffic control, business development, satellite project frequency design, satellite network coordination, spectrum and orbit resource management, etc. As a senior expert, Ms. CHEN Jing has continuously and actively participated in the ITU-R activities, including SG4, WP4A/B/C, CPM, RA and WRC during the study period of WRC-12, WRC-15, WRC-19 and WRC-23. She has been deeply involved in the ITU-R studies and contributions to progress the work of WRC agenda items related to satellite services. Ms. CHEN Jing holds a Master’s degree in software Engineering and a Bachelor’s degree in electronic information from the Institute of Beijing Technology.
Jennifer Manner
Senior Vice President
Regulatory Affairs and International Strategy
AST SpaceMobile
Jennifer is a recognized visionary and strategic leader in domestic and international telecommunications, spectrum, and space policy and regulation. She currently serves as the Senior Vice President of Regulatory Affairs and International Strategy at AST SpaceMobile, where she oversees the company’s regulatory and policy initiatives.
With extensive experience in the industry, Jennifer has held senior roles at prominent technology firms including EchoStar, Skyterra (now Ligado), and MCI WorldCom (now Verizon). Her government service includes key positions such as Senior Advisor for Space and Satellite Policy at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, and senior roles at the Federal Communications Commission—including Deputy Chief of the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau, Deputy Chief of the Office of Engineering and Technology, and Senior Counsel to Commissioner Abernathy.
In addition to her industry and government leadership, Jennifer actively participates in trade associations, international organizations, and government advisory bodies. She is a prolific author of books and articles on telecommunications, including her recent book <em>Spectrum Wars: The New Hope for Connectivity</em> (Artech House 2025). She is also a filmmaker; her latest documentary, <em>When Wire Was King: The Transformation of Telecommunications</em>, is available on PBS and multiple streaming platforms.
Jennifer’s expertise spans domestic and international telecommunications, market access, and spectrum policy. She has a track record of resolving complex regulatory and policy challenges and has been instrumental in fostering regulatory frameworks to enable the adoption of next-generation wireless terrestrial and space-based technologies, including non-geostationary satellite systems and non-terrestrial networks.
Josef S. Koller
Principal
Space Safety and Sustainability
Amazon – Kuiper
Dr. Josef Koller is the Head of Space Safety and Sustainability at Amazon, Project Kuiper, a low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite broadband network with the mission to provide affordable broadband connectivity to underserved communities around the world. Using his decade-long expertise in space sustainability, Koller leads Amazon’s efforts to promote space safety policies, in the U.S. and around the globe, in support of the sustainable development of satellite operations in space.
Prior to Amazon, Koller served Systems Director for the Center for Space Policy and Strategy at The Aerospace Corporation and co-founder of the Space Safety Institute. He was also assigned as a senior advisor to the Office of the Secretary of Defense for Space Policy, where he directly supported key national and international strategy efforts for space-related U.S. government and policy matters. His portfolio included commercial remote sensing, space traffic management, and related congressional affairs. Prior to that assignment, Koller managed and co-led more than 40 scientists in the Space Science and Applications Group at Los Alamos National Laboratory.
He also established and led the Los Alamos Space Weather Summer School to promote graduate student research and outreach at the laboratory.
Koller has more than 25 years of experience in space sustainability, space science, space policy, astrophysics, and strategy development. He has authored more than 50 peer-reviewed scientific publications with over 2,000 citations. He is also on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Space Safety Engineering and has been quoted in a variety of media outlets including NBC News, New York Times, NPR Marketplace, Les Echos, SpaceNews, and Popular Science.
Masafumi Hashimoto
Director of Spectrum Management Office
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
Masafumi Hashimoto is the Director of Spectrum Management Office at Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). Since he joined JAXA in 2024, he has led international and domestical activities of the office to keep enable the use of space frequencies necessary for JAXA’s missions through technical and regulatory studies and coordination.
Mr. Hashimoto has over 20 years of experience in telecommunications and space sectors. He worked as a policy coordinator for Ministry of Internal Affairs Communications (MIC), Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) and other branches of the Japanese government. He engaged in the development and coordination of policies and the planning and assessment of space projects.
