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Lorena Boix Alonso is Director for Digital Society, Trust and Cybersecurity in the Directorate General for  Communications Networks Content and Technology (DG CONNECT), at the European Commission. She is a  member of the Executive and Management Board of the European Network and Information Security  Agency (ENISA) and as well as the Commission representative in the Governing Board of the European  Cybersecurity Competence Centre (ECCC) and a member of the Management Board of the Computer  Emergency Response Team for the EU Institutions (CERT EU).  

In the context of the Horizon Europe Programme, she co-chairs the Cluster 1 “Health” and Cluster 3 ‘’Civil  security for society’’ and is as well a member of the board Innovative Health Initiative (IHI) Joint Undertaking.  

Formerly, she was Acting Director for Policy Strategy and Outreach and Head of Unit for Policy  Implementation and Planning, in DG CONNECT at the European Commission. 

Previously, she was Deputy Head of Cabinet of Vice President Neelie Kroes, Commissioner for the Digital  Agenda. During Ms Kroes’ mandate as Commissioner for Competition, she commenced in October 2004  as a member of her cabinet and became Deputy Head of Cabinet in May 2008. 

She joined the European Commission Directorate-General for Competition in 2003. Prior to that, she has  worked for Judge Rafael García Valdecasas, at the European Court of Justice, as well as Deputy Director  and Legal Coordinator of the IPR-Helpdesk Project and in private practice in Brussels.  She holds a Master of Laws from the Harvard Law School. She graduated in Law from the University of  Valencia and then obtained a Licence Spéciale en Droit Européen from the Université Libre de Bruxelles.

Ms. Aarti Holla-Maini is Director of the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs. She brings three decades of experience in the space and satellite sector. 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.

Jean-Luc Trullemans has been appointed Director of Strategy, Legal and External Matters (D/SLE) and will take up the role at ESA Headquarters in Paris on 1 January 2027.

He currently serves as Head of the European Space Security and Education Centre (ESEC).

Located in Redu, Belgium, ESEC focuses on space security, education, small satellite operations and European GNSS (EGNSS) activities.

Jean-Luc joined ESA in 2020 as a Security Expert and Advisor within DG services, bringing with him more than thirty years of experience in law enforcement and security management.

Prior to joining ESA, he served as Senior Security Advisor to the Belgian Government, advising Deputy Prime Minister David Clarinval and Minister of Mobility François Bellot.

Jean-Luc holds Master’s degree in Communication and Public Administration Management from the Solvay Brussels School of Economics and Management (ULB), together with several professional certifications, including the Interuniversity Certificate in Multidisciplinary Crisis Management (ULB), the Major Case Management certification from the Canadian Police College, FBI Crisis Management training, and a certificate in Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Alise Askinezere is a Director at Brunswick Group, advising multinational companies on public affairs, strategic communications and policy developments across Europe. Her work focuses on industrial policy, European competitiveness and technology policy, helping organisations navigate complex regulatory and political environments.

Before joining Brunswick, Alise spent nearly a decade at the European Parliament, including as Head of Office to the Vice-Chair of the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee (IMCO). With more than 15 years of experience spanning EU policymaking, politics and corporate affairs, she works at the intersection of policy, industry and innovation, with a particular interest in the debates shaping Europe’s industrial and technological future.

Bio to follow.

Elena Donazzan was elected Member of the European Parliament in June 2024, where she sits with the European Conservatives and Reformists Group, representing the Fratelli d’Italia party. She is a member of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, where she also serves as Vice-Chair, as well as of the Committee on Security and Defence, the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs and the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality. She also holds the position of Vice-Chair of the European Parliament’s Sky and Space Intergroup. Ms Donazzan serves also as the European Parliament Rapporteur on the EU Space Act. 

Before becoming a MEP, she served for 19 years as Regional Minister for Labour, Education and Training in the Veneto Region.

Bio to follow.

Isabelle Mauro is Director General of the Global Satellite Operators Association (GSOA) that represents the interests of 70 members in the satellite ecosystem. She reports directly to their Chief Executives.

Under Isabelle’s leadership, GSOA and its member CEOs lead the effort to showcase the benefits of satellite communications for a more inclusive and secure society – vital to bridging the world’s digital divide, achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and realizing the 5G ecosystem.

Isabelle has 25 years experience in the Telecoms and Technology sector, starting at the GSMA, where she was responsible for government and international Affairs. In 2015 she moved to New York to join the World Economic Forum as Head of  Information, Communications and Technology Industries, managing the portfolio for 60+ Tech companies globally and leading initiatives on inclusive and sustainable digital transformation.

Isabelle is passionate about inclusion and sustainability. She is Chair of the High-Level Advisory Board of the DigitalGoesGreen Foundation. She also sits on the Advisory Board of Women in Tech and is a member of the UNESCO Advisory Group for the Declaration on Connectivity for Education.

Isabelle holds an MSc in European Politics and Policy from the London School of Economics. She is fluent in French, English, Italian and Spanish.

Lawyer by background and Italian by nationality, Massimo lives under the Brussels sky since 2001. After a significant period proudly serving the European Commission (2008 – 2015), he joined Leonardo where he now follows the space related EU files.

Currently Head of Telecoms and Space for Amazon’s EU Public Policy team, Jordi Casanova has over a decade of experience in competition and regulatory economics across a wide range of fields. Before joining Amazon in 2023, he was a senior economist at the EFTA Surveillance Authority, following on from roles focusing on telecoms and competition at the European Commission, Ofcom and the Spanish Market and Competition Authority. Jordi holds degrees in economics from the University of Valencia and Université Libre de Bruxelles, as well as an LLM from the College of Europe in Bruges. In addition to his interest in all things competition, regulation and policy, Jordi enjoys identifying promising startups to invest in and took his interest in viticulture to the next level as a co-owner of a start-up winery in his native Valencia.

Naomi Pryde is a partner at global law firm DLA Piper, the Global Co-Chair of DLA Piper’s Space Exploration and Innovation practice alongside Julie Kearney, and the head of the Litigation & Regulation team in Scotland.  A highly accomplished and award‑winning lawyer, previously recognised as Scotland’s Lawyer of the Year, Naomi is recognised for her ability to combine space innovation with legal excellence. She advises across the full spectrum of space law issues, translating legal complexity into commercial and strategic clarity for clients operating in highly regulated and security‑sensitive environments.

