CAN INTERNATIONAL EFFORTS AFFECT ORBITAL DEBRIS CONCERNS

Steve Richeson joined Mission Microwave in 2017 and is responsible for the company’s global sales and marketing. He has over 30 years of Satellite and Radio Frequency (RF) experience in engineering and executive roles across the wireless and satellite communications industry including positions at Harris Corporation, EchoStar, Scientific-Atlanta, GTE Spacenet International, Radiation Systems SATCOM Technologies, and Schlumberger. As a Schlumberger Field Engineer Steve launched the LOGNET service in the Gulf of Mexico with a portable VSAT terminal on a semi-submersible drilling platform – in 1986. This was the first commercial mobile VSAT system. Steve is a Senior Member of the IEEE and a Registered Professional Engineer. He earned his engineering degree at Georgia Tech and an MBA at Georgia State University.

As Co-Founder and COO of Orbotic Systems, Jane Ielmini plays a pivotal role in advancing space sustainability solutions. Her oversight of research efforts, procurement, and partnerships ensures seamless communication and operational efficiency. When supporting the company in government contract roles, she is a liaison with suppliers, equipment providers, and future contractors to drive commercialization.

Jane blends architectural project management experience with commercial space expertise in a unique and complementary manner. She is no stranger to managing complex projects after spending five years in the space industry and over 25 years in architecture. Her background in large-scale project co-ordination, procurement, logistics, and cross-functional communication provides critical support to mission execution at Orbotic Systems. Ms. Ielmini is also a meticulous researcher, actively engaged in commercial market analysis to uncover clear paths to product market adoption.

Jane holds a Space Business Qualification (SBQ) certificate and a B.A. in Fine Arts from California College of the Arts in Interior Architecture. Her passion for precision, research, and strategic problem-solving makes her an integral force in the development of cutting-edge orbital debris solutions.

Chiara Manfletti holds a degree in aeronautical engineering from Imperial College London, a masters degree in space studies from the International Space University in Strasbourg and a PhD from RWTH Aachen. She worked for the German Aerospace Center, DLR, as a research engineer in the field of liquid rocket propulsion and later joined the European Space Agency in 2016, where she was Head of Policy and Programmes Coordination at ESA. In March 2019 she was nominated the first President of the then just founded Portuguese national space agency, Portugal Space. Today she is Professor of Space Mobility and Propulsion at the Technical University of Munich in Germany and CEO of Neuraspace.

Dr. Martin joined Astroscale U.S. in August 2019 as Executive Vice President. She brings many years of experience in space technology management, operations, and engineering to support the foundation and growth of Astroscale U.S.

Dr. Martin previously held the position of the Director, Orbital Solutions at General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS). She was responsible for the management and technical performance of the engineering staff and delivery of projects, including planning and managing technical and programmatic solutions to ensure quality, business, and financial objectives were met.

Prior to joining GA-EMS, Dr. Martin was the Chief Operating Officer at Surrey Satellite Technology US, where she led the Surrey project management and engineering teams. As a member of the Surrey Satellite US Executive Team, Dr. Martin managed the bidding, negotiation, and execution of projects, and was responsible for ensuring the company’s cost-effective methods were appropriately applied to the execution of programs.

Dr. Martin transferred to Surrey Satellite US from Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. in the United Kingdom, where she held several positions including the Head of Telecommunications and Navigation business unit, encompassing the Galileo payload programme. Prior to Surrey, Dr. Martin was a Project Manager and Scientist at QinetiQ.
Dr. Martin earned a Master of Science in astrophysics and a Doctorate in mathematics and computational sciences from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. She loves to explore and adventure the mountains in Colorado.

As President of The Satellite Industry Association (SIA), Tom is the trade association’s lead advocate for regulatory and policy issues of critical importance to SIA’s membership, including spectrum and licensing issues, defense and public safety matters, and export control and international trade issues. He also manages the day-to-day operations of SIA, including member communications, staff leadership and organization of SIA sponsored events. Tom became the president of SIA in December of 2014.

Prior to joining SIA, Tom was with Shared Spectrum Company (SSC), a leading developer of spectrum intelligence technologies, where he served as CEO. For more than a decade, he served as the President of the Personal Communications Industry Association (PCIA).

Tom holds a BS, summa cum laude, in Public Administration from the University of North Dakota. He is also a graduate of Georgetown University Law Center where he served as Editor of the Georgetown Law Journal.