Mr. Hashimoto earned a PhD in Law from Hitotsubashi University. He received Master’s degree in Technology and Policy from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He also holds Master’s degree and Bachelor’s degree in Physics from the University of Osaka.
Jorge Ciccorossi
Head
Space Strategy and Sustainability Division
ITU
With over 25 years of experience in satellite communications and regulations at international level, Mr Ciccorossi is the Head of the Space Strategy and Sustainability Division at the ITU Radiocommunications Bureau. His team is dedicated to monitor and ensure the effective and precise deployment of satellites in geostationary and non geostationary orbits in conformity with the Radio Regulations, as well as the treatment of cases of harmful interference affecting space services.
Mr. Ciccorossi advises ITU Member States, Sectors Members and ITU intersectoral groups on technical regulatory matters of space services, including those related to space sustainability activities in the context of ITU and the Radiocommunication Bureau.
Prior to the current position, he has taken the following responsibilities:
<ul>
<li>Acting Head of the Satellite Systems Coordination Division at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).</li>
<li>Chairman of the 22nd. International Space Radio Monitoring Meeting (ISRMM), September 2021.</li>
<li>Spokesperson on satellites issues representing the Radiocommunications Bureau at the World Radiocommunications Conference 2023 and at the Radio Regulations Board Counsellor of DG-Plenary at the CPM-2023 and WG-6C at the World Radiocommunication Conference 2012.</li>
<li>Represented the ITU Radiocommunications Bureau at WRCs since 2003, as well as at several regional and international fora, including Space Debris Conference, CITEL, ICAO, International Astronautical Congress, Eurocontrol, United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, Munich Satellite Navigation Summit, Forum Europe, US Small Satellite Symposium, SmallSat Europe , the Regulatory Expert Group of the ISRMM, IEEE and ITU Study Groups.</li>
<li>Responsible for the analysis of GSO and NGSO satellite systems submitted to ITU for coordination and notification, and the treatment of cases of harmful interference.</li>
</ul>
Mr. Ciccorossi has conceived the first (and unique) Intergovernmental Online Platform to Report RFI cases affecting Satellite System (SIRRS), assisting 194 ITU Member States in its resolution.
He holds the degree of engineer in electronics from the National University of Technology (UTN) in Buenos Aires, an Executive Certificate in Management and Leadership from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the US, and has studied satellite communications and spacecraft design at the University of Surrey in the UK.
David B. Goldstein
Principal Satellite Policy Engineer
SpaceX
David Goldstein is a SpaceX Principal Satellite Policy Engineer. In this role he’s an ambassador to government agencies on SpaceX satellite collision avoidance, space safety, space sustainability. He also leads SpaceX coordination with the Space Force’s 18th and 19th Space Defense Squadrons and NASA/CARA.
Goldstein graduated from the United States Air Force Academy with a bachelor’s of science in 1988. His career covers a wide variety of Air Force technical leadership assignments including satellite science and technology, research and development, test and evaluation, payload integration, system engineering, acquisition, and launch operations. After serving over 27 years in the US Air Force, Goldstein retired as a Colonel in January 2016. In his last assignment he was director of the Air Force Research Laboratory, Space Vehicles Directorate and Commander of the Phillips Research Site, at Kirtland Air Force Base.
Goldstein earned a PhD in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Colorado at Boulder and three master’s degrees. He has been married for over 35 years and has three children.
Barbee Ponder
General Counsel and Vice President of Regulatory Affairs
Globalstar
Barbee has served as General Counsel and Vice President of Regulatory Affairs for Globalstar since July 2010. In this role he has directed Globalstar’s regulatory and licensing activities around the world.
Barbee has led the international regulatory effort required for the commercial introduction of the world’s first satellite direct-to-device service, now providing mobile satellite connectivity to millions of people globally. This effort included the expansion and licensing of Globalstar’s ground network now consisting of 28 gateway Earth stations in 18 countries.
Most recently, Barbee worked to secure the U.S. Federal Communications Commission’s reauthorization of Globalstar’s senior HIBLEO-4 constellation filing for an additional 15-year license term.