Naomi’s practice spans space regulation and compliance, cybersecurity, dispute resolution and governance, with a particular focus on risk management and resilience in emerging and dual‑use technologies. She regularly advises clients on emerging EU space regulatory frameworks, including the proposed EU Space Act, and on navigating compliance, risk and governance challenges across European markets.  She is an Honorary Fellow of Durham University’s Space Research Centre (SPARC), supporting research and policy engagement on space governance and regulation.  Naomi is recognised in leading legal directories, where she is described as “one of the finest lawyers of her generation.”  She is the only solicitor in the UK qualified across all four UK & Ireland jurisdictions, as well as being a Solicitor Advocate in both Scotland and England & Wales. She is also a Writer to His Majesty’s Signet and a Notary Public.  Naomi holds specialist space cybersecurity qualifications from the University of Strathclyde and the International Space University, and brings practical insight to her work – she has even built a cube-satellite!  Naomi sits on a number of space‑related industry bodies, space advisory boards and cross‑party governmental space working groups, contributing to policy development at national and international level.  A regular speaker at international conferences, Naomi also guest lectures at universities and writes for the press on topical space and security issues. Outside work, she is the mum of a spirited five‑year‑old who shares her love of space, and who is determined to become an astronaut.

As Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, Henna Virkkunen is tasked with combatting the increasingly complex security threats facing the EU, whilst at the same time strengthening our external borders and our internal security. This goes hand in hand with her responsibility to ensure our freedoms, justice and democracy are strengthened too.

Christophe Grudler is a French Member of the European Parliament (MEP), member of the Renew Europe group.

Historian and journalist by training, his political commitment started at an early stage of his career. He is particularly involved at the local level in his hometown, Belfort, where he has been elected as a local representative several times.

Within the European Parliament, he is Vice-Coordinator of the ITRE Committee (Industry, research and energy) for the Renew Europe group. He is also a member of the Foreign Affairs (AFET) and Security and Defence (SEDE) committees. Furthermore, he is Vice President of the Sky & Space Intergroup of the European Parliament.

MEP Grudler is particularly involved in energy and industry related topics, as well as on space and defence policies. He has been appointed as rapporteur for the European Parliament on the Initiative report on Energy System Integration and recently on the future European secure connectivity. He is also shadow rapporteur for his group on the European Industrial Strategy, the revision of the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) and on the European Space Programme.

Jean-Luc Trullemans has been appointed Director of Strategy, Legal and External Matters (D/SLE) and will take up the role at ESA Headquarters in Paris on 1 January 2027.

He currently serves as Head of the European Space Security and Education Centre (ESEC).

Located in Redu, Belgium, ESEC focuses on space security, education, small satellite operations and European GNSS (EGNSS) activities.

Jean-Luc joined ESA in 2020 as a Security Expert and Advisor within DG services, bringing with him more than thirty years of experience in law enforcement and security management.

Prior to joining ESA, he served as Senior Security Advisor to the Belgian Government, advising Deputy Prime Minister David Clarinval and Minister of Mobility François Bellot.

Jean-Luc holds Master’s degree in Communication and Public Administration Management from the Solvay Brussels School of Economics and Management (ULB), together with several professional certifications, including the Interuniversity Certificate in Multidisciplinary Crisis Management (ULB), the Major Case Management certification from the Canadian Police College, FBI Crisis Management training, and a certificate in Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Maria Fernández Molinero is Head of Unit – Space Policy at the European Commission – DG DEFIS. She has previously held the positions of Deputy Head of Unit, and Policy Assistant to the Director General. Prior to that, she worked at DG GROW and DG COMP. Ms. Fernandez Molinero holds a Master of Laws from Columbia University in New York, and a Master’s degree in European Studies from the College of Europe.

Pierre Limouzin is a Senior Investment Officer advising the EIC Fund at the European Investment Bank, where he contributes to the implementation of the European Innovation Council’s equity strategy with a particular focus on space, dual‑use and critical defence‑related technologies.

He is involved in structuring and executing equity investments alongside private investors to support the scale‑up of high‑risk, strategic technologies. Pierre previously held roles at the European Investment Bank in project finance and corporate lending and worked in the aerospace sector with Airbus. He acts as a board observer in several space and dual-use companies. Pierre is a graduate of École Polytechnique and Mines Paris – PSL.

Mark Leverkus is a partner in the London office of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, and is a member of the firm’s Transportation and Space Group. Mark acts for financiers, arrangers, equity investors, leasing companies, export credit agencies and operators on a range of international financing, leasing and sale and purchase transactions, involving satellites, aircraft and other moveable equipment. He also has extensive experience in the trading and repackaging of such transactions, as well as in restructurings, disputes, work-outs and repossessions. Mark has lectured on topics related to satellite projects and aircraft finance.

Olivier has a long-standing experience and a strong network in the European space policy sector, at the crossroads of the private and the public sector.

He has been part of the Belgian delegation to the ESA Council and also advising the Belgian Permanent Representation on space matters, under the authority of E. Beka, High representative of Belgium for space policy. Olivier then moved to Eurospace, as Head of the Brussels Office until 2014, when he has been hired by Thales Alenia Space as director for EU affairs.

Dr. Hwang joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea in 1998, and was appointed to his current position in April 2026. He previously served as Director-General for International Legal Affairs for three years, following a tenure as Senior Coordinator for Foreign Affairs in the Office of the Prime Minister. His diplomatic career includes postings in Washington,

D.C. and Sana’a, Yemen. He holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Doctor of Juridical Science (JSD) from Seoul National University, as well as Master of Laws (LLM) degrees from both Columbia University and New York University.

Alexander Soucek is Head of the External Relations Department at the European Space Agency (ESA). In the course of a distinguished career of more than twenty years at ESA, he has held a number of roles, including as Head of the International Law Division, Secretary of the International Space Station Coordination Committee, and Head of the ESA Delegation to the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS).

Alexander holds master’s degrees in law from Salzburg University, Austria, and in space studies from the International Space University in Strasbourg, France. He is, further, set to obtain, in December 2025, an executive master’s in international strategy and diplomacy from the London School of Economics and Political Science. An alumnus of The Hague Academy of International Law and former visiting researcher at the Space Policy Institute, Elliott School of International Affairs of George Washington University, he is a full member of the International Academy of Astronautics, the International Institute of Space Law (IISL) and the European Centre for Space Law (ECSL).

An experienced practitioner and academic, Alexander negotiated numerous international space cooperation agreements and lectures on international relations and international law at universities in Europe and beyond. He has written books and articles on these topics, has contributed to intergovernmental expert groups including the UN Space Mission Planning Advisory Group (SMPAG), and has served as lead flight director in international spaceflight analogue missions.

Julia joined the Space Division of the European External Action Service (EEAS) in December 2024. Prior to that, she worked at the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) at Vienna. She started her career at NATO HQ, where she worked for three years in the Political Affairs and Security Policy Division covering arms control. Julia holds a Master’s Degree in International Security from Sciences Po Paris.

Ms. Caitlin Poling is a Foreign Affairs Officer in the Office of Space Affairs in the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Oceans, International Environmental, and Scientific Affairs. In this role, she works to advance civil and commercial space diplomacy covering Europe, space resources, and the U.N. Committee on Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS).  Previously, Ms. Poling served as a Political Specialist for the Multilateral and Technical Affairs Section of the U.S. Mission to International Organizations in Vienna (UNVIE), where she worked on the peaceful uses of outer space and Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization portfolios and served on the U.S. delegation to the CTBTO Preparatory Commission and UNCOPUOS. A veteran of Capitol Hill, Ms. Poling most recently served as National Security Advisor to Senator David Perdue (Georgia). In this role, her portfolio included foreign relations, defense, cyber security, and international trade issues. Previously, Ms. Poling served as Director of Government Relations at the Foreign Policy Initiative, a DC-based think tank, where she also wrote on Africa and counterterrorism policy. Her work has been published in U.S. News and World Report, The Weekly Standard, Huffington Post, State Magazine, and e-International Relations. Ms. Poling spent four years in the U.S. House of Representatives, most recently working on foreign policy and homeland security for then-Congressman Mike Pompeo (KS-04).

Ms. Poling graduated with honors from Georgetown University with a master’s degree in international security studies in 2012. She wrote her master’s thesis on Boko Haram and affiliated terrorist groups in the Sahel. Caitlin graduated summa cum laude from Ashland University in Ohio with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, International Studies, and French (minor: International Business) and was a John M. Ashbrook Scholar.

Imogen Ormerod is an associate in the London office of Gibson Dunn and a member of the firm’s Transportation and Space Group. Imogen has extensive experience working with the UK government and EU institutions. Prior to retraining as a lawyer, Imogen worked in the UK civil service for over 12 years in a range of operational and policy roles, including in the UK Space Agency. Her practice now includes advising clients in the space sector on a range of issues, including M&A and financings.

Torsten Kriening is Publisher and CEO of SpaceWatch.Global, an independent platform for space activities in a geopolitical context.

He is a business executive with academic and professional experience in space management, satellite communications, and broadcast technology. He has an electrical and telecommunications engineering background and studied information technology and computer science at the Technical College Berlin. Torsten began his career as software developer, before moving into sales management and business development, working at companies including 3Com, Lucent Digital Video, SES Astra, Bertelsmann and PTScientists.

A proud Berliner with a global outlook, Torsten expanded his horizons even further by attending the International Space University (ISU) and earning an Executive MBA. His ISU thesis analysed the capacity-building visions and opportunities of countries in the Gulf region, and he brings experience developing strong and lasting business relationships with Middle Eastern countries. With the global Space Café® talk series and the Space Café® Podcast he created widely recognized space outreach formats.

Gerasimos Sofianatos is the newly appointed Head of Unit of Connect B5, Radio Spectrum Policy Unit. Previously, he was Deputy Head of DG Connect Unit Connect B5, “Investment in high-capacity networks”. He has been working for the Commission since 2011, in different positions in DG Connect, in Directorate B, dealing with the policy and implementation of the EU Regulatory Framework for Electronic Communications. Gerasimos led the team monitoring and implementing EU law and in particular the European Electronic Communications Code, a piece of legislation in the drafting and negotiation of which he was actively involved. Prior to joining the Commission, Gerasimos worked as legal officer at the Cypriot National Regulatory Authority for Electronic Communications (OCECPR). Before joining the Commission, he was a Member of the Athens Bar Association and practiced competition law. He holds a Masters degree in Business Law and a PhD in competition law at the Paris 1- Sorbonne University. He holds a law degree from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and a post-graduate degree in Economics for Competition law from the King’s College London. Gerasimos is of Greek nationality and speaks Greek, English, and French.

Ayman Maghrabi is the General Manager for Spectrum Assignment at the Saudi Communication, Space and Technology Commission (CST) which is the spectrum regulator in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He received his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and a master’s degree in engineering management from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), and a master’s degree in telecommunications engineering from The University of Sydney.

In his role, Ayman oversees all frequency assignments in the Kingdom and leads initiatives on a national level for releasing commercial spectrum. He has lead three major spectrum releases which include: Non-Terrestrial Networks auction in the 2100 MHz band, IMT auction for (600, 700, 3800) MHz bands, and the award for a national specialized radio network in the 450 MHz band. He is also the head of the National Saudi Team preparing for WRC-27, ensuring national alignment on several Agenda Items and reflecting those position on a regional and international level. He is also appointed as a Vice-Chair for ITU-R Study Group 5 for the current WRC cycle.

Prior to his role in CST, Ayman has worked for more than 7 years in on mission-critical communications as well as other wireless systems such as Smart City telecom planning and radars.

Peng is the Vice President of Policy & Regulatory at GSOA, where he leads advocacy efforts around spectrum management, licencing, and national policy initiatives. With experience in telecoms, mobile, and satellites, he has advised governments and industry players globally.

Previously at Eutelsat OneWeb, Peng shaped licencing frameworks for Low Earth Orbit constellations and satellite regulatory procedures for WRC-23. At GSMA, he ran a global campaign to improve spectrum licensing conditions for mobile operators, leading a global team of policy expert to engage with policymakers across developing markets.

Peng holds a Master’s in Telecommunication from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology and an Executive MBA from London Business School. He speaks English, Mandarin, and French fluently.

Wladimir Bocquet serves as President of the Commercial Smallsat Spectrum Management Association (CSSMA), where he shapes global spectrum policy on behalf of the smallsat industry at the highest levels of international governance. He is also a Board Member of the Satellite Industry Association (SIA) .

Wladimir brings to the CSSMA presidency a combination of regulatory strategy, technical depth, and multilateral engagement. He has served as architect of  regulatory frameworks for different satellite programmes including: Spire Global’s Earth observation constellation, Amazon’s Project Kuiper (EMEA), and Eutelsat’s global GEO portfolio.

His engagement spans the ITU, WRC, FCC, European Commission, and national administrations across Europe, the Americas, and Asia-Pacific. He holds a Ph.D. from Kyoto University and an Engineering degree from Telecom Bretagne.

Natcha Techachainiran is the Regulatory Affairs Manager at Skylo Technologies, Inc., where she leads global regulatory strategies to secure market access and service authorizations for D2D connectivity. She represents Skylo in international forums, including the ITU, advocating for favorable policies and standards. Previously, Natcha was a Senior Spectrum Engineer at the Thai regulator (NBTC), where she contributed to national spectrum policy and international coordination efforts.