He holds a law degree from Emory University School of Law in Atlanta, Georgia and a Bachelor of Science in Management degree from Tulane University’s A.B. Freeman School of Business in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Alexandre Vallet
Chief
Space Services Department
ITU
Alexandre Vallet is the current Chief of the Space Services Department in the Radiocommunication Bureau of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), since November 2017. As such, he leads the team responsible for the maintenance of the international registry of satellite radio frequencies, which allows all countries around the world to coordinate their use in order to avoid radio interference in outer space.
Alexandre Vallet began to work in 2000 in the R&D center of Orange dealing with communications satellites. In 2006, he joined the satellite operator Eutelsat where he was in charge of regulatory matters. From 2007 to 2017, he was the Head of the Regulatory affairs and Spectrum/Orbit Resources Department at the French Agency in charge of radio spectrum management (Agence Nationale des Fréquences – ANFR).
Timothy Adi Ashong
Director General
Regional African Satellite Communications Organisation (RASCOM)
Timothy Adi Ashong is the Director General of the Regional African Satellite Communications Organisation (RASCOM), with over 20 years of experience in telecommunications, spectrum management, and satellite regulation.
He began his career in 2002 as a Technician with Ghana’s first Internet Service Provider, where he gained hands-on experience in network operations and early internet infrastructure. From 2009 to 2023, he worked with the National Communications Authority (NCA) of Ghana, serving in various capacities and playing a key role in shaping national and regional satellite policy frameworks.
Mr. Ashong has been actively involved in the work of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) since 2010, serving as Vice-Chair of ITU-R Study Group 4 during WRC-15 and WRC-19, and contributing to the ITU's global regulatory processes, including at WRC-23 in Dubai. He has also contributed to regional initiatives under ECOWAS and across Africa, advocating for harmonized satellite regulation and African representation in global spectrum governance.
He holds an MSc in Communications Management from Buckinghamshire New University (UK) and a BEng in Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering from All Nations University (Ghana).
Currently, Mr. Ashong is working tirelessly to change the narrative of RASCOM, restoring the confidence of its Member States and repositioning the organization as a central pillar in Africa’s digital integration and satellite connectivity strategy. As part of this vision, he recently led the development of RASCOM’s new strategic plan to revitalize its operations and enhance its relevance across the continent.
Kai-Uwe Schrogl
President
International Institute of Space Law (IISL)
Professor Dr. Kai-Uwe Schrogl is since 2016 the President of the International Institute of Space Law (IISL), the global association of space lawyers in governments, agencies, academia and private practice from more than 50 countries.
He served from 2014 to 2016 as Chair of the Legal Subcommittee of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS). Kai-Uwe Schrogl works in the European Space Agency (ESA) as the Special Advisor for Political Affairs, He has written or co-edited 20 books and more than 140 articles, reports and papers in the fields of space policy and law.
Aboubakar Mambimba Ndjoungui
CEO
Agence Gabonaise d'Etudes et d'Observations Spatiales (AGEOS)
<span data-teams="true">Aboubakar Mambimba Ndjoungui, born February 05, 1967 in Lastoursville in Gabon, after his scientific baccalaureate obtained in 1990, he was admitted to the National School of Geographic Sciences in Saint-Mandé in France where he obtained his engineering degree and his PhD in geographic science specializing in satellite imagery at Pierre and Marie Curie University. </span><span data-teams="true">He worked for GAEL SYSTEMS Company in Paris as an image quality expert from 1997 to 2011. In July 2011, he joined the Research Institute for Development (IRD) in Montpellier, France, as a researcher and was responsible for the project to set up the Gabonese space agency (AGEOS) until 2014. </span>
<span data-teams="true">In November 2015, he was appointed Deputy CEO of AGEOS in charge of infrastructure and international relations. In October 2023 until now, he is the CEO of AGEOS.