Janette is a Partner and has worked in our UK consulting team since 2001, when she joined the company as a consultant. Janette works mainly on regulation and policy, and strategy projects, and is a leading expert on telecoms regulation, wireless markets and spectrum. Prior to joining Analysys Mason she spent several years working in the UK’s spectrum regulator on 3G licensing.

Over her 30-year career in telecoms, she has developed particular expertise in spectrum management, assignment and pricing, and the evolution of wireless technologies used in the mobile, fixed and satellite sectors. Her mobile market experience spans 2G to 5G and she is also tracking international developments on 6G wireless, including developments in terrestrial technologies for 6G as well as spectrum and deployments using LEO satellites. She has directed studies for industry bodies around the world reviewing licensing frameworks and spectrum access. She has worked with policy makers to gauge the socioeconomic impact of new wireless policies and the impact of regulatory frameworks on network deployments.  

She is proud of her role as a mentor in Analysys Mason’s Female Executive Coaching Programme. Janette holds a BEng (Hons) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the University of Edinburgh and an MSc in Radio Frequency Engineering from the University of Bradford, UK.

Rebecca has been the Director of the UK Space Agency since April 2026.

Rebecca was previously the Director for Space in DSIT.

Rebecca’s previous roles include:

• Co-Director for Citizens and Networks, Department for Exiting the European Union
• Director, International (jobshare), UK Space Agency
• Deputy Director for Rail Strategy at the Department for Transport
• Head of the EU Balance of Competences Review, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
• Head of National Adaptation Programme, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
• Head of European Environment Team, Cabinet Office
• Senior Private Secretary to the Secretary of State for Environment
• Seconded National Expert, DG Environment

Bio to follow.

Since September 2017, Margit Mischkulnig is serving as Head of Department for Space Affairs and Aviation Technologies at the Austrian Federal Ministry for Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure (BMIMI). Her areas of specialisation include macro- and micro-economics with specific focus on industrial policy. She joined the BMIMI in 2015, after working in the Ministry of Finance, the European Commission and the Wold Bank Group. She served in ministers’ cabinet responsible for innovation and technology. Margit Mischkulnig holds a master degree in economics from the University of Vienna.

Dr. Robert Conway-Kenny is Manager of the European Space Agency (ESA) Phi-Lab Ireland and Senior Programme Manager for Space Ventures, both at Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) in Ireland. As ESA Phi-Lab Ireland Manager, he has launched the multi-year initiative to position Ireland as Europe’s competence centre for next-generation space-optimised hardware, funding research across the full life-cycle of advanced materials and manufacturing; bringing disruptive research closer to commercialisation where it has clear market alignment. As Senior Programme Manager for Space Ventures, he helps Irish entrepreneurs access significant funding and supports to help them develop, build and validate their technology (both technically and commercially), before establishing new deep-tech startups. In both roles, Robert is determined to help grow Ireland’s space ecosystem, and raise Ireland’s profile in the global space economy.

Robert brings close to 15 years’ experience in research and research management across academia and industry in both Ireland and the United States. He holds a Ph.D. in Molecular Materials from Trinity College Dublin, and his experience includes a Fulbright Commission Ireland Award to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California, several initiatives with the European Space Agency, and further qualifications in innovation leadership. Robert is passionate about science and space outreach, community engagement, and pushing the limits of Europe’s commercial space capabilities.

As CEO and founder, Rafel leads the Open Cosmos team. From leading the team to delivering the first satellite mission within eight months, to managing the expanding team and range of customers today, Rafel has overseen the overall company strategy and directed its execution, all whilst working towards the original mission of democratising access to space. After studying aerospace engineering at the Polytechnic University of Catalonia in Barcelona and completing an MBA, Rafel worked at large corporations, such as Airbus Defence and Space, as well as small innovative space start-ups, such as zero2infinity.

Sara Dalledonne is a Public Affairs & Institutional Business Development Manager with strong expertise in public policy, regulatory frameworks, and institutional relations within the space and defence sectors. She joined Leaf Space in February 2026, where she focuses on engaging institutional stakeholders, shaping strategic opportunities, and aligning business development with public sector priorities.

Previously, she led EU Relations and Regulatory Affairs at the European Space Policy Institute and worked as a Research Assistant at McGill University. With over six years of international experience, she combines policy insight with commercial awareness to drive strategic partnerships, support market positioning, and contribute to long-term growth in complex institutional environments.

She holds advanced degrees in Air and Space Law and International Trade Law and is an active contributor to the space policy community, with several publications on space governance, procurement, and industry strategy.

Antoine Grenier is a Partner at Analysys Mason and leads the firm’s global space consulting work, working closely with our space research practice. He advises space, satellite and telecoms clients worldwide on strategy, regulation and transactions, helping them navigate complex environments and accelerate impact in rapidly evolving markets.

Antoine brings together both deep industry and advisory experience, having previously held senior executive roles at Inmarsat (now Viasat), where he was Senior Vice President for Strategy, Partnerships and Corporate Development. He also sits on the Advisory Board of the UK Space Technology & Applications Catapult. Earlier in his career he worked for HP Labs, for Orange, and for Deloitte.

Antoine holds an MBA, an MPhil in Computer Science, and an MEng in Telecommunications. He is an alumnus of the International Space University’s Space Studies Programme and of the Financial Times NED programme.

Juan Carlos Cortés Pulido has served as Director of the Spanish Space Agency (AEE) since 15 May 2024, following an open and competitive selection process. He is also Head of the Spanish Delegation to the European Space Agency (ESA) and has been Chariman of the ESA Council since 1 July 2026, becoming the second Spaniard to hold this position in the institution’s highest governing body. He also serves as Head of the Spanish Delegation to the Administrative Board of the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) and as Spain’s representative on the Horizontal Committee of the European Space Programme. In these roles, he has played an active part in shaping European space policy, including the definition of the European Space Programme 2021–2027 and the cooperation agreements between ESA and the European Commission (EC) for its implementation. 

The Spanish Space Agency is a state agency attached to the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities (MICIU) and the Ministry of Defence (MINISDEF). Its mission is to improve citizens’ lives through space. Chaired by Minister Diana Morant, the Agency integrates and coordinates space activities in Spain.

The AEE is the expert body responsible for promoting and coordinating activities and policies related to research, technological and industrial development, and innovation in the space sector, including the coordination of defence space programmes. Its main objectives include contributing to national security, promoting cooperation agreements, preparing a proposal for a Spanish Space Act, developing a proposal for a National Space Policy, and designing and coordinating a National Space Strategy.