Since his appointment, he has worked to develop space activities across Gabon and African continent. He was involved in the drafting of the African space policy and strategy but also as an expert in the panel for the assessment of candidate countries to host the African Space Agency headquarters. He participates in international space conferences around the world, particularly on the contribution of space to the implementation and evaluation of the SDGs. With space, we believe that Africa can experience more sustained and stable economic development, providing jobs for young people.</span>
<span data-teams="true">He is also Vice-President Central Africa of the African Association for Remote Sensing for the Environment (AARSE).</span>
Catherine Sham
Lunar & Human Spaceflight Spectrum Manager
NASA
Ms. Cathy Sham joined NASA full time in May 1987 as a radio frequency (RF) communications engineer at the Johnson Space Center (JSC) in the Engineering Directorate’s Communications & Tracking (C&T) Division. During the first decade of her career, Ms. Sham worked alongside the Space Shuttle and Space Station engineering teams to validate designs through modeling and simulation. She later served as the communications and tracking systems integration manager and spectrum manager for the Space Shuttle Program and International Space Station Program, and the Chief of the Systems Planning, Analysis & Evaluation Branch.
In her roles at NASA, she is responsible for spectrum management of NASA's human spaceflight programs and mission end-to-end performance from concept to operation. Ms. Sham is the principal for spectrum pre-coordination for NASA lunar activities and human spaceflight missions, and external interface for these missions, to protect performance integrity while promoting maximum compatibility and effective utilization of allocated radio frequency spectrum. She builds on expertise in space flight systems engineering, spectrum regulations, policy, modeling/simulation from her experiences to support projects and missions – including commercial and academic activities funded/contracted by NASA, and other stakeholders as requested – to identify and evaluate spectrum issues and develop strategies/action plans to achieve policy changes.
Ms. Sham is the Chair of the International Telecommunication Union – Radiocommunication Sector Working Party 7B (space radiocommunication applications), and Chair of the Lunar-Martian Spectrum Group of the Space Frequency Coordination Group (SFCG), where she engages in technical planning and spectrum solutions involving the next generation space communications networks, commercial transportation & crew services, and commercial LEO destination programs.
Ms. Sham received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering and a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematical Science in 1987 from Rice University. She also holds a Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering from Rice University (1989).
Torsten Kriening
Publisher and CEO
SpaceWatch.Global
Torsten Kriening is the Publisher and CEO of SpaceWatch.Global, an independent platform for space activities in a geopolitical context.
A seasoned business executive with academic and professional experience in space management, satellite communications, and broadcast technology, Torsten holds an electrical and telecommunications engineering background and pursued information technology and computer science at the Technical College Berlin. His career trajectory commenced with software development, transitioning to sales management and business development roles at esteemed organizations such as 3Com, Lucent Digital Video, SES Astra, Bertelsmann, and PTScientists – dreaming Moonshot.
As a proud Berliner with a global perspective, Torsten further broadened his horizons by attending the International Space University (ISU) and obtaining an Executive MBA. Torsten’s contributions extend to the creation of widely recognized space outreach formats, including the Space Café talk series and the Space Café Podcast.
<strong>SpaceWatch.Global description:</strong>
<i>SpaceWatch.Global</i> is a digital magazine and portal for those interested in space and the far-reaching impact that space developments have. While showcasing the technology that enables the industry to edge closer to the next frontier, <i>SpaceWatch.Global</i> also provides analysis, forecasts and insight into the geopolitical implications of space developments.
From space policy, exploration and missions to space weapons and technology, we provide a complete perspective on the global space sector.
The team behind <i>SpaceWatch.Global </i>comprises a dynamic mix of space geeks, tech junkies, space policy experts, regional space specialists and passionate writers. We fully believe that space should be used for humanity; that it enables knowledge and enriches societies.
<i>SpaceWatch.Global</i> is published by SpaceWatch.Global GmbH, headquartered in Berlin, the Capital city of Germany. In the true european spirit from the heart of Europe, neutrality, ethics and integrity are at our core. <i>SpaceWatch.Global </i>abides by the Society of Professional Journalists’ code of ethics; we seek truth and report it.
Raul Kulichevsky
Executive and Technical Director
National Commission of Space Activities (CONAE)
Argentina
Executive and Technical Director of National Commission of Space Activities (CONAE) of Argentina since June 2018.