Juan Carlos Cortés Pulido has more than thirty-five years of professional experience. He is an expert in R&D management and a specialist in the aerospace sector and dual-use programmes. Since 2004, through various executive positions, he has been responsible for driving Spain’s contributions and leadership in space programmes, playing a catalytic role in the development of the Spanish space sector across all areas: science, exploration, technology, industry and applications, both bilaterally and multilaterally.

As Director of International Programmes at the Centre for the Development of Technology and Innovation (CDTI), he was responsible for promoting and managing Spain’s participation in the European Union’s R&D Programme, in technological cooperation initiatives in Europe (EUREKA) and Latin America (IBEROEKA), as well as in major scientific infrastructures such as CERN and ITER. He was also entrusted with strengthening, expanding and further developing CDTI’s international network.

He began his professional career in 1990, after several years in the private aerospace sector. He later joined the National Institute for Aerospace Technology (INTA) as a flight test engineer, working on the Eurofighter Programme, the development of remotely piloted aircraft systems (drones) and at the Spanish Air Force’s Logistics Centre for Armament and Experimentation (CLAEX).

He holds a degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the Technical University of Madrid (UPM), specialising in aircraft and propulsion, and a master’s degree in Business Management. He has completed the Management Development Programme at IESE Business School (IESE/PDD) and holds a qualification from the Spanish Centre for National Defence Studies (CESEDEN), having completed the National Defence Course. He is also certified in programme management and innovation. 

He is currently a member of the Boards of Directors of Hispasat S.A. and Hisdesat S.A. He has served as a member of the Board of Trustees of FIDAMC, the Foundation for Research, Development and Application of Composite Materials.

On 16 October 2020, Rodrigo da Costa took up his duties as Executive Director of the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA), formerly the European GNSS Agency (GSA). Prior to this, he was the Galileo Services Programme Manager from March 2017. 

EUSPA is an Agency of dedicated EU professionals working for a stronger, more competitive and united European Space Programme, creating synergies between satellite navigation (EGNOS & Galileo), Earth Observation (Copernicus) and secure telecommunications (GOVSATCOM). EUSPA designs and delivers user-centered services working together with the European Commission and a wide range of national, European and international stakeholders, industries and user communities. The EU Space Programme is both a resource and a springboard for the European economy, competitiveness and sustainability. 

Before joining EUSPA, Rodrigo da Costa held several senior project management, business development, and institutional key account management positions in the space industry, in the areas of human space flight, exploration, launchers and R&D. 

Rodrigo da Costa holds a degree in Aerospace Engineering from the “Instituto Superior Tecnico” in Lisbon, a Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Delft, and an MBA from the EuroMBA consortium of Business Schools.

Maria Fernández Molinero is Head of Unit – Space Policy at the European Commission – DG DEFIS. She has previously held the positions of Deputy Head of Unit, and Policy Assistant to the Director General. Prior to that, she worked at DG GROW and DG COMP. Ms. Fernandez Molinero holds a Master of Laws from Columbia University in New York, and a Master’s degree in European Studies from the College of Europe.

Bio to follow.

Enrico Cavallini is an aerospace engineer and senior manager at the Italian Space Agency (ASI), currently serving as Head of Access to Space & In-Orbit Servicing Office. He is member of the Italian Delegation to ESA Space Transportation Programme Board and ESA Ministerial Conferences, as well as Italian expert for European Commission in Access to Space and In-Orbit Operations and Services. Previously he held positions of Head of the Scientific Research Unit at ASI and he worked in ESA-ESRIN in the development of VEGA launcher. Mr. Cavallini holds a Ph.D. in Space and Aeronautics Technologies, and a master’s degree in aerospace engineering from Sapienza University of Rome.

Bio to follow.

Yohann Bénard is Amazon’s Public Policy Director EU, digital. He started his career in blue chip French governmental bodies, serving as judge with the Council of State, then advisor to the Prime Minister and deputy chief of staff to Economy & Finance Minister Christine Lagarde. Before joining Amazon, Yohann held senior business and corporate roles in the telecom industry (Alcatel-Lucent, Nokia).

Maxime Verrière first spent five years at ArianeGroup as a structural engineer on Ariane 5 ME (Mid-life Evolution) and later Ariane 6. He then joined Arianespace in 2017 as part of the operational team for notably the OneWeb project. Most recently, he was Head of the Payload Environment and Upper Structure Department at Arianespace.

Maxime Verrière holds an engineering degree from l’Ecole Polytechnique (France) as well as a Master of Science in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Stanford University (U.S.A.).

Dr Adam Okninski is a manager, engineer and a former employee of the European Space Agency (ESA), were he optimized rocket engines via use of additive manufacturing. Now in Poland at Lukasiewicz – Institute of Aviation, Poland’s largest aerospace R&D entity, he is leading work on Space Technology, involving over 250 engineers thought the institute.

He serves as the Chair of the Committee for Space and Satellite Research of the Polish Academy of Science. He is also a member of the Academia of Engineering in Poland. He serves as an expert in the Parliamentary Space Group.

He is a lifetime full member of the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA). He is also active in the International Astronautical Federation (IAF, where he serves as the Vice-chair of the IAF Space Propulsion Committee and as the IAF International Program Committee Co-Chair, supporting the organization of the International Astronautical Congress. His recognitions include several in under-30, under-35 and under-40 listings, including both national and international prizes. He is the author of over 150 articles and presentations, mainly from international journals and conferences.

Iván Suárez is a Canary Islands-born entrepreneur, space strategist, and founder of Newsky, the company promoting Project TAONA, an initiative to establish the Canary Islands as a strategic European gateway for space access and operations. With an international career spanning Europe, Africa, the Americas, and Asia, he has advised governments, operators, and investors on the development of space infrastructure, satellite communications, and emerging space markets. Through Newsky, he leads the vision of creating a sovereign and globally competitive spaceport ecosystem in the Canary Islands, leveraging the region’s unique geographic position to connect Europe with the world, and with Space.

Holger Krag joined ESA in 2006 as an Analysist in the Space Debris Office at ESOC. He worked on establishing risk models and an operational collision avoidance system and contributed to first space surveillance studies. In 2014, he took the position of the Head of the Space Debris Office, which, among others, provides fundamental support to ESA’s Space Situational Awareness Programme. In 2019, he took over the position as the head of the programme and prepared the evolution into the new Space Safety Programme which was established at the Space19+ Ministerial in Sevilla. The new programme addresses an enlarged scope within the areas of Space Weather, Planetary Defence and Space Debris including early warning systems and mitigation measures and three ambitious missions (Lagrange, Hera und ADRIOS). He is lecturing on Space Debris at universities in Germany.

Daniel Sagath acts as the Director of the Slovak Space Office – Industry Branch (SARIO). He is a member of the national delegation to the European Space Agency (ESA) (industrial policy and technology harmonization) and acts as the National Point of Contact for other organisations such International Astronautical Federation (IAF), EURISY, or Space for Climate Observation (SCO). His previous working experience includes organizations such as the ESA, European Space Policy Institute (ESPI), or the United Nations (UN).  He holds a Master’s degree in Political Science and European Studies, and Ph.D in strategy and organization, from the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. He has more than a decade of experience in the space sector worldwide, building expertise in space policy and business development, innovation, and science commercialization. Additionally,  he is the author or co-author of more than 30 academic or professional studies or science journal papers in space policy, business development, international relations or law.

Emma Marion advises space, satellite, and telecommunications companies on regulatory and compliance matters before telecommunications regulators, including the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).  She assists companies in obtaining spectrum and imaging licenses, participating in rulemakings, coordinating market entry across multiple jurisdictions, and on issues relating to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Radio Regulations governing the international use of spectrum.  Emma’s work spans a number of topics and has particularly focused on: licensing of novel space and satellite services, market access and global expansion, space safety and sustainability, communications equipment and infrastructure, and policy issues.

Christine Leurquin is a successful, result-driven public affairs and business development professional, with extensive experience in both public and private sector. She has a proven track-record of effective advocacy in the field of European Space and Defence Public strategies, Cybersecurity directives, SSA/SDA, 5G/6G, Space Policy, Quantum, Government Satcom, ESA projects, and has worked relentlessly to improve digitalization of Africa. She has a valued-based approach to Public Affairs: inspiring trust, leading with the head and the heart, acting like an owner and with integrity.

Since February 2025, she is the CEO of ALDORIA Belgique a subsidiary of French-based ALDORIA for which she works as Senior Director, European & Public Affairs at since October 2024. She created her own company MiThraSpace SRL and consulted in 2024 with ERNST AND YOUNG Brussels Space and Defence practice, and SPACEBEL. Before this she worked for RHEA Group and reported to the CEO of the RHEA Group and to the Chief Strategy Officer and Managing Director of RHEA System Luxembourg S.A. She has been responsible for raising the visibility of RHEA among others with the European Institutions, Belgian and Luxembourg MoD, BELSPO, European Agencies and Luxembourg Space Agency and other national organizations as required. She helped to best-position RHEA into the current opportunities associated to new Space and Cybersecurity European programs, in Cybersecurity and Defense (e.g. EDA Cyber Captech REMUDO project). She was instrumental in developing RHEA Luxembourg business which has moved from two persons in 2020 to 20 end 2023.

In her previous position, she was Vice-President, Institutional Relations at SES S.A. and worked directly under SES CEO’s reporting also to the Board and the General Counsel. She positioned the Company within the European Union, African Union and other international institutions, such as OECD, UEMOA, UNIDO, UNOOSA, ESA or OECD, she engaged in helping the operational companies to develop new governments and institutional markets. She was successful in winning key contracts such but not limited to EGNOS GEO1 and EGNOS GEO2. Before joining SES, she was the CEO of a company which she started, and which introduced new satellite services in Belgium. She turned it into a successful and profitable business.

With her ability to speak various languages, Mrs Leurquin has excellent communication skills, conveying her message clearly, concisely, and accurately impacting policymakers and investors at the highest level. She can bring unity, leadership skills, motivation and fresh new ideas with her management, peers and teammates.

Career Steps:

• CEO, ALDORIA Belgique (Feb- 2025-)
• Senior Director, European & Public Affairs, ALDORIA(Oct 2024-)
• Special adviser to EY (May 2024-)
• Special Adviser to CEO of SPACEBEL (Feb 2024-)
• Director of Strategy, EU, Belgium and Luxembourg, RHEA Group (Jan 2021- Jan 2024 )
• Special Adviser to the CEO, RHEA Group (Nov 2020- Jan 2021)
• VP, Institutional Relations, EMEA, SES (2014-2020)
• VP, Institutional Relations and Communications, Global , SES (2008-2014)
• VP,European Programs, SES-GLOBAL (2004-2008)
• Senior Manager, European Programs, SES-GLOBAL (1999-2004);
• CEO, Sait Videohouse SA (1992-98)

Associations and Accomplishments:

• Board Member of 6GIA (2022- 2024)
• Vice-Chair of the Board of 5GIA (5G European Infrastructure Association) (2015-2020)
• Member of the private D4D Coalition (SAP, Orange, Nokia, Ericcsson, Philips, Vodafone, Statec) in turn member of the D4D EU Hub (2018-2020)
• Member of the Steering Board of the EU-AU Digital Economy Task Force (2019)
• Co-Chairperson of the ICT WG at the EU-Africa Business Forum (Since 2010)
• Founding Person of ESOA/GSOA, 2002
• Chairman of the Executive Committee of ESOA (European Satellite Operators Association) (2004-2006)
• Member of the Board of ESPI
• Member of SSIP

Education:

• University of Chicago, Management Courses (2001)
• H.E.C. of St-Louis, Brussels, M.B.A. (1987-89)
• Germanic Languages (English/ German/ Passive Dutch/ American Culture), master’s degree, ULB, (1983)

Ilona Zabrytska is the Policy Manager for EU Affairs at Eurospace, where she works to strengthen cooperation between European institutions and the space industry. She focuses on building relationships with key stakeholders in Brussels and bringing the European space industry’s voice into institutional settings.

Daria “Dasha” Filichkina is Chief Operations Officer at AstroAgency. She oversees the company’s internal processes and client delivery strategies to support a wide range of communications and market information tasks across more than 50 private space companies and several government space agency clients globally.

Before joining AstroAgency, Dasha held various roles in the space sector, including Business Development Manager and Delivery Manager within the European launch sector. Before entering the space industry, Daria worked in the IT sector setting up brands, processes and concepts for start-ups.

In October 2023 Dasha was presented with a special Sir Arthur Clarke space individual award from the British Interplanetary Society in recognition of her contribution to the UK space industry despite the Russian invasion of her home, Ukraine. The award was previously won by astronauts, leading scientists and communicators, including Tim Peake CMG and Sir Patrick Moore CBE. In 2022, she was a Diversity Hero of the Year finalist at the national UK Diversity Awards and her efforts in overcoming the personal challenges caused by the invasion also led to her being recognised in the Women’s Enterprise Scotland Awards. In early 2023, Dasha established the not-for-profit Ukrainian Businesswomen in Scotland initiative, bringing together more than 40 female entrepreneurs who resettled in the UK for knowledge sharing and networking events in Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Dasha is a frequent speaker on the importance of diversity in the space industry and in 2020 helped form the New Voices in Space organisation. She is a mentor for multiple programmes, including STEMaspire by Dell and the Prospero Space Fellowship charity, set up by Joanne Wheeler MBE.