He is an Aeronautical Engineer graduated from the National University of La Plata (UNLP) and holds a Master in Materials Science and Technology from the Sábato Institute of the University of San Martín (UNSAM). He is a specialist in Vibration Analysis, holds a Diploma in Integral Quality Management and is a Certified Quality Engineer (CQE). In his professional career he has carried out technological projects for the National Atomic Energy Commission (CNEA), as head of Instrumentation and Operations of the Group of Studies and Tests of Structural Components – ENDE Activity Unit. He was also Deputy Head of the Sub-Project “Antenna Radar of Synthetic Aperture” (ARAS) in the framework CNEA-CONAE Agreement for the development and manufacture of the structure and mechanisms of the SAR radar antenna of the SAOCOM Project, Earth observation satellites with microwave radar of CONAE.
Within the private sector he worked in I.D. ENGINEERING S.A. as leader of the Working Group in services for companies such as Pirelli S.A.; Massuh S.A.; SIAT (Tenaris Group).
In the space area he has developed specific projects for CONAE, as Head of the Flight Segment of the SAOCOM Project, Project Manager of the SARE 2A Project (segmented architecture satellites) and Head of the Payload development for the Technological version of the Tronador II Vehicle, the Argentine satellite launcher project.
Nir Stav
Senior Director of Infrastructure
WMO
Nir Stav is the Senior Director of Infrastructure at the <strong>World Meteorological Organization (WMO)</strong>, where he leads global initiatives advancing meteorological systems, climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and early warning systems. With more than two decades of experience in meteorology, climate science, and international collaboration, he has played a pivotal role in shaping national, regional, and global infrastructures that support resilience, adaptation, and mitigation in the face of climate change.
At WMO, Nir oversees the development and implementation of transformative global infrastructure programs. He spearheads efforts such as the <strong>deployment of WMO Information System 2.0 (WIS 2.0)</strong>, the <strong>establishment of the Global Greenhouse Gas Watch (G3W)</strong>, and the <strong>Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) Climate Reference Stations Network (GSRN)</strong>. He also leads WMO’s <strong>Research-to-Operations (R2O) integration of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning</strong>, building roadmaps for their adoption within WMO systems and forging public–private partnerships with global technology leaders. His portfolio includes advancing infrastructure and capacity development in the Global South, including the <strong>Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF)</strong>, hydrological monitoring through <strong>HydroHub</strong>, and WMO’s digital transformation across Africa.
Prior to his appointment, Nir Stav served as the head of the Israel Meteorological Service (IMS) and the Israeli Permanent Representative to WMO for eight years. In this role, he established a <strong>National Climate Forecasting Centre</strong>, producing high-resolution climate projections for the Mediterranean and Middle-East; established a joint <strong>Flood Forecasting Centre</strong> with the Water Authority of Israel; established tri-lateral collaboration agreement IMS with the Cyprus Meteorological Department (DoM) and the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (HNMS); chaired the Steering Committee of the <strong>South-East Europe Multi-Hazard Early Warning Advisory System (SEE-MHEWS)</strong> and chaired the <strong>Advisory Committee of Co-operating States</strong> (ACCS) of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). In his service in the IMS Nir Stav has also contributed to the reform of the Meteorological Services to Aviation in Israel, to the establishment of a <strong>National Early Warning information system</strong> and to the development of high-resolution ensemble prediction system to the Eastern Mediterranean.