Francesco Rocca Cirasa is a SATCOM professional working at the intersection of European space policy and programme delivery. He currently contributes to the European Commission’s IRIS2 Integrated Programme Team and serves as the Secure Communications Operations Delivery Manager at EUSPA, supporting the development and implementation of Europe’s next‑generation secure connectivity infrastructure: GOVSATCOM Hub and IRIS2.

Before joining the European institutions, Francesco worked at Intelsat where he contributed to the development of next‑generation satellite services and global network solutions. His work has focused on bridging technical, operational, and commercial domains to enable innovation and service delivery at scale.

Francesco holds an Executive MBA from Cambridge Judge Business School and degrees in Telecommunications Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and Politecnico di Torino.

Gianaldo Mantovani is since March ’24 Member of the Board at OHB System in Bremen, Germany, responsible for Telecommunications, Navigation and Defence Projects. He has been part of the OHB Group for about 10 years now, working first as a Managing Director at the Luxembourg-based affiliate LuxSpace and later for 4 years as a General Manager at OHB-Italia in Milan.

Before joining the OHB Group, Gianaldo worked some 13 years for the telecommunication satellite operator SES in different leadership roles, both in technical areas and business development, being located in Luxembourg, Germany and the United States.

Prior to SES Gianaldo worked as a Consultant for ESA at ESRIN (Frascati, Italy) and ESOC (Darmstadt, Germany) on Earth Observation and interplanetary missions.

Gianaldo graduated from Universitá La Sapienza (Rome, Italy) as an Aerospace Engineer and is married with two children.

Carlos Hernández graduated with honors as aerospace engineer by the Polytechnic University of Madrid and holds an MBA by the Robert Kennedy College. He has developed his long professional career in aerospace and defence holding C-level executive positions in different companies in the last 15 years. Carlos is currently leading the development of European programs within Hispasat, in particular the contribution to IRIS2, where Hispasat plays a key role as ground segment leader.

Bio to follow.

Bio to follow.

With more than 20 years of experience in satellite communications, Sebastian’s story starts as Telecommunication Engineer from the University Carlos III of Madrid. He started his professional career in 2004 as operator of the earth station from Hispasat in the “Ruta Quetzal”, and at the beginning of 2005, he continued in Hispasat as Broadband Infrastructures Engineer. During this period, he participated in projects of varied nature, emphasizing his dedication from the beginning to the development of broadband services in high-speed trains, mobile broadband services and flyaway services.

He was the person in charge of the infrastructure of satellite communications in “Vuelta Ciclista a España” during 2005 and 2006. He also took part actively in the Spanish Digital Television Forum and wrote several articles for SatLabs and “Telecom I+D”. Likewise, he worked in the engineering team to support HISPASAT’s DVB-RCS and AMERHIS networks.

In 2007, he joined STM Spain as Broadband Services Engineer, focusing on the development of global services, both fixed and mobile, based on DVB-RCS technology.

In 2008, he became responsible for the IP infrastructure of several VSAT platform from STM, and for the development and establishment of new satellite services based on STM technology, becoming CTO in September 2010. In September 2013, EMC acquired STM Group, and he became CTO for Mobility Services. After that, he took control of the Sales Operations and the Service Delivery on Mobility. In 2014, he took control of the development and homologation of the product portfolio for the Mobility Services, especially on the maritime environment. On August 2014, he was designated as Country Manager for the Spanish office in Madrid, keeping as well his duties as Product Manager for Mobility Services.

Since October 2015, he is Business Development Manager in Hisdesat, being responsible for Hisdesat’s GOVSATCOM programmes and a member of the EDA and NATO SATCOM working groups, and exploring new markets for the Spanish government satellite operator, focused in governmental and military users.

Alexander Geurtz is a Principal at Luxembourg-based AC Insights, providing independent expertise in the satellite communications domain. Previously, Alexander spent over 30 years with global satellite operator SES in the areas of Strategy, Business Development, Product, Technology and Spectrum / Market Access. He has a PhD from the EPFL in Lausanne, Switzerland, and an MSc in Electrical Engineering from Delft University of Technology in The Netherlands.

Taylor Jordan is NOAA’s Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Environmental Observation and Prediction. Mr. Jordan is responsible for the strategic direction and oversight regarding NOAA’s numerical weather prediction and environmental modeling, satellite programs and space innovation, novel data and observations, uncrewed systems, and other large acquisitions.

Mr. Jordan previously served as Principal at Innovative Federal Strategies, where he supported new partnerships for many of NOAA’s mission areas.  He also served at NOAA previously as a Senior Policy Advisor and worked on the Hill for close to a decade as the lead staffer for NOAA on the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, where he authored the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017.

Mr. Jordan holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Texas and a master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University.

Mauro Facchini, an Italian, has an engineering background with a PhD in Mechanical Engineering. Before joining the European Commission he worked in Italy, the UK and Switzerland in the academic and research environment.

He joined the European Commission in 2002 where he was initially involved in the management of research projects funded by the EU.

Mauro was then involved in defining the European Space Policy from its early days by concluding the Framework Agreement with ESA and in drafting and including article 189 (EU Space Competence) in the Lisbon Treaty.

From 2006 to 2012 he worked on the development of the European Earth Observation programme. In 2012 he worked in space research matters as Head of the Space Research Unit, and in particular in preparing the space related part of Horizon 2020. Since 2014 he has been responsible for Copernicus, the European Earth Observation programme.

Eleni Paliouras has been working in the space sector for over 35 years and has extensive experience in Earth Observation, European institutional relations, and international cooperation. She currently serves as Head of the Strategy, Programme and Coordination Office in the Earth Observation Programme Directorate of the European Space Agency (ESA), a role she has held since January 2023.

After joining ESA in 2009 as a User expert for the Copernicus Space Office in Frascati Italy, Eleni served from 2011 to 2022, as Senior EU Relations Coordinator in ESA’s Brussels Office, where she worked to strengthen ESA’s cooperation with the European Union Institutions.

Prior to that, Eleni spent nearly a decade at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in Oberpfaffenhofen, where her activities included leading an international consortia contributing to what would eventually become operational Copernicus atmospheric services.

Her career began in the United States, working in digital imaging and satellite image quality at Eastman Kodak and Itek Optical Systems, as well as research roles at the Colorado Center for Astrodynamics Research in Boulder.

Eleni holds a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering Sciences (University of Colorado), an M.S. in Imaging Science, and a B.S. in International Business and Finance.

With over 20 years of experience in the field of satellite navigation, Vincent Brison joined the EUSPA (formerly GSA – European GNSS Agency) in 2013 as EGNOS Operations and Maintenance Manager. Prior to his engagement with the EUSPA, he held various positions in both public and private sectors, namely at the European Commission as Project officer and at the EGNOS Service Provider as Operations Manager. Brison holds a Master’s degree in Civil Engineer in Electronics & Telecommunications. Since 2021 he is EUSPA member of the Joint Office for Galileo and EGNOS at the DG DEFIS.

Joost Elstak brings over two decades of experience in smallsat program development, spanning from the inception of Newspace. Beginning his journey as a Systems Engineer for pivotal missions at ISIS and SSTL, Joost transitioned into diverse commercial and program roles at Airbus Netherlands. During his tenure as Head of Sales for Airbus Solar Arrays and Structures, he demonstrated his adeptness in driving strategic partnerships. Currently serving as the key figure overseeing European Mission customers/sales at ICEYE, Joost combines his technical expertise with a profound understanding of market dynamics, propelling advancements in the space industry.

After attending the Ecole Nationale des Sciences Géographiques, the School of Management d’Aix Marseille Université and the French Air Force Academy, Pierre-Alain Bosc started his career in the French Military as a combat pilot for the French Air Force. A few years later, he was nominated as “Head of Studies and Assessment” and then “Armement project officer for General Staff” for the French MoD. In total, Pierre-Alain Bosc dedicated 25 years of his life to serve in the French Military.

He finally joined Astrium and hold several positions, including CEO of Spot Infoterra Hellas SAS, a subsidiary of Astrium in Greece. He, then, became French Defence Key Account Manager for Airbus DS Geo Intelligence and is now the Regional Head of Sales for the program line GeoIntelligence at Airbus Defence and Space.

In addition of his career in the military and industry, Pierre-Alain served as a director of EARSC from 2018 to 2022, and is currently Chairman of the ENSG Geomatic Foundation.

Torsten Kriening is Publisher and CEO of SpaceWatch.Global, an independent platform for space activities in a geopolitical context.

He is a business executive with academic and professional experience in space management, satellite communications, and broadcast technology. He has an electrical and telecommunications engineering background and studied information technology and computer science at the Technical College Berlin. Torsten began his career as software developer, before moving into sales management and business development, working at companies including 3Com, Lucent Digital Video, SES Astra, Bertelsmann and PTScientists.

A proud Berliner with a global outlook, Torsten expanded his horizons even further by attending the International Space University (ISU) and earning an Executive MBA. His ISU thesis analysed the capacity-building visions and opportunities of countries in the Gulf region, and he brings experience developing strong and lasting business relationships with Middle Eastern countries. With the global Space Café® talk series and the Space Café® Podcast he created widely recognized space outreach formats.

Ennio Guarino is Head of the Galileo and EGNOS Programme Department at the European Space Agency (ESA). With more than 30 years of experience in the space sector, he has held senior leadership positions across satellite navigation, telecommunications and Earth observation programmes.

Before joining ESA, he held various managerial roles in industry, leading the development and operations of complex national and international space systems and satellite programmes. His expertise covers programme management, system engineering, satellite operations, launch services and next-generation navigation infrastructures.

At ESA, he is responsible for the development, implementation and evolution of Europe’s flagship satellite navigation programmes, Galileo and EGNOS, driving innovation and strengthening Europe’s strategic autonomy in positioning, navigation and timing services.

Marco Caparrini is the Galileo Open Service Manager at the EU Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) since June 2022. Prior to that, he spent nearly eight years as GNSS Service Evolution R&D Engineer at the same agency, working on the evolution of the Galileo service.

Before joining EUSPA, Marco held leadership positions in the private sector, where he managed and participated in research and development activities in GNSS and Remote Sensing for over 10 years.

Marco holds a Laurea in Engineering from the Università degli Studi di Roma ‘La Sapienza’ and completed the PDD Management Development Program at IESE Business School.

Eric Guyader has been working for the Galileo Programme as an engineer for the last 21 years. He joined the European Commission in 2009 in the team in charge of the PNT policy of the European Union. He is focussing on the modernization of Galileo, with areas of responsibilities including the implementation of Research and Development activities, and the conception of new services to be introduced in Galileo. Before joining Galileo, he was working at the European Space Agency in the field of Earth Observation.

Miguel graduated with honors in Aeronautical Engineering from the Polytechnic University of Madrid in 1986 and joined GMV in 1987 as employee number 19. Over nearly four decades, he has played a key role in the growth of both GMV and the European satellite navigation sector.

After working at ESA’s European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) on precise orbit determination, Miguel became deeply involved in GNSS technologies and was an active contributor to the creation of the International GNSS Service (IGS). Since the mid-1990s, he has participated in the definition and development of major European navigation programmes, including EGNOS and Galileo, serving on expert groups that helped shape the Galileo system.

Miguel has authored more than 100 technical papers, chaired numerous international conferences, and delivered GNSS lectures at several European universities. Throughout his career, he has combined technical excellence, innovation, and leadership, contributing to advances in high-precision positioning, SBAS, integrity, alternative PNT solutions, and next-generation GNSS architectures.

Today, Miguel serves as General Manager of GMV Navigation, leading a team of more than 850 specialists and a portfolio of nearly 250 projects. Under his leadership, GMV Navigation has become one of the world’s leading satellite navigation organizations and a key contributor to the success of EGNOS, Galileo, and other global PNT initiatives.

Sabrina Alam is Space Lead within the Technology Transfer Office at the University of Luxembourg and Founder & CEO of Matter Space & Defence. Her work focuses on bridging research, industry and government to accelerate the adoption of space and dual-use technologies across critical sectors.

Prior to this, Sabrina held leadership and advisory roles at KPMG, BDO and SES, where she led initiatives spanning space, defence, sustainability and emerging technologies. Her career also includes positions at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and the European Space Agency (ESA), providing her with experience across the full spectrum of the space sector, from research and innovation to commercialisation and strategic advisory.

Sabrina advises and collaborates with governments, institutions, academia and industry on technology transfer, innovation and ecosystem development. She also chairs the Space & Defence Working Group at the British Chamber of Commerce for Luxembourg and lectures internationally on space, sustainability and innovation.

She holds a BSc in Theoretical Physics, a Master’s degree from the International Space University and an MBA.