<strong>Education</strong>
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<li>Master of Public Administration (MPA), <em>Harvard Kennedy School of Government</em></li>
<li>Master of Science in Physics, <em>Tel Aviv University</em></li>
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Benjamin Guyot
CEO
SpaceTalk
Switzerland
<span data-teams="true">Lawyer admitted to the Geneva Bar and holds a Doctorate in Law from Paris I Panthéon-Sorbonne. He is a specialist in Space Law with 15 years of experience working with the European Space Agency (ESA). During his tenure at ESA, he contributed to the development and operation of various launch systems, including Ariane 5, Ariane 6, Vega, and Vega-C. Additionally, he played a key role in providing launch services for ESA missions, such as CHEOPS, James Webb Space Telescope, JUICE, Euclid, SMILE, AEOLUS, EarthCARE, BIOMASS, ALTIUS, FLEX, Arctic Weather, IRIDE, CubeSat of FYS, and Proba 3. His expertise extends to missions of the European Union and the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA), including Galileo, Copernicus, and IOD/IOV.</span>
Candace Johnson
Chair Advisory Board,
Investment Advisory Committee and Partner
Seraphim Space
Candace Johnson is a serial global infrastructure, network and innovation entrepreneur and investor. She is Founder/Co-Founder of one of the world’s largest satellite systems SES (Société Européenne des Satellites); Europe’s first private satellite communications network Loral-Teleport Europe; the world’s first Internet based online service and the world’s first Broadband Satellite Internet service, Europe Online; and Oceania Women’s Network Satellite (OWNSAT), a founding investor in the Kacific Satellite System. Ms. Johnson also served on the founding teams of Iridium and ILS. Ms. Johnson is also Founding President of the VATM, the Association of Private Telecom Operators in Germany and Founding President of the Global Telecom Women’s Network (GTWN). Currently, Candace is Chair of Advisory Board and Partner of Seraphim Space Fund, Founding Vice Chair and current Board Member of NorthStar Earth and Space, and Non-Executive Director of VUSION, the world’s leading IOT/Electronic Shelf Labelling group. Ms. Johnson was a member of the Executive Board of the ICC, International Chamber of Commerce from 2019 – 2025 and in this capacity served as Vice-Chair of the B 20 Task Force on Technology, Innovation and R & D in 2023. She is also a Member Saudi Space Agency Advisory Council, Vice President of Institut EuropIA, the European Institute of Artificial Intelligence, and a Council Member of Singapore Space & Technology.
She has been decorated by the Luxembourg Government with the Commander of the Order of Merit and the Officer of the Oak Leaf Crown as well as being decorated by the German Government with the Officer of the Federal Order of Merit. Ms. Johnson has received numerous Lifetime Achievement Awards from such prestigious organizations as the World Communication Awards, Women in Aerospace, The International Alliance of Women and the Global Telecom Women’s Network, (GTWN). Ms. Johnson has an honorary doctorate from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, a master’s with honors from the Sorbonne and Stanford and an undergraduate degree from Vassar College.
Mike Lindsay
CTO
Astroscale
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Mike joined Astroscale as CTO in 2020 and is responsible for driving the technical strategy and shaping future mission architecture, taking into account current and future Astroscale markets and customers.
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Mike has over 12 years’ experience in the commercial and government space industry. Prior to joining Astroscale, Mike was Director, Spectrum Architecture at OneWeb, where he oversaw mission design, systems engineering and spacecraft performance, taking into consideration regulatory compliance and spectrum management. Prior to OneWeb, Mike held mission design and systems engineering roles at NASA and Google, where he developed and worked on novel and low-cost missions such as the Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer (LADEE) mission.
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Mike holds a Master’s degree in Space Engineering and a Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Michigan.
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Roser Almenar
ITU Secretary-General’s Youth Advisory Board
ITU
Roser Almenar is a PhD Candidate in AI & Space Law at the University of Valencia (Spain) and serves as a member of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Secretary-General’s Youth Advisory Board, representing Europe.
She is currently the Co-Lead of the “AI and Space Law” Research Group, hosted by the Space Law and Policy Project Group of the Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC), which she also spearheads.
Additionally, she has contributed as a research member to the Working Group on “Balancing Innovation and Responsibility: International Recommendations for AI Regulation in Space”, under the auspices of the International Institute of Space Law (IISL), whose final report was published in December 2024. Her research focuses on the disciplines of Tech Law and Space Law, especially dealing with remote sensing, AI, data protection, and telecommunications.
Isabelle Mauro
Director General
GSOA
Isabelle Mauro is Director General of the Global Satellite Operators Association (GSOA) that represents the interests of the satellite industry ecosystem. Under Isabelle’s leadership, GSOA and its member CEOs lead the effort to showcase the benefits of satellite communications for a more inclusive, sustainable and secure society – vital to bridging the world’s digital divide, achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and realizing the full potential of the 5G & 6G ecosystem.
Isabelle has 25 years’ experience in the Telecoms and Technology sector, starting at the GSMA, where she was responsible for International & External Affairs for fifteen years. In 2015 she moved to New York to join the World Economic Forum as Head of the Information, Communications and Technology (ICT) Industry, managing the portfolio of over 60 Tech companies globally and leading initiatives on inclusive and sustainable digital transformation. Isabelle is passionate about inclusion and sustainability.
She is a Commissioner of the UN Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development. Isabelle is also Member of the Advisory Board of Access Partnership and of the High-Level Advisory Board of the DigitalGoesGreen Foundation. She also sits on the Advisory Board of Women in Tech. Isabelle holds an MSc in European Politics and Policy from the London School of Economics. She is fluent in French, English, Italian and Spanish.
Diana Tomimura
Deputy Director
Radiocommunication Bureau
ITU
Diana Tomimura is the Deputy Director of the Radiocommunication Bureau at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
Prior to her current role, she served as the Head of Business Operations and Planning, and as Spectrum Regulation and Policy Advisor within the same Bureau contributing to key initiatives in global spectrum management and regulatory policy.
Before joining the ITU, Ms. Tomimura held the position of Deputy Director of the Telecommunications Services and Universalization Department in the Ministry of Communications in Brazil. She also served as a Regulatory Specialist at the National Telecommunications Agency (ANATEL), Brazil’s telecommunications regulator.
Earlier in her career, Diana worked as an engineer at Nokia Networks and in Intelig Telecom.
Ms. Tomimura holds an Executive MBA from IMD, a Master of Science in Computer Science from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, and a Bachelor’s degree in Telecommunications Engineering from the Fluminense Federal University.
Mario Maniewicz
Director
Radiocommunication Bureau
ITU
Mr. Mario Maniewicz was elected Director of the ITU Radiocommunication Bureau at the <a href="https://www.itu.int/web/pp-18/en">ITU Plenipotentiary Conference 2018</a> in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. He took office on 1 January 2019.
Mario Maniewicz is an electronic engineer specialized in telecommunications. He has been with the ITU for over 30 years, where he has served in high-level management positions in the Radiocommunication and Development Sectors as well as in ITU Regional Offices.
As Director, Mr. Maniewicz is responsible for the management of the Radiocommunication Bureau, which organizes and co-ordinates the work of the Radiocommunication Sector whose aim is to ensure the rational, equitable, efficient and economical use of the radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits.
Thomas Lamanauskas
Deputy Secretary General
ITU
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Tomas Lamanauskas is <strong>Deputy Secretary-General </strong>of the International Telecommunication Union, elected at the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference of 2022, and taking up duties as of January 2023.
His 25 years of experience spans across sectors of telecoms and digital policy, regulation and strategy, stemming from executive level positions in agencies, companies, and organizations across Europe, the Middle East, the Caribbean and the Pacific region.
As Deputy Secretary-General of ITU, Tomas focuses on the financial sustainability and operational excellence of the organization. He also works to raise the digital industry's ambition in fighting the climate crisis through the Green Digital Action initiative and promotes investments into the digital infrastructure as well as digital resilience through the Digital Infrastructure Investment Initiative and other efforts. Additionally, Tomas contributes to the global efforts to harness the opportunities and mitigate challenges of new technologies, in particular Artificial Intelligence, including through his role as a co-chair of the United Nations Inter-Agency Working Group on AI. He is also playing a key role in ensuring ITU's support to other UN-wide development and governance efforts, including through the World Summit of the Information Society process and membership at the Operational Steering Committee of the UN Joint SDG Fund.
Tomas holds Master's Degrees in Public Administration (Harvard), Leadership and Strategy (London Business School), Telecommunications Regulation and Policy (The University of the West Indies) and Law (Vilnius University).
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Hazuki Mori
Lead for Planetary Solutions Impact
Centre for Frontier Technologies and Innovation
World Economic Forum
Hazuki Mori is the Lead for Planetary Solutions Impact of the Centre for Frontier Technologies and Innovation at the World Economic Forum. She coordinates global initiatives on space policy and technology. Before joining the Forum in 2024, Hazuki served as an Expert at the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs in Vienna, where she led the Access to Space for All initiative, supporting CubeSat missions, microgravity research, and other capacity-building programs. From 2014 to 2020, she held multiple roles at the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), working on international relations, legal affairs, and external engagement. Hazuki studied International Trade Law at Waseda University, earned a Master’s in Sustainable Development from the University of Sussex, and is an alumna of the International Space University’s Space Studies Program.